State should decide as soon as possible what will do with the land of former Republican Stadium, estimated at around 20 million euros, say real estate experts. But authorities are in doubt and say they are still looking for investors, though it’s been seven years since the Republican Stadium was demolished and politicians vied in promises. Altogether, Republican Stadium “eats” money from the state budget also in 2014.

On October 12, 1996, the national football team of the Republic of Moldova debut with a win at home in the qualifiers for the European Championship, 3-2 against Wales. The game was played on the Republican Stadium, the symbol of football in Moldova, including the Soviet period. There followed other memorable matches on Stadium on Street Tighina 12, many of them played sellout. On its grass trampled some of the greatest footballers on the planet. Now only memories remain.

Shor’s companies in coastal land

Demolished in 2007 with many promises, Republican Stadium has transformed over time into a true ruin. Access to it is restricted, and doors covered with iron, as passersby can neither enter nor see what is happening inside, where can be observed meters trees, weeds, several excavations and perhaps creatures who made shelter here. Fences, some solid, some formal, boundary the heath land from some other derelict buildings in the area.

Toward Mihail Kogalniceanu Street, on the Stadium perimeter, right on one of the old entrance to the stadium, there are several buildings where have their headquarters several companies, all of the businessman Ilan Shor, including insurance company Klassika Insurance, company Moldklassika International and Dufremol, which owns the duty free shops in the country, founded by Miron Shor, father of Ilan Shor. Officially, they are on Tighina Street 12, where previously was the address of the Republican Stadium. Toward Bucuresti Street, site of the former stadium is flanked by several other buildings, including a court for tennis, café and parking. Next we see a fenced place, but not used by its owners.

Land costs millions

Officially, site of the former stadium covers an area of ​​5.18 ha. Only that, almost 20% of this space, ie almost one hectare, is occupied, legally, by several companies. They certainly in the event that a potential investor will be found for the 4 ha remaining derelict will not give up too easily on land held. Lately, according to data from the Cadastre, some smaller lots in the area have been subject to transactions. At the same time, on the role at the courts there are some cases in which are disputed plots of land. It is possible that, when the state will try to sell or give land to an investor, traders will appear to assert a particular feature of the land which is now owned by the state.

The land is now under the Ministry of Regional Development and Construction (MDRC) and is estimated by real estate experts at an astronomical sum. “I think, in the area, one acre of land (one would – 100 sqm and 0.01 ha) could cost no less than 50 000 euros”, says real estate expert Nicholas Ostafeiciuc. A simple calculation shows that if the area has no less than 400 acres (4 hectares) owned by the state, the land of former Republican Stadium is worth about 20 million euro, or about 380 million lei. The figures are not exaggerated considering the fact that on ad sites, one acre of land near Circus in Chisinau sells for about 15 thousand euros, and for 7 acres, a firm requires almost 100 000 euros .

“I think they can not share it”

Since 2009, when it became almost clear that instead of the old Republican Stadium will not be build a new one anytime soon, the state practically did not use this land, so that over time there is a risk that the value decrease. Expert Nicholas Ostafeiciuc believes that the authorities left land in derelict because can not decide who it belongs to. “It’s not reasonable for the state to keep land without doing anything with it. But … I think there are interests. The best thing would be the stadium to have remained until the present. There are interests. I think they can not divide it who and how to take it. But until then, it is more reasonable to use it for something than leave it in derelict”, highlights real estate expert.

Anatoly Zolotcov, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Construction, also believes that the state should, as soon as possible decide on this land. “We should make a decision as soon as possible. Because there is dirt and trees grow, unauthorized. Regarding land, I can tell you that a feasibility study was done. In the present we work, we seek investors. With no investors we can not do anything. Now is a project is going on to establish clear rules for the designation of investors. Now we are seeking. It is also summer and …. There were, people asked, they are thinking, we will see. It remains only at the discussion. After was signed the Agreement between Moldova and the European Union, I think the chances of finding an investor increased. In summer people are on vacation, but in the fall we’ll probably find”, says Zolotcov, who states that the last word vis-a-vis what will be in the future on the site of the former Republican Stadium belongs to the Government. “It would not be nice if there will be estates. We must think of the layout of the city”, said the official.

Vasile Tarlev’s explanations

Republican stadium was demolished in 2007, when the government was led by Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev. He claims that the stadium was demolished on the request of UEFA and FIFA, because it was damaged, and was forbidden to sports. “If it was not demolished, Moldova risked being excluded from international competitions. Followed, after demolition, as from 1^st of March 2009 a new stadium, with 35 000 seats, to be put into operation. When I left office, in 2008, something broke. Probably were games in government, do not know where, do not know why, and this project has been thrown into the trash. Subsequently several allegations were made, including from the current authorities. But since the government changed it’s been five years. Those who criticized, why did not they do it? It means that they are unable, just talking, but doing nothing. I do not exclude that for this land in the center of Chisinau is personal and group interest, although I have no evidences. Republican Stadium is a lament, a lament and, on the other hand – a shame. In the center of Chisinau, is practically a mess”, says Tarlev.

Stadium, in the promises of politicians

In recent years, including the country’s leadership, has talked about building a stadium in Chisinau. Although promises have come from all, including the President, the work had not started. Octavian Bodishteanu, current Minister of Youth and Sports, said that on Monday, July 21, had a discussion with Prime Minister Leanca about this, and this week will be a meeting in which to devise more details. It is already established the place of the future stadium. It is at the exit of town, to the north. Regarding the investor, it is a legal procedure. A contest will be announced, and whoever wins it will become investor. About land where has been the Republican Stadium we talked to DRC Minister, Marcel Raducanu. He said that the feasibility study was conducted. There, as I understood, on a piece of that land is planned construction of a stadium, for training. It will not be a big one, because the site does not allow it. Main stadium must be done outside the city. Certainly, in the fall things will evolve greatly in this regard”, said Minister ..

Victor MOSNEAG, victor.mosneag@zdg.md