The Integrated Urban Development Strategy for Ploiești Growth Pole 2014-2020 Romania Regional Development Program 2 The Integrated Urban Development Strategy for Ploiești Growth Pole 2014-2020 This integrated development strategy was prepared by a core team comprised of Sorina Racoviceanu, Marius Cristea, Andreea China, Dumitru Sandu, Adina Croitoru, Ciprian Moldovan, Titus Man, Raularian Rusu, Catalina Iamandi, Silviu Ciobanu, Ioana Ciucanu, Marcel Ionescu-Heroiu, Sebastian Burduja, Adina Vințan, Florin Cosma, Ioana Herbel, and Ionut Rus. The team would like to thank David Sislen, Elisabetta Capannelli, Elisabeth Huybens, Jean-Francois Marteau, Bernice Van Bronkhorst and the Romania Portfolio Team for the advice, support, and guidance provided throughout the elaboration of this report. The team would also like to thank Growth Pole Coordinator Cozia Georgescu and the Regional Development Agency South Muntenia for the timely feedback, the support offered in the elaboration of this study, and the excellent collaboration throughout. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the views and position of the Executive Directors of the World Bank, the European Union, or the Government of Romania. Romania Regional Development Program 2 1 Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................ 12 AnNEX 1 IDP 2007-2015 implementation stage .......................................................................................................................................... 24 PART I: The Growth Pole’s Profile .................................................... 38 1. Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention ............................... 41 1.1. People and Territory ..................................................................................................................................... 43 Annex 1.1 ZUP list in Ploiești (2007-2014) ................................................................................................................................. 90 1.2. Economy ............................................................................................................................................................. 99 1.3. Environment ..................................................................................................................................................... 143 1.4. Connectivity ..................................................................................................................................................... 163 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities ........................................................................................................ 193 Annex 1.5.1 Water-Sewerage system in Prahova County .................................................................................................................... 226 1.6. Public Services and Housing ..................................................................................................................... 233 Annex 1.6.2. Current state of primary and secondary school infrastructure in the Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole .... 288 Annex 1.6.3. Current state of Ploiești preschool infrastructure ....................................................................................................... 294 1.7. Culture and Leisure ....................................................................................................................................... 299 ANNEX 1.7.1. List of Historical Monuments (2010) in Ploiești Growth Pole ................................................................................ 310 ANNEX 1.7.2. List of cultural events organized in Ploiești Growth Pole (2014) ........................................................................ 320 2. Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations ........................................ 325 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs ...................................................................................................... 327 2.2. SWOT Analysis .............................................................................................................................................. 359 2.3.Conclusions on the Integrated Diagnosis and Intervention Areas .......................................... 367 PART II: The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole .......... 370 3. Development Vision and Objectives .............................................................................. 373 4. Project Portfolio ...................................................................................................................... 387 5. Recommendations for Improving the Institutional Framework at the level of Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole in the 2014-2020 Programming Period ........ 419 List of Acronyms ACOP Administrative Capacity Operational Programme ACDOP Administrative Capacity Development Operational Programme ANAT National Authority for Tourism Agencies in Romania ANCOM National Authority for Administration and Regulation in Communications ANCSI National Authority for Scientific Research and Innovation ANL National Authority for Housing ANT National Authority for Tourism APDT PH Association for Tourism Promotion and Development in Prahova CATV TV – Cable CC County Council CESTRIN Center for Informatics and Road Technical Studies CF Cohesion Fund CLLD Community-Led Local Development COP Competitiveness Operational Programme CNADNR National Highways and National Roads Company CR County Road DCH Didactic Corp House DG SCP Directorate General for Social and Child Protection DPOP Disadvantaged People Operational Programme ERDF European Regional Development Fund ESF European Social Fund EU European Union GCPH General Census for Population and Housing GD Government Decision GDP Gross Domestic Product GEF Global Environment Facility GP Growth Pole GPS Global Positioning System GOR Government of Romania GTMP General Transport Master Plan GUP General Urbanistic Plan HCOP Human Capital Operational Programme HRD SOP Human Resources Development Sectoral Operational Programme IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ICT Information and Communications Technology IDA Intercommunity Development Association IDA PlPhGP Intercommunity Development Association Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole 4 IDP Integrated Development Plan IEC SOP Increase of Economic Competitiveness Sectoral Operational Programme IEE Intelligent Energy Europe KAI Key Area of Intervention LHDI Local Human Development Index LIOP Large Infrastructure Operational Programme LPA Local Public Administration MEF Ministry of European Funds MRDPA Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration NIC National Investment Company NIS National Institute of Statistics NGO Non-Governmental Organization NPARD National Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development NR National Road OP Operational Programme PA Priority Axis PNDI National Program for Infrastructure Development PNDL National Local Development Program PPP Public-Private Partnership PSD Partnership for Sustainable Development PUB Polytechnic University of Bucharest RDA Regional Development Agency RDP Regional Development Plan ROP Regional Operational Programme RSA Romanian Salubrity Association SME Small and Medium Enterprises SOP Sectoral Operational Programme SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats TAU Territorial-Administrative Unit TAURIS Territorial-Administrative Unit Register Information System TEN-R Trans-European Network-Railway TEN-T Trans-European Network-Transport UDIS Urban Development Integrated Strategy UDSS Urban Development Support Structure UPG Oil and Gas University WIMS Waste Information Management System ZUP Zonal Urbanistic Plan 5 Introduction 7 Introduction 0.1. The need and objectives of the Integrated Urban Development Plan In 2012, the World Bank signed five agreements with MRDPA for advisory services, out of which one relates to the growth poles policy and to its improvement for the programming period 2014-2020. This agreement has three components: 1) an analysis of the growth poles policy, 2) energy efficiency studies for each growth pole; and 3) a review of the Integrated Development Plans prepared by the growth poles for the period 2007-2013. In this context, South Muntenia Regional Development Agency, through the coordinator of Ploiești Growth Pole, requested the World Bank, under a project funded by ERDF through the Technical Assistance Operational Programme 2007-2013, to support the Growth Pole in implementing the recommendations stemming from the previous analysis with: 1) updating the Integrated Development Plan for 2014-2020; and 2) proposing an improved institutional framework for coordinating the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects under this plan. The current document of the Integrated Development Plan belonging to Ploiești Growth Pole was developed during the period 2008-2009 and approved / submitted to South Muntenia RDA in April 2010. It contains a total number of 93 projects with a total value of RON 5,136,143,583.91, out of which 762,515,322.81 are EU funds, and the remainder comes from the national budget and the beneficiaries’ own contribution1. In the process of updating the plan, the implementation status of these projects will be studied further, and attention will be also given to unimplemented projects in order to see whether they will be included in the documentation, depending on their response to the new development conditions of the growth pole. Distribution of projects’ by intervention areas / sectoral targets and funding, as well as the current status of project implementation (as of March 2015) are detailed in Annex 1, as follows: Table 0.1.1. IDP 2007-2013 implementation status Projects not submitted/ backup, Ongoing projects Finalized projects under assessment, or rejected Number and value Number and value Number and value Co-financing source Beneficiary Co-financing source Beneficiary Co-financing source Beneficiary Sectoral objective A1 - Support investments in clean technologies, high level manufacturing, energy efficiency and alternative energies technology solutions, and in adjacent infrastructure 2 (43,210,490.82 lei) 6 (57,160,379.42 lei) 2 (11,934,079 lei) ROP/PA1 Prahova county - Dalkia SOP IEC/PA4 Valea Călugărească SOP IEC/PA4 Dumbrăvești Environment Fund Prahova county Environment Fund Prahova county commune Environment Fund Prahova county Environment Fund Valea Călugărească Environment Fund Boldești-Scăeni Environment Fund Băicoi 1 Monthly report on the state of implementation of priority projects related to the IDP for PLOIEȘTI Growth Pole (CMC Decision no. 28 / 12.07.2012) 8 Projects not submitted/ backup, Ongoing projects Finalized projects under assessment, or rejected Number and value Number and value Number and value Co-financing source Beneficiary Co-financing source Beneficiary Co-financing source Beneficiary Sectoral objective A2 - Active involvement of R&D sector in the development of new products and technologies 1 (56,296,069 lei) 2 (30,838,900 lei) - SOP IEC/PA1 OGU, PUB, SOP IEC/PA2 OGU Ploiești Prahova SOP IEC/PA2 OGU Ploiești county, Ploiești municipality, IDA, Pl.GP.Ph, private companies Sectoral objective A3 - Supporting the development of economic activities in the Growth Pole area 2 (3,200,400,000 lei) - - - Alianso Group WPD - Development Ro Sectoral objective B1 - Connecting with the European road network and building a modern infrastructure for the access to economic areas, parks / industrial sites and other functional areas, while developing an efficient and clean urban transport in the growth pole area 6 (944,414,250.04 lei) 3 (108,954,273.41 lei) 9 (246,542,797.51 lei) ROP/PA1 Ploiești municipality ROP/PA1 Prahova county - Ploiești municipality ROP/PA1 Ploiești municipality ROP/PA2 Prahova county ROP/PA1 Ploiești municipality ROP/PA1 Prahova county - Prahova county ROP/PA1 IDA GP ROP/PA1 Ploiești municipality ROP/PA1 Băicoi ROP/PA1 Ploiești municipality ROP/PA1 Ploiești municipality ROP/PA1 Ploiești municipality PNDR Ploiești municipality Environment Fund Târgșoru V. PNDR Dumbrăvesti Dumbrăvești Sectoral objective B2 - Protecting the environment and human health by providing quality public services 3 (824,844,067.6 lei) - 2 (21,226,038 lei) SOP Environ./PA2 Prahova county Heating Program Ploiești municipality SOP Environ./PA1 Hidro Prahova Environment Fund Valea Călugărească BIRD+GEF Prahova county Sectoral Objective B3 - Harness the natural, traditional, cultural and historical heritage, develop tourism and recreation areas, support environmental protection actions and the development of green spaces; develop the historical and cultural heritage of the area 5 (211,644,631.09 lei) 9 (15,660,849.51 lei) 8 (24,845,693.31 lei) ROP/PA1 Ploiești municipality ROP/PA5 Prahova county ROP/PA1 M. Ploiești ROP/PA1 Ploiești municipality ROP/PA5 Valea Călugărească ROP/PA1 Jud. Prahova ROP/PA1 Prahova county ROP/PA5 Dumbrăvești ROP/PA5 Brazi, Ariceștii ROP/PA1 Ploiești municipality SOP Environ./PA4 County Museum Rahtivani, s.a. ROP/PA5 Monastery Plopeni ROP/PA5 F. C. Stere – Bucov (Târgșoru V.) - Ploiești municipality Environment Fund Boldești-Scăeni Environment Fund Băicoi PNDI Jud. Prahova Environment Fund Valea Călugărească ROP/PA5/ Parohie – Berceni Environment Fund Plopeni Env. Fund C. Dumbrăvești NP-NIC Plopeni 9 Projects not submitted/ backup, Ongoing projects Finalized projects under assessment, or rejected Number and value Number and value Number and value Co-financing source Beneficiary Co-financing source Beneficiary Co-financing source Beneficiary Sectoral objective C1 - Increase the quality of social infrastructure through investments dedicated to disadvantaged groups and support their reintegration into society 3 (14,156,537.77 lei) 2 (16,542,911.19 lei) 1 (3,645,048.27) ROP/PA1 Băicoi ROP/PA1 Prahova couny ROP/PA3 Concordia ROP/PA1 Prahova county ROP/PA1 Ploiești municipality (Ariceștii Rahtivani) ROP/PA3 Ploiești municipality Sectoral objective C2 - Human resources development through improved educational and training infrastructure 1 (6,000,000 lei) 11 (93,784,088.11 lei) 4 (28,440,987.48 lei) SOP HRD/PA1 OGU Ploiești SOP HRD/PA5.1 PDD Association ROP/PA3 Plopeni SOP HRD/PA1 OGU Ploiești ROP/PA3 Plopeni SOP HRD/PA1 OGU Ploiești ROP/PA3 Băicoi SOP HRD/PA3 OGU Ploiești SOP IEC/PA3 Dumbrăvești SOP HRD/PA2 OGU Ploiești SOP HRD OGU Ploiești SOP HRD/PA1 OGU Ploiești SOP HRD/PA1 OGU Ploiești SOP HRD/PA1 OGU Ploiești SOP HRD/PA3 UNIPET SOP HRD Băicoi Sectoral objective C3 - Developing health infrastructure by providing professional medical care in a modern and equipped space 1 (7,564,000 lei) 1 (2,119,346 lei) - SOP IEC/PA3 Ploiești Hospital - SOP IEC/PA3 Ploiești Hospital Băicoi Sectoral objective C4 - Increasing the operational capacity of the administration through knowledge management and the use of innovative technology - 5 (8,624,803.74 lei) 4 (13,274,038.74 lei) OP ACD/PA1 IDA GP OP ACD/PA1 Jud. Prahova SOP IEC/PA3 Prahova county SOP IEC/PA3 DSACP Prahova IEE Programme Ploiești municipality SOP IEC/PA3 Prahova county INTERREG IVC/ Prahova county SOP IEC/PA3 Băicoi FP7 Programme Ploiești municipality Total: 24 Total: 39 Total:30 Based on the analysis of co-financed project categories from various operational programs, a number of important aspects are worth being considered for the next programming period. On each area of intervention / sectoral objective, the current situation can be described as follows: Sectoral objective A1: Clean technologies, energy efficiency, and alternative energy Five projects regarding the use of solar energy to produce hot water at various hospitals / social units in Ploiești, Băicoi, Boldești-Scăeni and Valea Călugărească were completed. The projects were co-financed from the Environment Fund – “Casa Verde” (Green House) program. Other two similar projects are on the backup list. In addition, there are two ongoing projects: “Lumina Verde” (Green Light) multifunctional Business Center (ROP/PA1) and a project for harnessing renewable energy resources in Dumbrăvești commune, co-financed through SOP IEC/PA4. 10 Sectoral objective A2: Research for new products and technologies Currently, a project in partnership on innovative use of virtual reality in view of providing services for critical infrastructures is being implemented via SOP IEC/PA1, while other two projects of OGU Ploiești and co-financed by SOP IEC/PA2 were completed. Sectoral objective A3: Supporting the development of economic activities Two industrial parks – Ploiești West Park and WDP Development RO – were established, being financed by private investment. Sectoral objective B1: Transport infrastructure Most of the projects co-financed by ROP/PA1 are currently being implemented. These are primarily related to transport infrastructure in Ploiești municipality and include: • Rehabilitation of the tram route 102 - Phase I (North loop – Republicii intersection) and phase II (Republicii intersection – West loop). • Rehabilitation of the tram route 101 - Phase I and II. • Construction of a road passage in the prolongation of DJ 102, over DN 1B. • Streamlining traffic towards Ploiești industrial area and Brazi industrial site. The completed infrastructure works refer to the following projects of the County Council: • Construction of the road link between DN 1 and DN 1B through the DJ 236 ring road in the north of the municipality (ROP/PA1). • Rehabilitation of 101G DJ Tătărani (DJ 101D) – Brazi – Brazii de Jos etc. (ROP/PA2). • Upgrading and rehabilitation of DJ 101D, including the passage over Ploiești railroad Triaj - Ghighiu at km 4+300 in order to improve accessibility from/to DN 1 (budget of the County Council). The projects on the backup list for ROP/PA1 were not implemented, including: • Construction of a road passage over the South Station railroad. • Construction of a multimodal terminal in the County Hospital area (ROP/PA1). • Expanding public transport in Ploiești on the following sections: Ploiești municipality – Blejoi commune – Păuleşti commune (recreation area, Păuleşti forest), Ploiești municipality – Bucov commune (“Constantin Stere” recreational park), Ploiești municipality – Bărcăneşti commune. • Improving the access to Băicoi city by constructing a suspended passage over DN 1 at the intersection with DJ 215. • Increasing accessibility in the eastern part of Ploiești towards the Pan-European TEN-IX by building a road passage over the railroad in the south-eastern part of Ploiești municipality. • Extension of road and public transport links between South Station and West Station (Libertăţii Street), including the rehabilitation of the stations’ marketplaces belonging to the public domain. The projects regarding the modernization of agricultural exploitation roads in Târgşoru Vechi commune, the improvement of the road network and the promotion of touristic areas in Dumbrăvești commune are being under evaluation or in preparation for the next programming stage. Sectoral objective B2: Public utilities Through SOP Environment, a project regarding the implementation of an integrated waste management system and a project for the rehabilitation and modernization of water and sewage systems in Prahova county, developed by SC Hidro Prahova, are under implementation. Another project regarding the integrated control of nutrient pollution in Târgşoru Vechi and funded by IBRD, GEF, and the Prahova County Council is also being implemented. 11 Sectoral objective B3: Cultural Heritage and Recreation Four ROP/PA1-funded projects are in process of implementation: • Construction of Ploiești Vest municipal park. • Establishment of the Center of Excellence in Business for young entrepreneurs. • Restoring and strengthening the Clock Museum in Ploiești. • Modernization and functional expansion of Ploiești Hippodrome. Two projects are on the backup list: • Rehabilitation of Dumbrăvești cultural-historical area. • Rehabilitation of polluted land in Ploiești – the eastern belt. The following ROP/PA5-funded projects were completed: • Harnessing the existing patrimony elements on the “Drumul Fructelor” (Fruit Way) itinerant route. • Trip into history on the “Drumul Vinului” (Wine Way) in Prahova county (Valea Călugărească). • “Drumul Sării” (Salt Way) in Dumbrăvești commune. The project for restoring and harnessing the monastic ensemble of Turnu Monastery (Târgşoru Vechi) is under implementation, while other 3 projects weren’t submitted, i.e.: • Harnessing the existing patrimony elements on the “Drumul Voievozilor” (Princes Way) itinerant route. • Harnessing the existing patrimony elements in the “Constantin Stere” park (Bucov). • Consolidating and restoring St. Nicholas and St. Eustathius Plachida Church, as well as its bell-tower in Corlățești village, Berceni commune. Other projects co-financed from other funds were completed, i.e.: • Management Plan for Plopeni forest, a “Natura 2000” site (SOP Environment/PA4). • Development of Câineni park in Ploiești (local budget). • Development of Băicoi park (Environment Fund). • Landscape development of Valea Călugărească park (Environment Fund). • Upgrading parks in the town of Plopeni (Environment Fund). • Rehabilitation of the cultural center in Plopeni (NIC national program). Sectoral objective C1: Social infrastructure ROP/PA1 has co-financed projects for the rehabilitation of assistance / community services centers in Ploiești, Băicoi, Ariceștii Rahtivani. Two projects have been completed and another two are in process of implementation. A fifth project is also under implementation in Ploiești and is co-financed through ROP/PA3, while another one – for Ariceștii Rahtivani – was rejected. Sectoral objective C2: Education Most projects in this field have been co-financed by SOP HRD and implemented by OGU as single beneficiary or in partnership with other organizations (nine completed projects and one under implementation). Two other training projects have been completed, their beneficiaries being “Partnership for Sustainable Development” Association and Băicoi city. The projects for school infrastructure rehabilitation, initiated by Plopeni, Băicoi, and Dumbrăvești communes, are on the backup list. Sectoral objective C3: Health Two SOP IEC/AP3-funded projects were completed area in medical information systems (e-health) at Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, County Emergency Hospital, and Hospital of Pediatrics in Ploiești, and at Băicoi Hospital. 12 Sectoral objective C4: Local Public Administration (LPA) capacity IDA of the Growth Pole completed an OP ACD/PA1-funded project for strengthening its operational capacity, while the Prahova County Council completed a SOP IEC/PA3-funded project on the implementation of an integrated urban system for managing the relationship with citizens. Another OP ACD-funded project of the County Council is on the backup list, while three SOP IEC/PA3-funded were rejected. Three other similar projects, which were funded from other sources – IEE Programme INTERREG IVC and FP7, were also completed. 0.1.2. Objectives, principles, and methodology The Integrated Development Plan aims at coordinating program and project packages with the existing territorial issues and with the Growth Poles’ development trends in the regional and national context. Specifically, the objective includes: (1) Coordination of finalized sectoral strategies; (2) Creating a methodological and technical instrument, by which sustainable development priorities of the growth pole should be established in partnership with the local councils, Prahova County Council, South Muntenia Development Agency, and the private sector, with the following goals: (i) Consistently develop the competitive advantages gained so far through the implementation of EU-funded projects; (ii) Maintain on the concerned territory the most of the added value achieved through capital investment and services financed from various public and private funds over the period 2014-2020; (iii) Reduce regional disparities in terms of equipping the territory and access to public services of general interest. By its content, the plan aims at providing a sense for the growth pole’s development direction based on the existing territorial attributes and those to be achieved through development investments. The specific objective is to identify measures that will contribute to strengthening territorial cohesion and to developing the urban character of the area. The main directions for the implementation of this objective aim at a balanced and integrated development by: • Increasing transport capacity and mobility by reference to the European transport network TEN-T and therefore the network of localities; • Reducing regional disparities so as to pave the way towards equal access to infrastructure services, facilities and knowledge; • Managing the natural resources in a responsible way and protecting natural resources and protecting the natural and built environment of the area; • Identifying and developing new types of urban-rural relations to increase the functionality of the area. The IDP was prepared according to the following principles: 1. Lawfulness and Coordination. Abide by the powers conferred by law and by European and national regulations with respect to the programming period 2014-2020, without restricting the rights regarding the exercise of responsibilities that determine the increase of territorial competitiveness in the area. 2. Autonomy and Subsidiarity. Ensure local autonomy, representativeness, identity, interests, and diversity of local communities in the area, using tools and techniques for involving citizens in decision-making during the formulation and implementation of the plan. 3. Continuity and Cooperation. Horizontal and vertical cooperation between levels of government in order to: (1) promote a competitive, green, and sustainable economy, with high degree of employment that is based on the rational use of natural resources; (2) reduce existing territorial disparities between territorial-administrative units in the area. The IDP was prepared according to the methodology for strategic planning, which included the following key activities: information, consultation, debate and admission / approval. The main stages of the process correspond to the methodology for drafting the Integrated Development Plans for 2007-2013 and included: 1. Analysis of development sectors at the current moment and as a result of projects’ implementation during the period 2007-2013; 2. Analysis of integrated results, obtained by diagnosing the existing situation and trends of development (SWOT analysis); 13 3. Formulation of the framework with respect to future development (vision, strategic goals and specific / sector objectives); 4. Ensuring the implementation modalities of the Strategy 2014-2020 through programs and projects; 5. Preparing the institutional framework for the implementation and monitoring of the strategy. The analysis of the documents (data, strategies, action plans, programs, reports, and expert studies) provided by Prahova County Council and the Local Councils of territorial-administrative units within the growth pole has played a significant part. As well, information was collected through field surveys based on interviews with local stakeholders regarding development and investment priorities for the short and medium term. The results from various phases were debated in view of including opinions of local communities as well, thus increasing the acceptability of proposals. 0.1.3. Coordination with European, national, and regional strategies The elaboration of the IDP for Ploiești Growth Pole is based on coordination with a number of programmatic documents developed at the European, national, and regional level, as follows: European level • Europe 2020 Strategy, with its three development priorities: (1) smart growth, which would develop an economy based on knowledge and innovation; (2) sustainable growth, which would promote a greener, more competitive economy, and which would manage resources more efficiently; (3) inclusive growth, which would foster an economy with high employment potential, thus ensuring territorial and social cohesion. • Territorial Agenda of the European Union in 2020, with the following territorial development priorities: (1) Promote polycentric and balanced territorial development; (2) Encourage integrated development in cities, rural regions and specific areas; (3) Territorial integration in cross-border and transnational functional regions; (4) Ensure the overall competitiveness of the regions based on strong local economies; (5) Improve regional connections for individuals, communities, and businesses; (6) Manage and connect environmental, landscape, and cultural values of regions. National level • Romania’s Territorial Development Strategy for the 2035 time horizon (2014) – reports regarding: Network of localities by rank and importance; Formation and development of localities; Characteristics of urban and rural localities. • Regional Operational Programme 2014-2020. • Competitiveness Operational Programme 2014-2020. • Large Infrastructure Operational Programme 2014-2020. • Human Capital Operational Programme 2014-2020. • Administrative Capacity Operational Programme 2014-2020. • Support for Disadvantaged People Operational Programme 2014-2020. • National Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development 2014-2020. • National Programme for Local Development (“Urban regeneration of towns and cities” subprogramme). Regional level • Regional Development Plan – South Muntenia Region 2014-2020, RDA South Muntenia RDA (2014); regional-level sectoral studies, conducted by South Muntenia RDA during 2012-2013. County level • Updated Spatial Plan of Prahova County: Volume I: Current situation, problems and priorities; Volume II: Proposals, Program of measures. The National Research and Development Institute for Urbanism and Spatial Planning, URBANPROIECT Bucharest (2002). • Sustainable Development Plan for Prahova County in 2014-2020, Prahova County Council (2015). 14 In addition, a series of documents prepared by the EU / Romanian Government / MDRAP / Structural Instruments 2007-2013, together with the World Bank, provides recommendations for the review and update of the growth poles’ integrated development plans: • Strengthening the spatial planning capacity – precondition for sustainable urban development • Competitive Cities • Strategic assessment of IDPs • Growth Poles: The Next Phase • Identification of project selection models for the Regional Operational Programme 2014-2020 • etc. 0.1.4. Document structure The volume presents the Growth Pole’s profile, organized on the following chapters analysing the current situation and development trends: 1.1. People and territory • Defining the area, the network of localities, and the associative structure • Spatial and functional profile • Location, natural features, and brief history • Demography and migration 1.2. Economy • Economic sectors and SME sector • Tourism industry – products and infrastructure • Labor market and human resources • R&D 1.3. Environment • Quality of environment and pollution control (air, water, soil) • Protected natural areas 1.4. Connectivity • Accessibility and mobility • Transport network and existing intermodal nodes / TEN-T in the Growth Pole • Energy • IT&C 1.5. Public utilities • Water supply and sewerage • Waste management • Public spaces and public lighting 15 1.6. Public services and housing • Housing stock • Education • Health • Social Infrastructure 1.7. Culture and recreation • Protected areas and historical monuments • Events and cultural activities • Sports and recreation 0.2 National and regional context 0.2.1. National inertia and adjusting expectations As it is known from the literature, the fate of a city depends not only public authorities and the private sector. There is a certain history-related and geography-related Figure 1. Zipf distribution in selected countries (2010) inertia that may substantially influence the development USA of a city. For example, Bucharest has a privileged position 7 in Romania since by 1989 it had a population of over 5 times higher than the second-placed city. As such, it 6.5 enjoyed great attention from investors and people from the start, attracting in recent years a large part of the Log of Population country’s private sector and skilled personnel. 6 Currently, even if it has only 10% of the population, Bucharest generates 25% of the GDP. Similarly, cities 5.5 like Timișoara and Cluj-Napoca are favored by their proximity to Western rich markets and have witnessed more striking economic dynamics than cities with a 5 similar population, but located at greater distance from the western border (e.g. Iași and Craiova). 4.5 In fact, in countries that have developed organically, 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 Log of Rank the urban systems are distributed in a balanced way. Specifically, there is a close relationship between the FRANce rank of a city and its position in the national hierarchy. 6.5 Usually, there is a single city that is included in the first rank (like Bucharest) and its position in the national 6 hierarchy does not change no matter how effective are Log of Population the local authorities. This first-rank city is followed by 1-2 second-rank cities, with populations that amount 5.5 to approximately half of the first-rank city’s number of inhabitants. These cities are in turn followed by 2-3 third-ranking cities with populations that amount 5 to approximately one third of the first-ranking city population, etc. Figure 1 shows this balanced distribution in the urban system in four countries that have developed 4.5 organically – Germany, US, Italy, and France. 4 Because of the central planning during the communist 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 regime, Romania’s urban system is not balanced. Log of Rank 16 GERMANY ITALY 6.5 6.5 6.3 6.3 6.1 6.1 5.9 5.9 Log of Population Log of Population 5.7 5.7 5.5 5.5 5.3 5.3 5.1 5.1 4.9 4.9 4.7 4.7 4.5 4.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 Log of Rank Log of Rank Source: World Bank. 2013. Competitive Cities – Reshaping the Economic Geography of Romania [report prepared for the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration] Figure 2. Zipf distribution in Romania (2010) As shown in the graphs from the left, in Romania second-rank cities are practically missing, București Bucharest being followed from a significant distance by a group of seven cities with a population five times lower than that of the capital city. The graphs were built with the data available in Log of Population TEMPO Online database of the National Statistics a Con apoc Institute. The data are based on estimates and ra iova nța ișoa Iași projections starting from the last census in 2002. -N sta Cra Tim Cluj The analysis of the most recent data from the last census in 2011 and which became available in 2013, indicate an adjustment of the urban system in Romania. Basically, as it is shown in the graphs, y = -0,9784 x + 6,2817 Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara, benefiting from their R2 = 0.9825 proximity to the western border of Romania, are currently tending to become second-rank cities Log of Rank at the national level. Iași, Constanţa and Craiova compete for the third rank. Figure 3. Zipf distribution in Romania (based on 2011 census data) In Zipf distribution, Ploiești has the profile of a fourth-rank city. This does not mean that it will keep this position and will not overrun cities București like Craiova and Iași. What is relevant to this discussion, however, is the understanding that in any country that grows organically (based on market economy mechanisms) there is a certain Log of Population inertia that cannot be overcome even with the best a poc public policy measures. Specifically, there is little nța ra iova Iași ișoa -Na sta chance for Ploiești to become the main economic Cra Cluj Tim Con hub in Romania. As we will discuss below, however, Ploiești can take advantage of its proximity to y = -0,9632 x + 6,1838 R2 = 0.9868 Bucharest in order to ensure sustainable economic Log of Rank growth in the coming years. Source: World Bank. 2013. Competitive Cities – Reshaping the Economic Geography of Romania [report prepared for the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Of course, cities are not only subject to fate, i.e. Administration] unable to shape their own destiny. 17 Both at national and international levels, there are many examples of cities that have managed to perform better than prescribed by Zipf distribution. Mostly, this analysis takes into account what local / regional authorities in Ploiești can do in order to ensure a sustainable development of Ploiești Growth Pole. The geographical position, historical evolution, existing population, and economic base of Ploiești will play an important part on the future development of the city and must be recognized and understood as such. In what follows we discuss the importance of the proximity of Ploiești to Bucharest and Brașov. 0.2.2. Regional integration Bucharest is the most important economic pole of Romania. This is well known. What is less known is that Bucharest’s economic development has encouraged the rapid development of communities located close to the capital city. Ploiești itself took advantage of this proximity and it is important to do so in the future as well. In order to map these regional synergies, the World Bank included in the Competitive Cities report an economic mass gravitational model (see figure below). Gravitational models are based on the physics principle according to which the attraction between two bodies becomes greater as the distance between them gets smaller and their mass becomes larger. In order to develop the economic Map 1. Economic mass gravitational model for Romania mass gravitational model, we calculated the road distances between cities in Romania and we used the firms’ revenues at the city level as economic mass. The first map in the right represents the economic mass gravitational model. As shown in this map, the area of influence of Bucharest, which extends up to Ploiești and Pitești is the leading development area in Romania. Moreover, the firms operating in the area surrounding Bucharest, i.e. up to one hour of driving from the city, generates more than 50% of the national income2. This is of paramount importance for the way in which public and investment policies in Ploiești Growth Pole will be designed. Basically, any economic Map 2. Demographic gravitational model for Romania development strategy cannot ignore the strategic position of Ploiești within the most dynamic economic area of Romania. The better this area will be interconnected, the greater the economic benefits will be. On the one hand, better connectivity will require investments in the large infrastructure along the corridor Bucharest – Ploiești – Brașov, namely completing the A3 highway section from Bucharest to Brașov, and operating a fast train on this section. On the other hand, a better connection between Ploiești, Târgoviște, and Pitești could help this economic area coagulate. Source: World Bank. 2013. Competitive Cities – Reshaping the Economic Geography of Romania [report prepared for the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration] 2 World Bank. 2013. Growth Poles; The Next Phase 18 Interestingly, the Bucharest-Ploiești-Târgoviște-Pitești is not only the most developed area in the country, but also the densest area in terms of demography. As shown in the above demographic gravitational model (where population is taken as demographic mass), this area of Romania has the highest population density. Basically, in the one- hour access area around Bucharest live about 4 million people – i.e. 20% of the population, or more than twice the population of Bucharest. This is also one of the areas with the highest potential for urbanization, which will be discussed in more detail in the next section. 0.2.3. Ploiești: Urbanization pole As discussed in the Competitive Cities report, economic development goes hand in hand with urbanization, and there is no developed country in the world that is not highly urbanized. Currently, Romania is one of the least urbanized countries in the EU and one of the most underdeveloped. The greatest part of the economic development is played by a few dynamic cities and in order to operate as economic engines, they must increase both their economic mass and demographic mass – that is to continue their urbanization. Ploiești is one of the most important economic engines of Romania and its further development implies continuing the urbanization of the region to which it belongs. Basically, the most people possible in Ploiești Growth Pole area should have easy access to the opportunities that the pole offers; on the other hand, firms from the pole should have the easiest possible access to skilled workforce in the region. The analysis presented in Competitive Cities report of the World Bank shows that Ploiești is part of an area with great potential for urbanization (see picture below). Specifically, Ploiești municipality is surrounded by a number of communes with high population density and rapid development dynamics. This means that the development policy of Ploiești should be thought at the metropolitan level and not only at the level of the territorial-administrative unit. Map 3. New urbanization centers in Romania Among other things, a Communes with more than 150 people per km2 Localities with more than 40,000 people metropolitan-level approach involves thinking about SIGHETU MARMATIEI BOTOSANI the following aspects in an SATU MARE SUCEAVA integrated way: the public BAIA MARE PASCANI transport system, water and ZALAU BISTRITA IASI PIATRA NEAMT sewage systems, economic ORADEA CLUJ-NAPOCA ROMAN VASLUI TARGU MURES development policies, and TURDA MIERCUREA CIUC BACAU ARAD ALBA IULIA MEDIAS BARLAD urban planning policies. ONESTI TIMISOARA DEVA SFANTU GHEORGHE TECUCI LUGOJ FOCSANI HUNEDOARA SIBIU GALATI PETROSANI BRASOV BRAILA RESITA TULCEA BUZAU TARGU JIU PITESTI DROBETA-TURNU SEVERIN PLOIESTI TARGOVISTE SLOBOZIA BUCURESTI SLATINA CRAIOVA MEDGIDIA CALARASI CONSTANTA ALEXANDRIA GIURGIU Pașcani Iași Piatra Botoșani Ploiești Neamţ Târgoviște Roman București Suceava Vaslui Bacău Source: World Bank. 2013. Competitive Cities – Reshaping the Economic Geography of Romania [report prepared for the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration] 19 AnNEX 1 IDP 2007-2015 implementation stage Funding source Stage / real / (Operational Title of individual Title of individual estimated date Programme / Total project No. project / integrated project within Beneficiary for completing Operation name value (lei) project integrated project the project / Key area of implementation intervention) Sectoral objective A1 – Support investments in clean technologies, high level manufacturing, energy efficiency and alternative energies technology solutions, and in adjacent infrastructure Multifunctional Under ROP/PA1/KAI1.1/ Business Center implementation 1 “Lumina Verde” (Green Prahova county Growth Poles 40,450,278.35 31.07.2015 (cf. 11,987,653.68 lei AA no.2) Light) Achieving electricity Achieving (and heat) production electricity (and capacity for own heat) production consumption by capacity for own SOP IEC/PA4/ Under using renewable consumption by Dumbrăveşti 2 energy resources commune KAI2/Op.4.2 2,760,212.47 implementation using renewable 1,867,760.88 lei August 2015 in the localities of energy resources Dumbrăvești, Boldeşti- in Dumbrăvești Scăeni, Plopeni, Valea commune Călugărească Creating new capacity for On the backup producing electricity list (declared Valea through solar SOP IEC/PA4/KAI2/ as eligible, 3 renewable energy Călugărească Op.4.4 9,047,459.00 under the score commune resources in Valea for receiving Călugărească funding) commune Dalkia Termo Completed in 4 Gas Turbine (GAT) Prahova and Own sources 53,000,000.00 Sept. 2010 Dalkia Romania Using solar energy to produce hot water at the care centers for children and adults Environment Fund/ Completed at 5 with disabilities in the Prahova county „Casa Verde” (Green 1,973,271.00 10.04.2011 Directorate General House) program for Social Assistance and Child Protection Prahova Using solar energy to produce hot water Environment Fund/ at county hospitals Completed at 6 belonging to the public Prahova county „Casa Verde” (Green 218,138.80 15.08.2011 House) program domain of Prahova county 20 Funding source Stage / real / (Operational Title of individual Title of individual estimated date Programme / Total project No. project / integrated project within Beneficiary for completing Operation name value (lei) project integrated project the project / Key area of implementation intervention) Supplementing the classical gas heating system with a system Valea Environment Fund/ Completed 7 based on solar energy Călugărească „Casa Verde” (Green 599,702.30 in December in Valea Călugărească commune House) program 2010 commune, Prahova county Using solar energy to produce hot water at Environment Fund/ Completed in Boldești-Scăeni 8 the medical and social city „Casa Verde” (Green 247,672.32 September assistance unit in House) program 2011 Boldești-Scăeni Using solar energy to produce hot water at local medical units – Environment Fund/ Băicoi City Hospital, 9 Headquarters; City Băicoi city „Casa Verde” (Green 1,121,595.00 Completed House) program Hospital, the Annex headquarters, 8, Unirii street Using geothermal Under energy and solar evaluation at energy to produce Environment Fund/ Environment 10 hot water at Ploiești Prahova county „Casa Verde” (Green 2,886,620.00 Fund County Emergency House) program Administration, Hospital (north as of January section) 19, 2011 Total Sectoral Objective A1: 103,257,490.24 21 Funding source Stage / real / (Operational Title of individual Title of individual estimated date Programme / Total project No. project / integrated project within Beneficiary for completing Operation name value (lei) project integrated project the project / Key area of implementation intervention) Sectoral objective A2 - Active involvement of R&D sector in the development of new products and technologies SOP IEC/PA1/ KAI 1.3/Op.1.3.1 56,296,069.28 Competitiveness poles 41,289,066.52 lei Research and development center for virtual reality applied to critical 34,363,785.87 infrastructure, Investment project no. 12P019001, SMIS 50433 Building an innovative technology platform based on virtual reality applications for the safety and protection of 5,202,391.92 personnel in critical infrastructure Association investment projects - OGU, PUB, R&D&I 1 no. Competitiveness pole 12P019002, SMIS Prahova to increase economic 50433 county, Ploiești productivity through municipality, Building an innovative Under the innovative use of IDA PlPhGP, 11 virtual reality, in order monitoring platform private implementation for isolated targets in 12.10.2015 to provide services for companies critical infrastructure critical infrastructure Depositor: 4,459,724.39 – CREVIS in Romania, Project SC INSOFT R&D&I 2 no. Development & 12P019003, SMIS Consulting SRL 50421 Platform for bio- monitoring of vital parameters in the operation of critical 5,287,987.89 infrastructures, Project R&D&I 3 no. 12P019004, SMIS 50239 Augmented reality innovative technological platform for field inspection, maintenance, and 5,280,341.56 service in critical infrastructure, Project R&D&I 4 no. 12P019005, SMIS 50242 22 Funding source Stage / real / (Operational Title of individual Title of individual estimated date Programme / Total project No. project / integrated project within Beneficiary for completing Operation name value (lei) project integrated project the project / Key area of implementation intervention) CREVIS pole integrated management / Association Competitiveness pole Project SOFT1 - OGU, PUB, 852,000.00 to increase economic no. 12P019006 / Prahova productivity through 08.05.2013, SMIS county, Ploiești the innovative use of 50244 municipality, Under IDA PlPhGP, 11 virtual reality, in order private implementation to provide services for CREVIS Pole 12.10.2015 critical infrastructure integrated project for companies – CREVIS information, publicity, Depositor: and dissemination / SC INSOFT 849,837.65 (continued) Development & Project SOFT2 no. 12P019007, SMIS Consulting SRL 50246 Information technology for image promotion and management of information SOP IEC/PA2 12 from graduates OGU Ploiești KAI 2.4 366,300.00 Completed and businesses in order to adapt the management policy to the socio-economic requirements Regional center for performance testing SOP IEC/PA2 and monitoring the 13 technical condition of OGU Ploiești KAI 2.3 - 22,107,500 30,472,600.00 Completed lei tubular material used in the oil industry Total Sectoral Objective A2: 87,134,969.28 Sectoral objective A3 - Supporting the development of economic activities in the Growth Pole area The Belgian Group Alianso “Ploiești West Park” Under 14 industrial park in joint venture Private investment 3,150,000,000.00 implementation with PIRITEX Group W.D.P. Development SC „WPD Ro. SRL industrial Under 15 park (subsidiary of Development Private investment 50,400,000.00 implementation Ro” SRL Warehouse De Paw) Total Sectoral Objective A3: 3,200,400,000.00 Sectoral objective B1 – Connecting with the European road network and building a modern infrastructure for the access to economic areas, parks / industrial sites and other functional areas, while developing an efficient and clean urban transport in the growth pole area 23 Funding source Stage / real / (Operational Title of individual Title of individual estimated date Programme / Total project No. project / integrated project within Beneficiary for completing Operation name value (lei) project integrated project the project / Key area of implementation intervention) Increasing traffic capacity by building a road link between DN ROP/PA1/ Completed in 16 1 and DN 1B (County Prahova county KAI 1.1/Growth poles 43,912,185.38 June 2013 Ring Road DJ 236) in 22,365,856 lei the northern area of Ploiești municipality Increasing public transport mobility by the rehabilitation of tram route 102 through works targeting: the rolling ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ Under track, stations 17 adapted to people Growth poles 47,730,153.43 implementation 29,139,721.40 lei 15.06.2015 with disabilities, Increasing public rolling stock, signaling transport mobility by and automation the rehabilitation of elements – Stage tram route 102 through I: North Loop – works targeting: the Republicii intersection Ploiești rolling track, stations Increasing public municipality adapted to people transport mobility with disabilities, rolling by the rehabilitation stock, signaling and of tram route 102 automation elements through works targeting: the rolling ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ Under track, stations 18 adapted to people Growth poles 70,652,606.99 implementation 40,954,863.48 lei 29.07.2015 with disabilities, rolling stock, signaling and automation elements – Stage II: Republicii intersection – West Loop Ensuring accessibility in Ploiești South industrial zone, in university Ploiești In preparation 19 campus by building municipality 36,522,990.00 for 2014-2020 a road passage over the railway at South Station Increasing traffic mobility by building a multimodal terminal, ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ Ploiești On the backup 20 including parking municipality Growth poles 30,324,596.51 list spaces for cars and 23,410,582.41 lei bicycles (County Hospital area) 24 Funding source Stage / real / (Operational Title of individual Title of individual estimated date Programme / Total project No. project / integrated project within Beneficiary for completing Operation name value (lei) project integrated project the project / Key area of implementation intervention) Extending the public transport in Ploiești municipality on the following sections: Ploiești – Blejoi commune – Păuleşti IDA „Ploiești – commune (recreation ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ On the backup 21 area, Păuleşti Prahova Growth Growth poles 45,101,000.00 list pole” forest), Ploiești – Bucov commune (“Constantin Stere” recreational park), Ploiești municipality – Bărcăneşti commune Increasing accessibility to the north of the Growth Pole, especially Under ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ towards Prahova implementation 22 County Hospital by Prahova county Growth poles 63,954,630.69 11.11.2015 (cf. 50,206,880.71 lei AA no. 2) building a road passage in the prolongation of DJ 102, over DN 1B Accessibility and traffic streamlining towards ROP/PA1/KAI Under Ploiești 23 Ploiești West industrial municipality 1.1/ Growth poles 90,833,498.09 implementation area and Brazi 72,222,409.51 lei 11.07.2015 industrial platform Increasing public transport mobility by the rehabilitation of tram route 102 through works targeting: ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ Under implementation 24 the rolling track, Growth poles 30,506,241.76 15.08.2015 stations adapted 17,597,276.58 lei (cf. AA no. 1) Increasing public to people with transport mobility by disabilities, rolling the rehabilitation of stock, signaling tram route 101 through and automation works targeting: the elements – Stage I Ploiești rolling track, stations Increasing public municipality adapted to people transport mobility with disabilities, rolling by the rehabilitation stock, signaling and of tram route automation elements 102 through works targeting: ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ Under 25 the rolling track, Growth poles 65,145,449.08 implementation stations adapted 39,630,960.09 lei 29.07.2015 to people with disabilities, rolling stock, signaling and automation elements – Stage II Increasing accessibility to the city of Băicoi by constructing a Băicoi city in ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ On the backup 26 suspended passage partnership with Growth poles 17,612,000.00 list over DN 1, at the Prahova county intersection with DJ 215 25 Funding source Stage / real / (Operational Title of individual Title of individual estimated date Programme / Total project No. project / integrated project within Beneficiary for completing Operation name value (lei) project integrated project the project / Key area of implementation intervention) Increasing accessibility in the eastern part of Ploiești towards the Pan-European Ploiești ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ On the backup 27 TEN-IX by building a municipality Growth poles 81,710,517.00 list road passage over the railroad in the south- eastern part of Ploiești municipality Ensuring mobility through the extension of road and public transport links between South Station and Ploiești ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ On the backup 28 West Station (Libertăţii municipality Growth poles 19,620,224.00 list Street), including the rehabilitation of the stations’ marketplaces belonging to the public domain Rehabilitation of DJ 101G Tătărani (DJ 101D) – Brazi – Brazii Partnership De Jos – Tinosu between Prahova – Şirna – Hăbud – ROP PA2 KAI 2.1 - Completed 29 Crivăţu (DN 1A) Km county and 33,229,951.06 lei 45,802,088.03 02.06.2011 Dâmboviţa 0+000 – Km 24+020, county Prahova county, Km 24+020 – Km 30+120, Dâmboviţa county Increasing traffic capacity through the modernization and rehabilitation of DJ 101D, between km 4+300 (limit of Ploiești municipality and passage ramp head) and km 6+300 Budget of Prahova 30 (traffic roundabout – Prahova county County Council 19,240,000.00 Completed intersection DN 1A), including suspended passage over Ploiești Triaj railway – Ghighiu at km 4+300, in view of improving the accessibility to and from DN 1 Modernization Târgşoru Vechi In preparation 31 of agricultural commune PNDR Measure 1.2.5 4,500,000.00 for 2014-2020 exploitation roads Setting up a public wastewater network and improving the public road network of local interest in Dumbrăveşti Under 32 Dumbrăvești and commune Environment Fund 10,746,470.00 evaluation Găvănel villages, including endowment of cultural center in Dumbrăvești commune 26 Funding source Stage / real / (Operational Title of individual Title of individual estimated date Programme / Total project No. project / integrated project within Beneficiary for completing Operation name value (lei) project integrated project the project / Key area of implementation intervention) Promoting the touristic areas of Dumbrăveşti Under 33 Teleajenui Valley – commune PNDR Measure 313 405,000.00 evaluation Slănicului Valley. Total Sectoral Objective B1: 529,951,313.45 Sectoral objective B2 – Protecting the environment and human health by providing quality public services Integrated waste Under SOP Environment/PA2 34 management system in Prahova county 120,762,325 lei 168,448,433.00 implementation Prahova county 31.12.2015 Rehabilitation and upgrading of water S.C. HIDRO SOP Environment/PA1 Under 35 and sanitation Prahova S.A. 468,324,120 lei 655,003,301.00 implementation systems in Prahova county Rehabilitation / modernization of „District Heating transmission and Ploiești 36 distribution network municipality 2006-2015. Heat and 12,500,000.00 In preparation comfort” in Mihai Bravu district (Ploiești) Integrated control of BIRD + GEF + Prahova Under 37 nutrient pollution in Prahova county County Coucil + 1,392,333.60 implementation Târgşoru Vechi Târgșoru Vechi Modernization of the Valea water network in 38 Valea Călugărească Călugărească Environment Fund 8,726,038.00 Rejected commune commune Total Sectoral Objective B2: 837,344,067.60 Sectoral Objective B3 - Harness the natural, traditional, cultural, and historical heritage, develop tourism and recreation areas, support environmental protection actions and the development of green spaces; develop the historical and cultural heritage of the area Construction of Construction of Ploiești West Ploiești West Under municipal park, municipal park, implementation 39 including access roads including access ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ 76,531,262.54 29.12.2015 and specific utility roads and specific Ploiești Growth poles (cf. AA no. 3) network, including utility network municipality 45,885,100.54 + setting up a Center 3,341,955.19 lei Under of Excellence in Center of Excellence implementation 40 Business for young in Business for 12,057,946.20 28.09.2015 entrepreneurs young entrepreneurs (cf. AA no. 1) Restoring and ROP/PA1/ Under consolidating “Nicolae 41 Simache” Clock Prahova county KAI 1.1/Growth poles 5,535,944.44 implementation 3,369,892.03 lei 27.07.2015 Museum, Ploiești Modernization and ROP/PA1/ Under functional expansion Ploiești 42 of the Hippodrome in municipality KAI 1.1/Growth poles 88,959,388.71 implementation 2,751,249.72 lei 30.10.2015 Ploiești Rehabilitation of ROP/PA1/ On the backup 43 Dumbrăvești historical Prahova county Growth poles 10,115,000.00 list and cultural area 27 Funding source Stage / real / (Operational Title of individual Title of individual estimated date Programme / Total project No. project / integrated project within Beneficiary for completing Operation name value (lei) project integrated project the project / Key area of implementation intervention) Decontamination of land polluted with oil Ploiești ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ On the backup 44 products in Ploiești – municipality Growth poles 5,100,000.00 list Centura de EST T14 A228 Harnessing the existing patrimony elements on the ROP/PA 5/KAI 5.3 - Completed in 45 “Drumul Fructelor” Prahova county 601,035 lei 992,334 May 2013 (Fruit Way) itinerant route Trip into history on the Valea “Drumul Vinului” (Wine ROP/PA5/KAI 5.3 - Completed in 46 Way) in Prahova Călugărească 663,263.83 lei 999,817.84 May 2012 commune county Harnessing the Partnership existing patrimony between elements on the the Local ROP/PA5/KAI 5.3 - 47 “Drumul Voievozilor” Councils of 654,217.84 lei 1,035,274.93 Not submitted (Princes Way) Brazi, Ariceştii itinerant route Rahtivani, etc. “Drumul Sării” (Salt Way) – geological Dumbrăveşti 48 metamorphosis into commune ROP/PA5/KAI 5.3 997,115.03 Completed history “Bucov, oasis of spirit and creation” – Harnessing the “Constantin 49 existing elements Stere” ROP/PA5/KAI 5.3 923,301.00 Not submitted of heritage in Foundation “Constantin Stere” park Plopeni Forest, a County Museum “Natura 2000” site: SOP Environment/ of Natural Completed in 50 management plan, Sciences – PA4/KAI 5.3 489,888.00 August 2012 courses of action and 320,781.00 lei Prahova awareness Setting playgrounds and parks in Ploiești Ploiești 51 municipality (Câineni municipality Local budget 6,600,001.00 Completed park) Environment Fund / National program Building a park in for improvement of 52 Băicoi city, “Lac” area Băicoi city the environment by 1,084,729.70 Completed creating green spaces in localities Environment Fund / National program Valea for improvement of Landscaping of Valea Completed in 53 Călugărească park Călugărească the environment by 1,000,000.00 August 2009 commune creating green spaces in localities 865,000 lei 28 Funding source Stage / real / (Operational Title of individual Title of individual estimated date Programme / Total project No. project / integrated project within Beneficiary for completing Operation name value (lei) project integrated project the project / Key area of implementation intervention) Improving the environment by creating green spaces Boldești-Scăeni 54 (Scăeni district, city Environment Fund 551,210.38 Rejected Târgului street, Seciu locality) Environment Fund / Improving the National program environment through for improvement of 55 the modernization of Plopeni city the environment by 496,963.94 Completed parks in the town of creating green spaces Plopeni in localities Construction of a National wastewater treatment Infrastructure Funding 56 plant at the County Prahova county Development 847,810.00 canceled Hospital Programme Rehabilitation, National Program modernization, implemented 57 and endowment of Plopeni city through the National 3,000,000.00 Completed the cultural center Investment Company “Culture House” (NIC) Consolidating and restoring St. Nicholas and St. Eustathius Plachida Church, as On the backup 58 well as its bell-tower, Corlătești parish ROP/PA.5/KAI.5.1 4,212,457.00 list Corlătești village, Berceni commune, Prahova county Restoring and harnessing the monastic assembly of Turnu Monastery: cells, hegoumen’s house, enclosure walls, the ruins of the White Under Church, Mircea Turcitu Turnu implementation 59 church ruins, ruins of monastery ROP/PA.5/KAI.5.1 28,560,089.20 December Roman thermal baths, 2015 walkways, roadways, outdoor arrangements – plantations, Târgşoru Vechi village, Târgşoru Vechi commune, Prahova Environment Fund / Improve the National program environment by Dumbrăvești for improvement of 60 building a communal commune the environment by 2,060,640.00 Not submitted park in Găvănel village creating green spaces on a surface of 17 ha in localities Total Sectoral Objective B3: 229,264,056.53 Sectoral objective C1 - Increase the quality of social infrastructure through investments dedicated to disadvantaged groups and support their reintegration into society 29 Funding source Stage / real / (Operational Title of individual Title of individual estimated date Programme / Total project No. project / integrated project within Beneficiary for completing Operation name value (lei) project integrated project the project / Key area of implementation intervention) Rehabilitation / modernization / expansion and special ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ Under implementation 61 equipping of the care Băicoi city Growth poles 6,718,410.21 31.12.2015 and support center for 4,265,349.28 lei (cf. AA no.3) adults with disabilities, Băicoi (Liliești) “A chance for a new ray of sunshine” – rehabilitation / Under modernization / ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ implementation 62 expansion and special Prahova county Growth poles 3,813,672.52 28.07.2015 (cf. equipping of the 2,243,889.1 lei AA no.2) community services complex “Ray of sunshine” Rehabilitation / modernization / expansion and special equipping of the neuropsychiatric ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ Completed in 63 recovery and Prahova county Growth poles 7,858,523.22 December 2014 rehabilitation center 5,043,399.8 lei for adults with disabilities, Ariceştii Rahtivani (Nedelea village) Rehabilitation/ modernization/ ROP/PA1/KAI 1.1/ Completed in expansion and special Ploiești 64 equipping of “Cireşarii” municipality Growth poles 8,684,387.97 September 5,549,441.36 lei 2013 emergency reception center, Ploiești Establishing a care Ploiești center for the elderly municipality by changing the in partnership Under ROP/PA3/KAI 3.2 - implementation 65 destination of the with “Sfântul 2,189,353.50 lei 3,624,455.04 June 2015 caserne located in 11A, Sava” (cf. AA) Cosminelor Street, Foundation for Ploiești Children Modernization and re-arrangement of Concordia “Farm for Kids” social 66 housing, Ariceştii Humanitarian ROP/PA3/KAI.3.2. 3,645,048.27 Rejected Organization Rahtivani, Prahova county Total Sectoral Objective C1: 30,699,448.96 Sectoral objective C2 - Human resources development through improved educational and training infrastructure Partnership for Strategic tools for Sustainable SOP HRD/PA5.1 Completed in 67 employment in Development 16,869,571.63 lei 20,560,888.47 July 2013 tourism industry Association 30 Funding source Stage / real / (Operational Title of individual Title of individual estimated date Programme / Total project No. project / integrated project within Beneficiary for completing Operation name value (lei) project integrated project the project / Key area of implementation intervention) Rehabilitation, consolidation, extension and On the backup 68 modernization for Plopeni city ROP/PA3/KAI 3.4 8,833,681.00 list the School with I-VIII classes Carol I, Plopeni Consolidation, modernization, expansion, thermal On the backup 69 rehabilitation, and Plopeni city ROP/PA3/KAI 3.4 8,744,176.66 list construction of a new building wing at Plopeni School Group Rehabilitation, consolidation, expansion, and On the backup 70 modernization of Băicoi city ROP/PA3/KAI 3.4 6,045,276.78 list the School with I-VIII classes no. 2, Băicoi OGU Ploiești Postdoctoral program in partnership for advanced research SOP HRD/PA1/KAI 1.5 71 in the field of nano- with Polytechnic 8,561,851 lei 10,278,333.00 Completed University of materials Bucharest Researchers for sustainable SOP HRD/PA1/KAI 1.5 72 development of the OGU Ploiești 4,272,284 lei 6,051,284.00 Completed Romanian society OGU Ploiești in partnership with Regional Strengthening the Ministry of institutional capacity SOP HRD/PA3/KAI 3.3 Completed 73 of regional consortia for Education, 2,077,795.1 lei 2,951,717.95 30.11.2012 Generalitat education and training de Catalunia, Craiova University Partnership for OGU Ploiești continuous training in Partners: Completed SOP HRD/PA2/KAI 2.3 74 view of professional INCDSIM 2,497,260 lei 2,614,500.00 December qualification / Timișoara and 2012 requalification ARS Training of teachers Ministry of in secondary Education and SOP HRD 75 education for new Research OGU 14,325,926 lei 18,472,743.00 Completed career development Ploiești opportunities 5 partners Theoretical and practical training OGU Ploiești, program for Teachers competences SOP HRD/PA1/KAI 1.3 76 development of pre- House Prahova, 2,115,214 lei 2,198,180.00 Completed Gh. Asachi university teaching University, Iași staff in physics and technical subjects 31 Funding source Stage / real / (Operational Title of individual Title of individual estimated date Programme / Total project No. project / integrated project within Beneficiary for completing Operation name value (lei) project integrated project the project / Key area of implementation intervention) Preparing teachers in science and technology SOP HRD/PA1/KAI 1.3 Completed 77 through a master OGU Ploiești 1,467,554 lei 1,849,912.00 2011 program adequate to knowledge society OGU Ploiești – Training of academic in partnership staff and students for with 6 SOP HRD/PA1/KAI 1.2 Completed 78 the use of modern tools universities + SC 20,019,242.33 lei 20,852,691.30 2013 in the field of university THE RED POINT management SA Professional training and promoting the use of new technologies for oil and gas employees in order to Employers’ SOP HRD/PA3/KAI 3.2 Completed 79 increase the quality of Organization 4,872,568.05 lei 5,852,461.00 2013 services, professional UNIPET competitiveness and to improve specific activities and processes Dumbrăveşti SOP IEC/PA3/ On the backup 80 Our E-school commune KAI 2, Op. 2.3 4,817,853.04 list Băcoi city in partnership with Professional training SC Faxmedia SOP HRD/KAI 5.1 Completed 81 for the labor market Consulting SRL 1,803,685.2 lei 2,101,377.39 August 2011 and AJOFM Prahova Young researchers SOP HRD/PA1/ Under 82 for European OGU Ploiești KAI 1.5 6,000,000.00 implementation competitiveness Total Sectoral Objective C2: 99,784,088.11 Sectoral objective C3 - Developing health infrastructure by providing professional medical care in a modern and equipped space Increasing the efficiency of healthcare at Obstetrics and SOP IEC/PA3/KAI 3.2, the Obstetrics Completed 83 and Gynecology Gynecology Op.3.2.4 2,119,346.00 29.11.2011 Hospital Ploiești 1,367,118.4 lei Hospital through the implementation of eHealth solutions Partnership Development of the between County medical information Emergency system through Hospital SOP IEC/PA3/ Under 84 e-health services for Ploiești, KAI2/Op.4 (local) 7,564,000.00 implementation the benefit of the Pediatric 4,879,243.6 lei residents of Prahova Hospital county Ploiești, and Băicoi Hospital Total Sectoral Objective C3: 9,683,346.00 32 Funding source Stage / real / (Operational Title of individual Title of individual estimated date Programme / Total project No. project / integrated project within Beneficiary for completing Operation name value (lei) project integrated project the project / Key area of implementation intervention) Sectoral objective C4 - Increasing the operational capacity of the administration through knowledge management and the use of innovative technology Strengthening the operational capacity IDA “Ploiești of the Intercommunity OP ACD/PA1/KAI 1.3 Completed in 85 Development -Prahova 787,262.38 lei 926,191.04 May 2012 Growth Pole” Association “Ploiești- Prahova Growth Pole” Performance and OP ACD/PA1/KAI 1.3 On the backup 86 efficiency in Prahova’s Prahova county 867,765.53 lei 1,215,927.01 list public administration Integrated urban planning system SOP IEC/PA3/KAI 2/ Completed 87 for managing the Prahova county Op.1 5,234,512.50 04.06.2011 relationship with 3,518,454.56 lei citizens Electronic services for citizens and General informatization of Directorate workflows at the of Social SOP IEC/PA3/KAI 2/ 88 General Directorate Assistance and Op.1 4,314,228.38 Rejected of Social Assistance Child Protection and Child Protection Prahova Prahova Lifelong Formation SOP IEC/PA3/KAI2, 89 in Prahova county Prahova county Op.3 5,423,383.35 Rejected through e-Education Developing and increasing the efficiency of electronic public services in the city of Băicoi. SOP IEC/PA3/KAI 2/ 90 Supporting the Băicoi city Op.3 2,320,500.00 Rejected implementation of e-education applications and ensuring broadband connection AE3 R (Agency for Completed in Ploiești IEE Programme - 91 Energy Efficiency and municipality 1,050,000 lei 1,917,304.20 September Renewable Energy) 2012 Partners: Romania MORE4NRG - “Sharing INTERREG IVC (Prahova county); best practices to / Energy and Completed in 92 support sustainable Netherlands, sustainable public 281,400.00 2011 Sweden; Italy, energy policies” transport Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, France. Ploiești municipality in CATS - City partnership with FP7 Programme Completed in 93 Alternative Transport Switzer-land, 200,552 lei 265,396.00 January 2014 Systems Israel, Italy and Lohr Industrie (France) Total Sectoral Objective C4: 8,624,803.74 General Total IDP 5,136,143,583.91 33 v I Part 34 The Growth Pole’s Profile 35 Part I: The Growth Pole’s Profile 1 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention 37 Part I: The Growth Pole’s Profile 1 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory 39 1.1. People and Territory 1.1.1. Defining the area, the network of localities, and the Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory associative structure Ploiești Growth Pole, located in Prahova County, was established by GD no. 998/2008 regarding the designation of growth poles and urban development poles, where priority is given to investment in EU and national funding programs. According to ROP 2007-2013, a pole is defined as “an area consisting of a large urban center (a municipality with the rank 0 or 1, according to Law no. 351/2001) and its area of influence (driving area)”. Considering the profile of the localities’ network (PATN 2001), Ploiești growth pole has the following composition: Urban localities: • municipalities of inter-county importance – Ploiești municipality, which is capital city for Prahova County and the main social and economic center, with complex industrial and tertiary functions (administrative, political, research and development, higher education). It is also an important communications hub, having as well a significant concentration of public facilities (health, education, culture, sports, trade, finance, and banking); • cities with mainly industrial-agrarian profile, endowed with units serving the territorial level - Băicoi, Boldeşti-Scăeni; • cities with mainly industrial activities and services of local importance - Plopeni. Rural localities: • communes with mainly industrial activities - Boldeşti (Boldeşti-Grădiştea commune), Brazii de Sus, Brazii de Jos, Negoieşti, Popeţi (Brazi commune), Bucov, Chiţorani, Pleaşa (Bucov commune); • communes with agricultural, industrial, tertiary activities - Ariceştii Rahtivani, Berceni, Blejoi, Dumbrăveşti, Valea Călugărească. The administrative surface of the 14 component territorial-administrative units is 609.04 km2, of which 161.32 km2 in town, and the total population amounts to 327,309 inhabitants. In terms of population, this is the largest urban agglomeration in the South Region and the 8th largest in Romania, being as well one of the most dynamic economic poles of the country, part of the territorial development axis Giurgiu-Bucharest-Ploiești-Brașov. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 40 Map 4: Component territorial-administrative units and population of Ploiești Growth Pole 41 Table 1. Component territorial-administrative units of Ploiești Growth Pole Territorial- Surface Stable population Component localities Population density administrative unit (km2) (2011) Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory Ploiești municipality Ploiești 58.26 209,945 3,603,5 Băicoi Dâmbu Liliești Băicoi city 65.36 17,981 275,1 Schela Tufeni Țintea Boldești-Scăeni Boldești-Scăeni city 34.90 11,137 319,1 Seciu Plopeni city Plopeni 4.73 7,718 1,631,7 Ariceștii Rahtivani Buda Ariceștii Rahtivani Nedelea 81.33 8,704 107,0 commune Stoenești Târgșoru Nou Bărcănești Ghighiu Bărcănești commune Pușcași 37.25 9,384 251,9 Românești Tătărani Berceni Cartierul Dâmbu Berceni commune Cătunu 31.01 6,186 199,5 Corlătești Moara Nouă Blejoi Blejoi commune Ploieștiori 20.24 8,575 423,7 Țânțăreni Bătești Brazii de Jos Brazii de Sus Brazi commune 45.47 8,094 178,0 Negoiești Popești Stejaru Bighilin Bucov Bucov commune Chițorani 49.03 10,388 211,9 Pleașa Valea Orlei Dumbrăvești 1 Găvănel Mălăeștii de Jos Dumbrăvești commune 29.51 3,537 119,9 Mălăeștii de Sus Plopeni The Growth Pole’s Profile Sfârleanca Cocoșești Găgeni Păulești commune 51.32 5,886 114,7 Păulești Păuleștii Noi Stăncești Târgșoru Vechi Strejnicu 48.46 9,117 188,1 commune Târgșoru Vechi Zahanaua I 42 Territorial- Surface Stable population Component localities Population density administrative unit (km2) (2011) Arva Coslegi Dârvari Pantazi Rachieri Radila Schiau Valea Călugărească Valea Călugărească 52.17 10,657 204,3 commune Valea Largă Valea Mantei Valea Nicovani Valea Poienii Valea Popii Valea Ursoii Vârfurile Source: NIS, TEMPO Online database. Own calculations Ploiești municipality has an area of over 58 km2 and a stable population of 209,945 inhabitants, being the 9th largest city in Romania. It is located at the intersection of the main transport corridors in Romania and at just 60 km from Bucharest, having the potential to form an urban system with Bucharest, but also with Târgoviște. The Intercommunity Development Association (IDA) “Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole” was established on 9 June 2009, pursuant to: Government Ordinance no. 26/2000 on associations and foundations (approved by Law no. 246/2005), Law no. 215/2001 on the local public administration, (as amended and supplemented), and Law no. 151/1998 on regional development in Romania, (as amended and supplemented). The IDA operates in accordance with the Constitutive Act, the Statute, and the applicable Romanian legislation in force. The founding members of the Association are the following: Ploiești municipality, the cities of Băicoi, Boldești-Scăeni, Bușteni, Plopeni, and the communes of Ariceștii Rahtivani, Bărcănești, Berceni, Blejoi, Brazi, Bucov, Dumbrăvești, Păulești, Târgșoru Vechi and Valea Călugărească. In 2011, Bușteni city joined the Association, but given its isolated position in the northwestern limit of the county, the city is a member of the Association, but not part of the growth pole area. The purpose of the Association is to facilitate cooperation between the member territorial-administrative units in view of exercising jointly their competencies, complying with the following principles of sustainable development: • social progress consistent with community needs; • effective protection of the environment; • rational use of natural resources; • maintaining a strong and stable level of economic growth and employment. 43 Map 5. The administrative territory of Ploiești Growth Pole at the county level Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Source: City Hall of Ploiești municipality I 44 1.1.2. Spacial and functional profile Ploiești is one of the nodes of Brașov – Ploiești – Bucharest – Giurgiu territorial development axis, which shapes the development of the southern part of Romania. This axis links the listed urban poles with the surrounding region and the main development and transport axes across the territory of Romania – Danube Valley, Prahova Valley etc. It also forms an urban system in the direction of Bucharest – Ploiești – Târgoviște, with a population of about 3 million people. Ploiești is situated at a distance of only 60 km from Bucharest, Ploiești Growth Pole and Bucharest’s (designed) metropolitan territory being adjoined in the south of the Prahova county and functionally integrated through intense commuting, economic and transport flows between the two urban poles. However, the competition between Ploiești and Bucharest is asymmetrical, as the size difference is about 1:9; this narrows the polarization area of Ploiești at a few localities in its immediate proximity. Ploiești Growth Pole has a total area of 609.04 km2, of which 163.25 km2 belong to urban areas, and 445.79 km2 to rural areas. Of this, 79.9% is privately owned land, and the rest of 20.1% is in public ownership. As regards the use of land, 70.4% of it has an agricultural destination, most of it being arable land (54.4%), pastures and hayfields (9.7%), vineyards (3.6% ), orchards (2.6%), forestry (9.1%), waters (2.2%), constructions (13.1%), communication ways (4.2%), and degraded and unproductive lands (0,9%). Compared to 2007, there is a decrease by 3.9% of agricultural land (1,700 ha) in favor of construction areas, both residential and economic (industrial parks, logistics, shopping centers, etc.). Figure 4. Administrative surface of Ploiești Growth Pole by land use, in 2013 Arable land 4% 1% Pastures 13% Hayfields 2% Vineyards Orchards 9% 55% Forestry Waters 3% Constructions 4% 1% 8% Source: NIS, TEMPO Online database 45 As regards the use of land by localities, it can be seen that arable land occupies over 50% of the total area in the following localities: Băicoi, Ariceștii Rahtivani, Bărcănești, Berceni, Blejoi, Brazi, Păulești, and Târgșoru Vechi; they have the best prospects in terms of cereal cultivation. Pastures and hayfields are more widespread in Boldeşti-Scăeni, Bucov, Dumbrăvești, and Valea Călugărească localities, where there are good prospects for the development of animal Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory husbandry. Vineyards and orchards are well represented, having a long tradition in the area, and occupy the most important areas in Băicoi city and in the villages of Bucov, Dumbrăvești, and Valea Călugărească, the latter hosting one of the most important research & development institutes for viticulture and winemaking in Romania. Forests occupy a small area in most component localities, the area facing a shortage of woodlands, except for Plopeni city, where over 50% of the surface is occupied by forestry. Instead, 55% of the administrative territory of Ploiești municipality is occupied by constructions, and other 13.5% represent communication routes, the city facing a shortage of green and planted spaces. Figure 5. Land use according to destination and by localities in 2013 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% ti v i ti ti i oi ă oi i ni i i az ti an ch en en co sc eș eș eș ej ic ăe eș Br Ve rc op iv Bu Bl Bă ea ăv ul oi ăn Sc ht Be Pl Pa Pl ăr br ru rc ti- Ra m ug șo Bă eș Du tii l rg Că ld eș Tâ Bo a ic le Ar Va Source: NIS, TEMPO Online database Industrial zones occupy a large surface in the growth pole, being made up of 1,458 ha of brownfield areas, mainly built during the communist period, to which are added other 634 ha of industrial parks. Of the total administrative surface of the growth pole, 161.32 km2 of land are situated within the incorporated area (26.5% of total) and 447.72 km2 are situated outside the incorporated area (73.5%). Compared to 2007, urban areas have been extended by 1,306 ha, mostly in the cities of Băicoi (+983 ha) and Boldeşti-Scăeni (+323 ha). The urban area in Ploiești municipality remained constant at 5,190 ha. Figure 6. Incorporated area by localities in 2013 6 000 1 5 000 4 000 The Growth Pole’s Profile 3 000 2 000 Ha 1 000 0 ti oi i i ti oi i v i că ni i en ch az șt an co eș ej eș ic ăe as le Ve rc Br Bl iv ăn Bă Bu oi u Sc Be re ht Pl Pă ru rc gă ti- Ra Bă șo lu eș rg tii Că ld Tâ eș Bo a ic le Ar Va I Source: Prahova County Council 46 Map 6. Land use in Ploiești Growth Pole by locality 47 Although Ploiești experienced a negative demographic trend, the growth pole’s built-up area continued to grow. Real estate dynamics in Ploiești Growth Pole were not as striking as in other growth poles. Ploiești has experienced, for instance, the lowest real estate dynamics between 1992 and 2012. But the peri-urban area of Ploiești expanded by about 20%. Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory Table 2. Built-up area expansion in the Growth Poles between 1992 and 2012 Expansion of built-up area No. Growth Pole from: Main city Peri-urban area 1 Brașov 24,2% 20,5% 2 Cluj-Napoca 24,5% 15,2% 3 Constanța 7,2% 13,3% 4 Craiova 27,4% 12,8% 5 Iași 17,5% 19,6% 6 Ploiești 6,5% 19,2% 7 Timișoara 13,2% 24,2% Source: World Bank. 2013. Growth Poles: The Next Phase The main expanding zone is located in the western part of the pole (see picture below), and the territorial-administrative units (TAU) with the most substantial expansion of the built-up area are Târgşoru Vechi and Ariceștii Rahtivani, i.e. by approximately 74% and 40% respectively between 1992 and 2012. Mostly, this extension of built-up areas is due to the construction of new industrial platforms and new shopping centers in the pole, but also to the phenomenon of suburbanization, a growing number of people moving from Ploiești city to neighboring localities. Map 7. Urban expansion in Ploiești Growth Pole 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Source: World Bank. 2013. Strengthening the capacity of spatial planning - a precondition for sustainable urban development Note: The three shades of blue represent the built-up area in Ploiești Growth Pole in 1992, 2002, and 2012 I 48 Table 3. Evolution of built-up areas in Ploiești Growth Pole % of change between Territorial-administrative units 1992 2002 2012 1992 & 2012 Ariceștii Rahtivani 414 434 583 40.82% Băicoi 957 966 1,030 7.63% Bărcănești 472 474 504 6.78% Berceni 346 348 387 11.85% Blejoi 383 437 524 36.81% Boldești-Scăeni 673 677 714 6.09% Brazi 830 835 859 3.49% Bucov 459 484 533 16.12% Dumbrăvești 317 334 343 8.20% Paulești 375 409 465 24.00% Ploiești 3,039 3,120 3,238 6.55% Plopeni 141 141 152 7.80% Târgșoru Vechi 397 437 690 73.80% Valea Calugărească 569 583 606 6.50% Total 9,372 9,679 10,628 13.40% Source: World Bank. 2013. Growth Poles: The Next Phase The phenomenon of suburbanization, coupled with the population decline and with internal and external migration (especially to Bucharest) led to a dramatic decrease in population density in Ploiești municipality. While in 1992 Ploiești had a density of about 83 people per hectare, in 2002, the value dropped to 76 people/ha, and in 2012 to 61 people/ha – this means a density reduction of about 27% between 1992 and 2012. This trend has and will have an important impact on public services such as public transport, drinking water and sanitation, waste collection, street lighting, or centralized heating. The functional zoning of the built-up area of Ploiești municipality was established in the General Urban Plan, approved in 1999 and currently being updated. The zoning is represented in the figure below. Figure 7. Zoning of the incorporated area of Ploiești municipality Central zone 6% 1%2% Housing and services zone 5% Industrial, storage, and transport units 12% 42% Agricultural units Roads and Housing and railways services zone Green & recreation zones 2% Municipal services 3% 1% 26% Roads and railways Industrial, storage, Special destination zones and transport units Vacant land Other Source: City Hall of Ploiești municipality The central municipal zone has a surface of over 110 ha, most of the public institutions and public services units in the municipality being located there: the City Hall, the County Council, museums, theaters, shopping centers, accommodation and catering units, schools, business offices, banks, etc. Moreover, the majority of the city’s built heritage elements – with a potential for touristic harnessing – is also located here. 49 Map 8. Population density at census sector level in Ploiești municipality in 2011 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory Source: Own drawing based on NIS data. RGPL 2011 The housing and services zone grew organically, radially around the central nucleus, especially along the arteries of penetration that connect the city with its industrial platforms. In this way, individual housing districts (houses) started to be built in the nineteenth century and in the first half of the twentieth century (Cantacuzino, Ana Ipătescu, Gheorghe Doja, Transilvaniei, etc.). During the communist times, large housing complexes were constructed mainly in the north and west part of the central zone, corresponding to the following districts: Găgeni, Nord, Andrei Mureșanu, Republicii Vest I, Malu Roșu, Ienăchiță Văcărescu, Peneș Curcanul, Vest I, Vest II, 9 Mai. After 1989, housing areas have developed especially towards the north (“Eden” district, “Carino” district, etc.). Overall, the municipality encompasses, according to the General Urban Plan, 19 housing districts and 5 housing units (Calea București, CFR Depou, Rafinorilor, Mihai Bravu- Teleajen, Vega). 1 The city has a number of outer districts, which are housing areas relatively isolated from the rest of the city and with poor endowments in terms of technical and urban facilities and equipment: Bereasca, Bărcănești, Moțoi, Râfov, Mimiu, The Growth Pole’s Profile Pictor Rosenthal, Buda. The quality of the housing fund varies from one district to another, depending on: the period in which it was built, its development – spontaneous or planned, the materials that were used, the size and quality of public spaces, etc. The most vulnerable buildings are located in the central zone, as the preceding constructions that were affected by bombings or the 1977 earthquake were replaced with modern and earthquake-resistant ones. In the districts surrounding the central nucleus one can find either 50-year-old buildings, made up of unsustainable materials (adobe, for instance) in the residential areas with individual housing, or apartments in relatively new buildings, with a low degree of comfort in the case of collective housing. Both types of housing web have specific problems: individual housing zones are characterized by larger living areas and green spaces (yards), but the buildings are old, vulnerable to hazards, and poorly endowed I with public equipment, especially in outlying areas. Collective housing zones encompass newer and safer buildings and 50 generally have a satisfactory level of endowment with technical and urban facilities; however, they are short of public spaces and green areas, witness high population densities, limited energy efficiency and comfort, small living areas, insufficient parking places, and degradation of building façades. Even new residential areas (“infilling” type) have their problems: the buildings are modern, have all the required equipment and annexes specific to quality housing, but are heterogeneous in terms of architectural style and materials used, and also interfere with other incompatible functions (e.g. industrial). Moreover, they are short of access infrastructure and technical and urban utilities, their development being generally insufficiently regulated and planned. Map 9. The districts of Ploiești municipality Source: City Hall of Ploiești municipality 51 With regard to height, areas with low height regime – represented by the districts with houses – are predominant. The central area is heterogeneous, comprising both individual housing with 1-2 levels and newer buildings, even with more than 10 levels; the assemblies built in the communist period have between 5 and 11 floors. Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory Map 10. The percentage of residences located in buildings with more than one floor, by census sector in Ploiești municipality Source: Own drawing based on NIS data. RGPL 2011 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 52 Recently, new shopping centers have developed in all the areas of the municipality, especially in the west (Auchan, Selgros, Kaufland, Billa, West Mall, Balif City), in the north (Kaufland, Baumax, Metro, Praktiker, Carrefour, Ploiești Shopping Center), but also in the eastern part (Dedeman, Afi Palace). The industrial, storage, and transport zone is very large, being disposed radially around built-up areas in the suburbs of the city. The 4 major industrial sites in the town are: • Ploiești East-Teleajen platform – where the Teleajen refinery, currently owned by Lukoil, is located; other industrial companies (Feroemail, Uztel), but also trade, services, and transport companies are also placed there. • Ploiești South industrial zone – hosting oil sector facilities, machine building facilities, etc. • Ploiești West-Crâng industrial zone – with a more diversified profile (food industry, chemical industry, building materials, the metalworking, storage, trade, services, etc.). • North industrial zone – where Vega refinery and Rompetrol company are located. In addition to these well-defined platforms, in the city there are also isolated units, scattered in the territory – the North Station area is an example. Most of these industrial sites, which cover 1,000 ha, are currently partly used, Ploiești being among the growth poles with the largest brownfield sites areas in Romania, given its pronounced industrial profile. These areas, which are generally privately owned, have the potential to be rehabilitated and functionally reconverted so as to prevent the expansion of the municipality and promote the model of the compact city. Such an approach is imperative, especially given that the extension of built-up areas is limited by natural and anthropic barriers (rail network, Dâmbu creek, ring roads, industrial zones). The targeted areas with reconversion potential include: Romanian Astra refinery (northern and southern buildings), Upetrom May 1 platform (partially), Grivco platform, Teleajen platform (partially), Dorobanţul platform. Depending on the specific characteristics of each of these areas, the change of their destination could include: the development of planted areas, the construction of housing, public services, shopping areas, etc. After 1990, the industrial zones were extended mainly to the west with the construction of a new industrial park of over 160 ha, plus several other private parks on the territory of Ariceștii Rahtivani commune, of over 300 ha in size. They turned into the main business pole of the city, attracting important foreign and local investors (Yazaki, Cameron, Kaufland, Johnson Controls, Calsonic Kansel, etc.) and creating thousands of jobs. Green and recreation areas occupy a quite limited space (only 2% of the urban area) that – besides the fact that the city is located in a plain area, which lacks extensive natural or woodland surfaces and has instead large industrial zones and heavy traffic – represent one of the main problems of the community. The average area of green space per capita is about 7 m2 per inhabitant, in contrast to the other Romanian growth poles, with an average of about 20 m2, and to international standards of 25-30 m2 per inhabitant. Of these, 15.4 ha are public gardens, 55.7 ha are recreational parks, 10.4 ha consist of other kinds of green spaces, and 16.2 ha are sports areas. The largest park in the municipality is Tineretului Park. Besides this, the municipality has several other smaller parks located near the West Railway Station, the South Railway Station, along Independenței Boulevard, Republicii Boulevard, within Ploiești North district, “Mihai Viteazu” Park, “I.G. Duca” Park, “Nichita Stănescu” Park, the park in front of the House of Unions, the Central Markets, the Administrative Palace, etc. Currently, the West Municipal Park is undergoing landscaping works, financed with European funds worth over EUR 20 million; at the end, it will have an area of 58 ha and will increase the average area of green spaces at more than 9 square meters per inhabitant. As well, the municipality has many stadiums, sports grounds and a hippodrome, the only one in Romania that enables horse trot. The municipality’s spatial development trends are also illustrated at the level of the Zonal Urban Plans (ZUP), prepared during 2007-2014. The list in Annex 1.1 gives an insight into the relatively low investment dynamics in this period: • 20 of the 180 ZUPs were initiated by the public sector (most of them by Ploiești municipality) and refer to changes at the level of land use / land occupancy indicators for municipal investments, parceling for housing, accessibility, etc. With the exception of the ZUPs for housing construction via the National Housing Agency (ANL), most investment refers to infrastructure projects contained in the IDP 2007-2013 - covering the investment capacity of the local public administration to a significant extent. • The documentation initiated by the private sector – individuals and companies – generally refer to housing, offices / company headquarters, or extension thereof. Many ZUPs envisage changes of urban indicators for these functions, which prove not necessarily an increase in investment, but the need for the current regulations to be reconsidered in the new GUP that is currently under development. 53 1 I The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory 54 Map 11. Functional areas in Ploiești Growth Pole 1.1.3. Location, natural features, and brief history Ploiești Growth Pole (GP) is located in the 3rd Development Region – South Muntenia. Ploiești municipality, which is the residence of Prahova county, belongs to the most urbanized county in the country, with two municipalities and 12 towns. It is located at 60 km from Bucharest, at 30 km from the “Henri Coandă” international airport, and in the vicinity of major transport corridors: Bucharest-Brașov railroad thoroughfare, TEN-IV and TEN-IX corridors. Map 12: Locating Ploiești Growth Pole In terms of morphological units, the GP is located in a plain area, Ploiești Plain, which is situated in the Prahova river basin, with its main tributary, Teleajen river. One of its tributaries is Dâmbu, with an area of 190 km2 and a length of 39 km. In terms of valuable mineral resources, Ploiești–Prahova GP has mainly oil and clays, but is positioned in the vicinity of large reserves of mineral water, salt, limestone, sandstone, and sand. The climate is temperate continental, with an average annual temperature of 10.0°C, the coldest month being January (-2°C) and the warmest July (22°C). The global solar radiation is 125 Kcal/m2/year, and the average sunshine duration is 2,150 hours/year. The average annual rainfall is of about 600 mm/year, the cloud cover is of about 100 days/year 55 and the average wind speed is 2.3 m/s, with prevailing winds from the northeast and east. On average, there are around 15 days of snow/year, the snow lasting 50 days, and its average thickness being of 15 cm. The specific natural vegetation in Ploiești area is the steppe, although it has been replaced almost entirely by Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory agricultural crops and constructions. Discontinuous territories are occupied by beech and oak forests, alternating with crops, vineyards, and orchards. In the area, one can find rare specimens of oak, such as the gray and the pedunculat oaks, as well as other xerophyte herbaceous plants: Artemisia austriaca, Poa bulbosa, Agropyron cristatum, Cynodon dactylon, Verbascum. The soils in the area are mostly cambic, argillaceous-alluvial chernozems, red-brown podzolic, and argillaceous-alluvial. All these are favorable for grain and corn crops. In the floodplains that cross the plain there are large areas covered with silt, alluvial soils, marshy grounds, phreatic-wet chernozems, which are favorable for grains and vegetables. The first historical artifacts discovered in the area date back to around 300 BC – they are the traces of Dacian settlements during the ruling of Burebista and of Dridu culture. Ploiești municipality was first attested in the sixteenth century and became a major urban center during the reign of Michael the Brave, who conferred on it the status of princely borough in 1597, making it also a basis for military operations. Its development continued in the eighteenth century too, but by the mid of the nineteenth century, it did not exceed a population of 10,000 inhabitants. Then, with the development of mining activity and oil processing, the city witnessed an explosive growth of the population, reaching 80,000 inhabitants in the interwar period, during which time it was the residence of Prahova County. Since it had been the national oil industry center, the city was bombed and severely damaged during the Second World War, but has continued to grow during the Communist period due to the process of forced industrialization and urbanization. Therefore, in the late 80s, the municipality’s population reached 250,000 inhabitants. The other localities of the growth pole area are also mentioned in documents from the sixteenth century or even later, being generally franklin villages, which developed especially after the beginning of the nineteenth century. The latest of these is the Plopeni town, which was established as a colony around the armament factory in 1938. Some have become towns only after the Second World War (Băicoi – 1948; Boldeşti-Scăeni, and Plopeni – 1968). 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 56 1.1.4. Demography and migration At the General Population and Housing Census in 2011, the administrative-territorial units belonging to Ploiești Growth Pole had a total stable population of 327,309 inhabitants, of which 209,945 resided in Ploiești municipality. This represents 44% of the total population of Prahova county, 10% of the South Muntenia region, and 1.7% of Romania’s population. In terms of geo-demographical size, Ploiești municipality is the ninth largest city in Romania, and Ploiești Growth Pole is the eighth largest agglomeration. The average population density on its territory is of 539 inhabitants/km², about three times higher than that of Prahova county and about 6 times higher than the national average, which indicates a large population concentration in this area from the nineteenth century onwards. Figure 8. Romanian Growth Poles’ stable population in 2011 2 500 000 2 000 000 1 500 000 1 000 000 500 000 0 i a ra și a a ov ti șt nţ ov oc eș Ia oa aș re ta ai ap oi iș Br cu Cr Pl ns -N m Bu Co Ti uj Cl Growth Pole Metropolitan area Source: NIS, Final RGPL results, 2011. Own processing From the perspective of population dynamics between the last two censuses, between 2002 and 2011, the population of Ploiești municipality fell by 9.7% and that of the Growth Pole by 7.5%. As can be seen, the population fell faster in the urban nucleus than in the Growth Pole, which suggests a phenomenon of suburbanization and of migration from Ploiești to neighboring localities, where the cost of living is lower, as it is the price of land or housing, and where the surfaces are large enough for the expansion of residential areas. Even at the level of the Growth Pole, the population dynamics were different in the past decade. The small urban centers around Ploiești (-10.2% in Băicoi, -19.7% in Plopeni, -3.1% in Boldeşti-Scăeni) have witnessed significant decreases of the population, which was affected by the restructuring process and the economic reorientation, especially in the secondary sector, given that these towns didn’t have a diverse economic structure, but rather a mono-industrial profile. On the other hand, a number of communes adjoined to Ploiești municipality registered a positive growth of the population, especially those in the north and west (Păuleşti: +13.8%, Blejoi: +8.2%, Târgşoru Vechi: +6%). Other localities in the Growth Pole recorded either a stagnation of the population (Bărcăneşti, Berceni, Bucov, Valea Călugărească) or a decline of it (Brazi, Dumbrăvești, Ariceștii Rahtivani), being less involved in the process of suburbanisation, primarily on account of a longer distance to the urban core and lower accessibility. Figure 9. Population dynamics of the TAUs forming Ploiești Growth Pole during 2002-2011 2002 = 100% 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 i i hi gă eni ă ti v Sc i ni br zi ed ști P Bă i oi i n en șt t şo ejo -R co Bă asc ZM eș eș a ic c va ăe le e Br Ve c op tii Bu Bl ăn ăv oi Că Ber ld hti u re Pl ia Pl Pă ru rc ti- ă m lu eș M Du rg Tâ eș Bo a ic le Ar Va Source: NIS, RGPL final results, 2011. Own processing 57 1 I The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory 58 Map 13. Distribuția populației în Polul de Creștere The causes of this demographic decline is primarily related to internal migration (80% towards Bucharest and Ilfov county) and external migration (mostly to Italy, Spain, UK, France, Germany), but also to the negative natural growth. As well, in the last 15 years there is a phenomenon of return migration, especially in the case of pensioners and the unemployed, who prefer to come back to their home areas, usually rural, and to avoid the high costs of living in the urban areas. Once returned to those areas, they get to practice even subsistence agriculture for self-consumption. Compared to other growth poles in Romania, Ploiești Growth Pole registered a more pronounced demographic decline, being exceeded only by that of Craiova. Moreover, despite the unfavorable demographic context nationally, there is clear evidence of three urban poles (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara), which continue to attract residents due to strong economic development – especially within the services sector – and increasing employment opportunities. In contrast, Craiova, Ploiești, and Brașov recorded a phenomenon of de-concentration on account of the reduced distance from the capital, which significantly limits the polarization area, but also because of a still industry-dominated economic profile. Figure 10. Population dynamics in peri-urban areas within Romania’s Growth Poles during 2002-2011 2002 = 100% 110 105 100 95 90 85 80 ca ra i a și ov ti a șt nţ ov eș Ia oa aș po re ta ai oi iș Br cu Na Cr Pl ns m Bu - Co Ti uj Cl Source: NIS, RGPL final results, 2011. Own processing In terms of gender structure, there is a tendency towards feminisation of the population, females representing in 2011 52.3% of the total population in the Growth Pole and 53% of the total population in Ploiești municipality. This phenomenon is caused by the higher male death rate across most age groups (women’s life expectancy is about seven years higher than that of men) and greater male workforce migration following the employment decline in heavy industry sectors, where most jobs are intended for men. In terms of ethnic composition, 97.4% of the people in the Growth Pole and 97.1% of those living in Ploiești municipality have declared themselves Romanian at the census in 2011, this percentage being higher than the national average, situated below 90%, other ethnic groups being underrepresented. Of these, the Roma group still stands, representing 2.3% of the population. However, the actual number of Roma inhabitants is higher, many of them declaring themselves Romanian at the Census. A higher proportion of Roma population is recorded in the communes of Dumbrăvești (8.8% of total population) and Bucov (5.3%), as well as in Boldești-Scăeni (5.3%) city. The religious structure of the population is also homogenous. Thus, 96.8% of the people in the Growth Pole and 97.2% of those living in Ploiești municipality declared themselves in the 2011 census as being Orthodox; they were followed from afar by small groups of Christian Evangelists (0.8%), Pentecostals (0.6%), Seventh-day Adventists (0.5%), Roman Catholics (0.3%), Evangelicals (0.3%), Baptists (0.1%), and so on. The only localities where the share of the Orthodox is less than 95% are Târgşoru Vechi and Brazi, both having large communities of Christian Evangelists (representing 7.3% and 4.9% respectively of the total population) and Pentecostals. 59 The structure by age of the population both in Ploiești municipality and in Ploiești Growth Pole points to a phenomenon of demographic aging that is increasingly pronounced and more advanced than in other growth poles (Iași, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Bucharest). The dependence of the population based on age, expressed as a ratio between the elderly (over 60 years) and the young people aged up to 15 years, is above 100% (i.e. 156%), which shows that younger generations Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory are unable to fully replace the older generations that retire. Compared to the previous census, that of 2002, the share of young population has decreased by over 1%, while the elderly population increased by 4.6%, a trend that will continue in the future on account of the increase of life expectancy, fall of birth rates to historic lows, and migration of young workforce to Bucharest municipality or other countries. Thus, by 2020, it is expected that the share of people over 60 years to reach 30% of the total population, which will create increased pressure on the market of medical services and social services, the pension system, but also the labor market. Map 14. The population structure of Ploiești municipality by age and census sector in 2011 1 Source: Own drawing based on NIS data. RGPL 2011 The Growth Pole’s Profile The highest values regarding the dependence of the population by age, indicating the presence of an unfavorable pyramid of ages that tends to reverse, are to be found in localities like Băicoi (182%), Ploiești (169%), Păuleşti (169%), and Dumbrăvești (156%), which will continue to have a negative natural growth in the medium and long term. In contrast, a number of localities have a younger population and more favorable prospects for demographic revitalization: Târgşoru Vechi (92%), Berceni (102%), Bucov (109%), and Valea Călugărească (115%). Despite the increased rate of demographic aging, the working age population (14-59 years) continues to represent almost 2/3 of the total population, which is an important stock of labor force. Almost 50% of the active population is aged between 40 and 59, these people being among those most at risk of social exclusion because they were educated and qualified for jobs before 1989, and these jobs are no longer largely required on the local labor market. I 60 Figure 11. Population age pyramid for Ploiești Growth Pole 85 years 80-85 years 75-79 years 70-75 years Female 65-69 years 60-64 years Male 55-59 years 50-54 years 45-49 years 40-44 years 35-39 years 30-34 years 25-29 years 20-24 years 15-19 years 10-14 years 5-9 years 0-4 years -20 000 -15 000 -10 000 -5 000 0 5 000 10 000 15 000 20 000 Source: NIS, Final RGPL results, 2011. Own processing As regards the structure of the population by educational level, 20.8% of the inhabitants of the Growth Pole graduated from higher education systems, 5.8% have completed post-secondary and foremen studies, 29.2% have graduated from high school, 14.6% from technical and vocational schools, 18.8% secondary schools, 9.8% primary schools, and 1.8% have not completed their studies. Even though the percentage of graduates has increased by nearly 10 percentage points compared to 2002, it is lower compared to the other growth poles in Romania. This is explained by the migration of highly skilled workforce to Bucharest or to other countries, where employment opportunities for university graduates are better. Map 15. The population structure in Ploiești municipality by education level and census sector in 2011 Source: Own drawing based on NIS data. RGPL 2011 61 On the other hand, in Ploiești municipality there is a significant number of people with medium-level education, trained especially in industries that dominated the local economy during the communist period. Figure 12. Romania’s Growth Poles’ population structure by the level of graduated studies Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory 100% 90% No studies 80% Primary 70% Secondary 60% 50% Technical and vocational 40% High school 30% 20% Post-secondary and fore- men studies 10% 0% Higher education -N ti a ti ra și Co ova a ov oc ș nţ eș Ia oa re aș ap ta ai oi cu iș Br Cr Pl ns m Bu uj Ti Cl Source: NIS, Final RGPL results, 2011. Own processing As regards the natural movement of population, the natural increase is negative since the ‘90s, amid the dramatic drop of birth rates, along with a slight increase in mortality. The causes are related to unfavorable socioeconomic conditions for starting a family, emigration of young people and population aging. Thus, the birth rate in the Growth Pole dropped in 2013 to a minimum (7.8/1,000 inhabitants), i.e. below the national (9.3), regional (8.4) and county (8) averages, witnessing 1‰ decrease compared to 2007. Moreover, about 6.3‰ of mothers who gave birth to a child don’t reside in the country. In parallel, the mortality rate increased from 10.2‰ to 10.6‰ in the same period, despite the increase in life expectancy, but remains below the national (11.7), regional (13) and county (12.1) averages due to easier access to medical services. In this context, natural deficit widened after 2007. The numbers of marriages also decreased by 36‰, especially amid the global economic crisis, which was unfavorable to starting families. The number of divorces fell by 39‰, and infant mortality rates reached 6‰ (compared to 8-9‰ in 2000), one of the lowest values in Romania, which shows improved access to medical services. In the component localities, a higher birth rate is recorded only in the municipalities Dumbrăvești, Târgșoru Vechi and Valea Călugărească (over 10‰ in 2007-2013), while the minimum is recorded in Păuleşti commune and the cities of Plopeni and Băicoi (below 7‰), which have an aged population and faced a sharp economic decline in the past two decades (especially in Plopeni town). As for the mortality rate, its recorded values were below average in localities with a younger population (Târgşoru Vechi, Plopeni, Boldeşti-Scăeni) and in Ploiești municipality, which has a more complex offer of medical services. The highest incidence of mortality was recorded in localities with a high proportion of elderly population and access to primary healthcare, as in Băicoi, Brazi, Dumbrăvești, Ariceștii Rahtivani, Valea Călugărească. Therefore, the average natural growth for 2007-2013 was positive only in Plopeni city and in Târgşoru Vechi commune, the minimum values being recorded in Băicoi (-4.7‰), Brazi (-4.7‰), Ariceștii Rahtivani (-4.1‰) and Păuleşti (-4‰). Ploiești municipality has also recorded an average natural increase of -1.5‰. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 62 Figure 13. Dynamic regarding the birth rate, mortality, natural increase, marriage, divorce, and child mortality in Ploiești Growth Pole during 2007-2013 12.0 10.0 8.0 Birth rate Mortality 6.0 Natural increase 4.0 Marriages 2.0 Divorces Child mortality 0.0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 -2.0 -4.0 Source: NIS, Final RGPL results, 2011. Own processing The total migratory balance of Ploiești Growth Pole is negative, and the balance of domicile changes during 2007- 2013 reached -3.177 people; this contributed by about 40% to the reduction of the number of inhabitants. However, migration is under-represented in official statistics of the NIS, because a simple comparison between the stable population (with the actual residency in the area) of the territory concerned and the legal population (with the domicile in the area) shows a deficit of about 35,000 people, of which 30,000 are found only in the municipality, which represents around 10% of the total population. These are people who actually live in another town in Romania or in another country, but who still have the domicile in one of the territorial-administrative units that belong to Ploiești Growth Pole. During the 2011 census, data could be collected only from about 18,000 of these people, which indicates that around 80% have been living abroad for a long time. As well, a significant number was residing in Bucharest and Ilfov county, the capital attracting a significant number of young people for studies or for better paid jobs in different areas of interest. External migration phenomenon is the most intense in Plopeni (about 9‰ of the domiciled population), a town that has a large workforce and that witnessed a massive wave of dismissals in the last two decades, on account of its single-industry character acquired before 1990. As well, emigration rates above 5% of the population domiciling in the city are registered in Băicoi city, Dumbrăvești and Bucov communes, which witness reduced local employment opportunities as well. Inside the Growth Pole, one can observe a phenomenon of suburbanization. Thus, while in the cities of Ploiești and Plopeni, negative values of internal migration are recorded, in the rural areas around the municipality (Păuleşti, Blejoi, Târgşoru Vechi, Bucov, Bărcăneşti) there are positive values of migratory movements due to the people who move mainly in Ploiești. However, these internal migration flows are offset by the growing intensity of external migration, determining a slow growth of the stable population in these communes (by less than 1% per year). Figura 14. Population life expectancy (in years) by Life expectancy of the population in Ploiești Growth gender during 2007-2012 Pole has steadily increased in recent years, reaching 80 almost 76 years now – 72 years for men and 79 years for women –, but remains below the EU average, which 78 is 80 years for both genders. This increasing trend of 76 average life duration is expected to continue in the future up to a convergence with the European average, amid 74 the improvement of access to modern medical services, 72 life progress, the adoption of a healthier lifestyle, etc. Increased life expectancy will lead to greater demographic 70 aging, especially since it is correlated with a decrease in 68 birth rates to historic lows and the emigration of young people. 66 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Total Male Female Source: NIS, TEMPO Online database 63 1 I The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory 64 Map 16. Active population that works in localities other than the ones they reside in 1.1.5. Local development and regional synergies Local human development According to the values of the Local Human Development Index (LHDI), computed by Prof. Univ. Dr. Dumitru Sandu at University of Bucharest for the World Bank Report “Competitive Cities. Reshaping the Economic Geography of Romania”, Ploiești municipality is among Romania’s developed urban centers thanks to its complex functions and its infrastructure, which serves both the county and the region. Still, the performances of Ploiești are placed under those of other Romanian growth poles, such as Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest, Timișoara, or Iași, which benefit from more complex infrastructure and social services, Constanța Growth Pole being the only one that is overtopped by Ploiești from this point of view. These development gaps have widened over the period 2002-2011. Figure 15. Local Human Development Index (LHDI) at the growth pole level in Romania, 2002 and 2011 Local Human Development Index LHDI 2002 LHDI 2011 106 102 99 100 101 98 91 94 84 76 77 76 76 79 74 68 i și ca ra a ov a ti șt nţ ov eș Ia oa aș po re ta ai oi iș Br cu Na Cr Pl ns m Bu - Co Ti uj Cl Source: World Bank, 2014 Marginalized urban communities in Ploiești Growth Pole Urban marginalization becomes visible through spatial concentration of deprived population in communities located in certain areas within urban settlements. Therefore, in order to analyze this phenomenon, the study should be done at a level that is as confined as possible and not at the territorial-administrative level. The data collected during the 2011 census provides a unique opportunity to conduct such an analysis at the level of smaller territorial units, i.e. census sectors. The smallest geographical area for running a census is the census sector, which usually comprises around 200 people. Thus, the micro-data from the census of 2011 and aggregated at the census sector level were used for analysis. The main limitation of this analysis is that the overlap between marginalized communities and census sectors is only partial. Marginalised communities are not always entirely concentrated in one census sector, therefore community characteristics cannot be always analyzed at this level. Figure 20 shows some typical examples for this. Example 1 illustrates a situation in which a large community covers several census sectors. Example 2 describes a situation in which a community covers parts of two or more census sectors. Example 3 corresponds to a situation in which a small community is located in a census sector along with other population groups. And finally, Example 4 shows a community that is located on the outskirts (e.g. improvised shelters located near landfills), partly inside, partly outside the town. Census data are not best suited for identifying similar situations for the last example. In such areas, some locals did not take part to the census, and those who did were assigned to the census sectors located nearby. So, by using aggregate data at the census sector level, communities of this kind can be identified or reconstituted only partially. 65 Figure 16. Examples of field interaction between census sectors and specific communities Example Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory Example 4 3 Example Example 1 2 Within the built-up areas Outside of built-up areas NotE: The cells indicate the area inside the town that is divided into census sectors, while the figures indicate specific communities. The most relevant, practical, measurable, and useful dimensions for defining different types of disadvantaged areas are: (1) human capital (i.e. education, health, and demographic behavior); (2) employment; and (3) housing quality. For each of these dimensions one can assign a set of indicators for which data from the 2011 census are available. The initial typology, which resulted from the literature review, was based on a set of 13 indicators for the identification of these areas through quantitative research methods. Afterwards, the set of indicators was reduced to seven key indicators. Three indicators correspond to human capital, three other refer to housing, and an indicator is related to employment. By using data from the 2011 census, the values corresponding to each of the seven key indicators were computed for each urban census sector. Likewise, for each of the seven key indicators, the threshold above which it was considered that the census did not provide an appropriate standard was set at 801 percentile at the national urban level. By counting the indicators exceeding the corresponding urban threshold, a summative index was calculated for each dimension. In this way it can be seen whether a specific census sector is characterized by low levels of human capital, by limited employment in the formal sector, or by precarious housing. A census sector is considered as having a low level of human capital if any two of the three indicators have values that exceed the correspondent urban threshold, established at the national urban level. In other words, a census sector is considered disadvantaged in terms of human capital if it is characterized by a concentration of the following categories of vulnerability: (i) active population with low levels of education; (ii) children; (iii) persons with disabilities or with other health problems. «Concentration» means a share of that category in the respective total population, which figures among the highest 20% values of all urban census sectors. A census sector is defined as having a low level of employment in the formal sector if it has a concentration of unemployed and/or people not enrolled in the formal labor market; in this context, «concentration» means a share of that category in the total active population in the area, which figures among the highest 20% values of all urban census sectors. A census sector is considered as having poor housing if any two of the three indicators have values that exceed the 1 correspondent urban threshold, established at the national urban level. In other words, a census sector is considered disadvantaged in terms of housing if it has a concentration of at least two of the following vulnerability categories: (i) people living in dwellings without electricity; (ii) people living in overcrowded spaces; (iii) households facing housing The Growth Pole’s Profile insecurity. «Concentration» means a share of that category in the area, which figures among the highest 20% values of all urban census sectors. 1 Using the 80 percentile leads to a proportion of marginalized urban population (of the total urban population) that provides a suitable measure for the resources that can be made available under a CLLD program. The analysis took into account other thresholds such as 70 and 90 percentiles. I These, however, would have resulted in marginalized urban population proportions (of the total urban population) too high or too low in relation to the resources expected to be made available. 66 In this context, the situation in the particular case of Ploiești municipality is as follows: • For the 2011 census, 930 census sectors were delineated in Ploiești, with an average of 226 people each. The size of census sectors varies significantly, from a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 1915 people. • Of all census sectors, 1.8% are very small (less than 50 people), while 3.1% are large (at least 500 inhabitants). • Depending on the methodology for identifying marginalized areas, the 930 census sectors in Ploiești are distributed as follows: Zone type Number Non-disadvantaged 762 Disadvantaged in terms of housing 51 Disadvantaged in terms of employment 31 Disadvantaged in terms of human capital 47 Marginalized 16 Other case* 23 * Other case relates to census sectors with less than 50 inhabitants and those with various institutions (e.g., pensions, retirement homes, prisons, convents, etc.) without or with a very small number of households. The disadvantaged zones in terms of housing (according to the Atlas of marginalized urban areas) are districts in which a significant part of the population lives in inadequate dwellings, and may be characterized by a low education level or not, but in which most part of the population has a job in the formal labor market. This category includes the urban areas with poor infrastructure and old quarters of houses located on the outskirts of cities, also with poor or no infrastructure. It also includes areas of blocks or houses built mainly in the 60s-70s, which are in a poor condition and with residents not having the required resources for improvements and renovations. These areas are heterogeneous with respect to population. The houses might be owned by elderly people with chronic health problems. In this category are included the urban areas with many young tenants, who have a good education level, but who cannot afford to buy their own dwellings (for instance in Bucharest and in major university centers). In conclusion, a disadvantaged urban zone in terms of housing is a census sector in which the conditions of living are precarious, but the level of employment in the formal sector is not low, and there may be low education levels or not. 67 Map 17. The number of dwellings without toilets in Ploiești municipality by census sector in 2011 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory Source: Own drawing, based on NIS data. RGPL 2011 In Ploiești municipality, the state of facts is as follows: • There are 51 census sectors identified as disadvantaged in terms of housing, with an average number of 225 inhabitants each (min. = 78 persons/zone; max. = 910 persons/zone). • 11,504 people, of which 2020 (18%) are children, live in disadvantaged zones in terms of housing. • 195 people self-identify as Roma (1.7%). The disadvantaged zones in terms of employment (according to the Atlas of marginalized urban areas) are, by definition, census sectors in which residents do not have an educational deficit, but fail to find a job in the formal sector, regardless 1 of their living conditions (housing conditions vary and are not defining for the zone). This category generally refers to areas that had a high concentration of enterprises during the communist regime. Most residents of these areas have an average education level and hold various professional qualifications in the industry sector generally. But after 1990 The Growth Pole’s Profile they faced the closure of the former socialist enterprises. Despite the presence of qualified professional workforce, in these areas few private investments were made in the last twenty years and, as a consequence, the employment opportunities in the formal sector are limited. I 68 Map 18. Share of the unemployed in the total population at the level of census sectors in Ploiești municipality in 2011 Source: Own drawing, based on NIS data. RGPL 2011 In Ploiești, the state of facts is as follows: • There are 31 census sectors with an average number of 222 people each (min. = 79 persons/zone; max. = 366 persons/ zone). • 6,907 people, of which 1,198 (17%) are children, live in disadvantaged zones in terms of employment. • 336 people self-identify as Roma (5%). The disadvantaged zones in terms of human capital (according to the Atlas of marginalized urban areas) include people with low levels of formal education, who may have a job or not, but whose living conditions are considered standard for urban areas in Romania. These urban areas are inhabited by unqualified persons working in agriculture, constructions and other sectors, in many cases informally. The level of employment in the formal sector is typically low, but this is caused by low levels of human capital. Therefore, interventions in such zones must be focused on workforce qualification. 69 Map 19. Share of people without education across census sectors in Ploiești municipality in 2011 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory Source: Own drawing, based on NIS data. RGPL 2011. In Ploiești municipality, the state of facts is as follows: • There are 31 census sectors with an average number of 295 people each (min. = 101 persons/zone; max. = 578 persons/zone); • 13,905 people, of which 3,720 (27%) are children, live in disadvantaged zones in terms of employment. • 1,590 people self-identify as Roma (11%). Marginalized urban zones (according to the Atlas of marginalized urban areas) are city areas that accumulate disadvantages in terms of human capital, employment, and housing. In most cases these are poor, socially isolated, located within cities and not reflected in the statistics on poverty rates calculated at the locality or county level. 1 Marginalized zones are true conglomerates of social exclusion that include people with low levels of human capital (low education, poor health, large number of children), low employment level in the formal sector and poor housing conditions. In many cases, the inhabitants of these areas have separate schools, in which only children from poor families are enrolled; they live in low quality apartment buildings or in slums, characterized by insecurity and petty crimes. The Growth Pole’s Profile The strong stigma associated with these places, apart from the lack or poor quality of services (education, health, infrastructure) drastically reduces the chances of the population to escape poverty. These areas are the most suitable candidates for Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) interventions, performed in the cities of Romania. I 70 Map 20. Disadvantaged and marginalized zones in Ploiești municipality Source: Own drawing In Ploiești municipality, the state of facts is as follows: • In the 16 census sectors identified as marginalized are living 5,130 people (2.4% of the population of Ploiești). • The average number of people living in a marginalized census sector is 321 (with a min. of 92 persons/zone and a max. of 532 persons/zone); • Of the 5,130 people living in marginalized areas, 23% (1,199) identify themselves as Roma, compared to only 0.92% of people in the total population of the non-marginalized census sectors who declare themselves as Roma; • Of the total population living in marginalized areas, 30% are children; the percentage is double compared with the proportion of children in the population from non-marginalized census sectors. The most socially vulnerable zones identified in Ploiești municipality are located at the periphery, especially in the south and east of the city: Mimiu, Râfov, Pictor Rosenthal, Moțoi, Bereasca, the first of them standing out by the complexity of housing, employment, and human capital problems, which require the implementation of such measures as those pertaining to Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) approach. 71 Regional synergies The localities for which Ploiești is the closest large city of over 200,000 inhabitants are located inclusively outside Prahova county, i.e. in the Buzău and Dâmbovița counties and in the south of Argeș county, in northern Wallachia. Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory The impact of Ploiești on the regional labor market and in the sphere of housing is highly intense, especially in the localities of Prahova county. The two phenomena of commuting for work and establishment of domicile (immigration2) in Ploiești municipality represent the human aspect of urban connectivity. The groups of localities that revolve around the same urban center of convergence with similar intensity tend to have similar problems and similar resources in the development process. Levels and types of development/poverty at the local level About 60% of the population of Prahova county lives in developed localities in terms of human capital3, while the national average is 56%. A better situation in this regard is recorded in some Transylvanian counties (Brașov, Cluj, Sibiu, Hunedoara, Timiș) and in Ilfov and Constanța, in the south. In Prahova localities with an average level of human development live approximately 30% of the county population. The rest of about 10% of the population lives in poor localities. Such a small share of people living in poor communities is recorded only in Ilfov and Brașov counties. Prahova’s upper developed localities are located mainly on the circular lane around Ploiești city and on the traffic lane of E60 road linking Ploiești to Câmpina, the tourist towns on Prahova Valley and Predeal from Brașov county. Tourist resorts – Sinaia, Buşteni, and Azuga – have the highest level of human development in the town series. The most developed communes, with maximum values for Local Human Development Index (LHDI) are Blejoi, Bucov, and Măgurele, in the vicinity of Ploiești; Cornu and Băneşti, in the vicinity of Câmpina, on E60 road. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile 2 “Immigration” is used in the sense of establishing the domicile or residence in a particular locality within the national space. The second sense of the term, i.e. establishing the residence in another country, is not used in the context of this micro-regional analysis. 3 The development level of localities is measured by the Local Human Development Index (LHDI 2011), constructed by Professor Dumitru Sandu, and by its component indicators - education, life expectancy at birth, housing infrastructure (habitable surface per housing, gas consumption in households, and cars per 1,000 inhabitants), and average age of the population over 18 years – considered independently or in combination within a certain typology of local human development. The typology of local human development starts, just as LHDI, from the four mentioned indicators, but it does not admit compensation effects between their values and, based on a cluster analysis model with predetermined centers, it distinguishes between the following types of localities: developed; middle developed; poor, with structural poverty (poor education, aging, and reduced housing infrastructure capital); poor, with aging population; poor, but with young population. Calculations for LHDI include 103 out of the 104 territorial-administrative units (communes and towns) of Prahova county. Jugureni commune, with only 613 inhabitants at the 2011 census, was not included in the analysis, given the instability of the figures for very small localities. With the exception of data regarding the distances I between localities, the rest of the data used in this section are from the National Institute of Statistics’ (NIS) the 2011 population and household census. Calculations for life expectancy at birth at the locality level were also made by NIS. 72 Map 21. Local Human Development Typology in Prahova County (2011) Source: Own drawing All the three groups of upper developed localities in the county are located along major traffic corridors: Ploiești – Brașov (E60), Ploiești – Vălenii de Munte – Brașov (A1) and Ploiești – Buzău, via Urlaţi and Mizil (E577). Poor communes (see table below) are located mostly in the eastern part of the county, towards the border with Buzău. The maximum level of poverty is reached in the Tătaru and Călugăreni communes (in the vicinity of Năeni, another commune just as poor, located in Buzău) and in the south, at Sălciile. All are small communes: Tătaru with less than 1,000 inhabitants, Călugăreni with less than 1,300 inhabitants, and Sălciile with less than 2,000 inhabitants. The state of fact at Sălciile proves the best4 what cumulative poverty means in Prahova. Their poverty is generalized to all types of resources or capital considered – educational, material, health state, and working age. In terms of severity, structural poverty is closest to generalized poverty and resides in pronounced deficiencies in terms of education, housing infrastructure, and working age population (but scoring fairly well with respect to health). Of the 11 communes from this category, the most part are located in the east of the county, in the proximity of Buzău. The communes that are typical for structural poverty are Lapoș, located in the central-eastern part of the county, Boldești-Grădiştea in southeast, and Poenarii Burchii in the south of the county. A thorough research on this type of poverty in the county could begin from these aspects. 4 The analysis technique used for identifying poverty types, “K-means Cluster Analysis”, allows not only the identification of types, but also the detection of typical cases, i.e. those for which the distance from the cluster center (average) is minimal. 73 Figure 17. Local Human Development Index (LHDI) in developed and poor localities in Prahova county LHDI – developed localities Poverty type Târgșoru Vechi 40 Sălcele 26 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory Cumulative Filipeștii de Pădure 42 poverty on all Călugăreni 28 criteria Poiana Câmpina 42 Tătaru 29 Valea Călugărească 42 Vadu Săpat 31 Brazi 43 Chiojdeanca 32 Bărcănești 44 Păcureţi 32 Pverty in Ariceștii Rahtivani 44 Gherghiţa 33 localities with Communes Florești 44 relatively ag- Olari 33 ing population Lipănești 44 Balta Doamnei 34 Măgurele 45 Predeal-Sărari 34 Bucov 46 Baba Ana 35 Bănești 47 Poverty in loc. șotrile 35 with young Cornu 49 pop. Podenii Noi 37 Blejoi 50 Boldești-Grădiștea 29 Salcia 29 Urlaţi 43 Ariceștii Zeletin 30 Comarnic 44 Lapoș 30 Mizil 44 Colceag 31 Structural Câmpina 47 Fulga 31 poverty Boldești-Scăeni 47 Gura Vadului 32 Breaza 47 Poienarii Burchii 34 Towns Băicoi 48 Cosminele 35 Vălenii de Munte 48 Provița de Sus 35 Ploiești 49 Tinosu 37 Plopeni 50 Azuga 51 Bușteni 52 Sinaia 52 Source: Own drawing *Note: The localities marked in bold are typical within the development – poverty category. These are the places in which the characteristics that define the type of locality in question are best represented. Sălciile commune, for example, is typical for cumulative poverty on all the four criteria used for classification. 1 The eight poor communes, with an aging population, are located in the proximity of the town of Mizil (Baba Ana and Vadu Săpat) and the town of Vălenii de Munte (Păcureți, Predeal-Sărari, Chiojdeanca), as well as in the south of the The Growth Pole’s Profile county. The two poor communes with young adult population are Șotrile and Podenii Noi. In the former, the share of Roma in the total population was 16% at the last census in 2011. The Local Human Development Index (LHDI) was also calculated at the locality level – a relevant analysis for the villages in the county and in the growth pole. The 98 poor villages in Prahova are rather dispersed, being located in communes with very different levels of development/poverty. Only six of the 98 villages are characterized by cumulative poverty in terms of education, employment, housing, working age, and mobility (Valea Unghiului, Trestienii de Jos, Trestienii de Sus, Lutu Roșu, Malu Roșu, Nucet). The rest are poor in terms of housing, population age, or shortage of human capital. Poverty reduction policies can be better targeted if we take into account the fact that community poverty is not simply poverty, but poverty linked to a generalized scarcity of resources or to the scarcity of certain resources. I 74 Where do the differences in local development come from? Nationally, urban connectivity – both as human connectivity and regional accessibility to surrounding towns – represents a major precondition for local development. The Local Human Development Index (LHDI) tends to be greater as the reference locality records a higher index of urban connectivity (URBCONECT), has more people that commute for working outside the locality, reported to 1,000 inhabitants (COMMUTERS), and a greater number of people that moved in the locality after 1990 (IMMIGRANTS)5. At the level of Prahova county6, urban connectivity is by far the most important predictor of development – to an extent far greater than at the national level. The communes of Blejoi, Bănești, Bucov, and Cornu, for instance, have maximum connectivity through urban accessibility, and, consequently, very high human development (see figure below). In contrast, communes with very low urban connectivity – Sălciile, Tătaru, Călugăreni and Boldești-Grădiștea – have also a maximum level of poverty in the context of the county. Figure 18. Link between local development and urban connectivity 55 Oraș Sinaia Păulești Oraș Bușteni Blejoi 50 Oraș Azuga Oraș Plopeni Local Human Development Index (LHDI) Oraș Băicoi Corvu Oraș Valenii de Munte Ibănești Oraș Breaza 45 Măgurele Oraș Comarnic Valea Călugărască Florești Poiana Câmpina 40 Scorţeni 35 Proviţa de Sus 30 Tătaru Boldești Grădiș Călugăreni Sălciile LHDI 23.9+7.3* URBCONECT 25 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 Source: Own drawing NotE: Human development and urban connectivity indices for the localities of Prahova. In order to avoid overloading the diagram, we did not include all the locality names of Prahova county. The increase by one unit on the urban connectivity scale tends to lead, on average, to an increase in local development by 7 units on the LHDI scale. If other development factors, such as those included in the development regression equation for Prahova county localities, are kept under control, the previously mentioned coefficient is lower, of about 6 units. As throughout Romania, Prahova cities tend to systematically have a higher level of development than communes. Cities like Sinaia and Breaza have a consistently higher level of development than it would be expected to have based on their urban connectivity. Their touristic profile largely explains this fact. Prahova’s developed localities also tend to have higher rates of immigrant population coming from other localities after 1990. In this case it is about a two-way relationship. On the one hand, local development attracts a greater number of immigrants and, on the other hand, the immigrants’ educational structure, age structure, and professional structure are by themselves local development factors. The practical implications of these findings related to the context that determines development lead to the idea that stimulating development in the county and implicitly reducing poverty in some relatively isolated county areas can be effectively done by enhancing urban connectivity and the localities’ capacity to attract migrants and commuters. This link between local development and urban connectivity is of particular importance in managing and developing projects 5 The multiple linear regression model that supports the allegations from the paragraph is: LHDI2011=13.85+1.29*URBCONECT+3.44*COMMUTERS+0.84*IMMIGRANTS+8.93 *URBAN, R2=0.43. All regression coefficients are significantly greater than zero. A locality has an increasingly higher index of urban connectivity as it is closer to a small town of 30-50 thousand inhabitants, a medium town (50-100 thousand inhabitants), large city (100-200 thousand inhabitants) and a very large city (over 200 thousand inhabitants). 6 LHDI 2011=6.47+6.01*URBCONECT+1.58*COMMUTERS+2.26*IMMIGRANTS+10.18*URBAN, R2=0.64. The coefficient for urban connectivity is statistically significant for p=0.01. The coefficient for COMMUTERS is not statistically significant, and that for IMMIGRANTS is significant for p=0.06. 75 at the level of Ploiești Growth Pole. Basically, the better a locality is connected to Ploiești Pole, the better will develop. This has important implications in terms of prioritizing investments regionally, especially with respect to the connective infrastructure that enables the increase of the polarizing role of Ploiești Growth Pole. Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory Commuting to Ploiești In the series of cities of over 200,000 inhabitants, Ploiești has the greatest capacity to attract for employment people commuting on its territory for working reasons (215 commuters to 1,000 urban inhabitants). The specific model in this case is mainly based on attracting people for employment reasons from within Prahova county (86% of the total number of commuters working in Ploiești at the level of 2011 census). For Ploiești municipality, this kind of model of human connectivity for work results most likely from the two categories of conditionality. First, it is the high density of roads and, generally, of the communication network that facilitates the low-cost movement to Ploiești. Secondly, it is the low percentage of those who come to work here from outside Prahova; this is due to the fact that Ploiești is located between Bucharest and Brașov, two urban centers with a high capacity to attract workforce. People from the south of Muntenia and from a part of Oltenia go for work towards Bucharest, while those from southern Transylvania and a part of northern Wallachia go towards Brașov. In this way, the recruitment pool for Ploiești commuter workforce is largely limited to the area inside the county. Table 4. Capacity to attract commuters for work in cities of over 200,000 inhabitants PLOIEșTI CONSTANțA TIMIșOARA BRAșOV CLUJ IAșI CRAIOVA GALAțI BUCUREșTI Commuters working in the 215 133 133 131 125 110 76 62 82 locality per 1,000 inhabitants % commuters from other 14 20 27 29 27 18 28 29 100 counties than that of domicile Source: NIS. Own calculations The circular lane around Ploiești, which is most intensely used for commuting, overlaps to a large extent with the lane of the most developed communes located in the vicinity of this urban center. The following communes have the highest commuting rates to Ploiești, superior to 140: Blejoi, Berceni, Târgșoru Vechi, Plopu, Păulești, Bucov, Valea Călugărească, Bărcănești, Ariceștii Rahtivani, Albești-Paleologu. Basically, almost the entire Prahova county „breathes economically” through the labor activity at Ploiești. The only exception is the group of localities in the north-west of the county, which revolve more around the tourist resorts on Prahova Valley. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 76 Map 22. Commuting rates from Prahova localities to Ploiești (number of commuters per 1,000 inhabitants) Data source: NIS Immigration (i.e. arrival in the locality by changing the residence) The migratory attraction of Ploiești is very high (97 arrived per 1,000 inhabitants) compared to the levels registered in other cities of over 200,000 inhabitants in Romania. This growth pole (see table below), which scores very well in terms of immigration, is in a similar situation with respect to commuting for arriving in the city (i.e. those who commute in order to work in Ploiești). Table 5. People that established domicile in large cities during 2010-2011 PLOIEșTI CONSTANțA TIMIșOARA BRAșOV CLUJ IAșI CRAIOVA GALAțI BUCUREșTI Arrived and domiciled in the 97 82 67 91 67 89 62 70 19 city per 1,000 inhabitants % arrived in the city from outside the county in which 59.6 54.8 37.1 62.9 34.4 48.0 63.2 74.6 0 the city is located Source: NIS. Own calculations 77 Map 23. Immigration rate from Prahova localities to Ploiești after 2000 (number of immigrants at 1,000 inhabitants) Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory Data source: NIS Individuals who have established their residence in Ploiești city (immigrants) during 2000-2011 represent 97‰ (i.e. 97 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, belonging to the resident population of the city) at the time of the 2011 census. Of the 20,428 immigrants in Ploiești, 59.6% come from localities outside Prahova county. The Growth Pole’s Profile Immigration to Ploiești from inside the county of Prahova usually happens from lagging communes that are relatively far from Ploiești and that send many commuters to work in this city. The distance from the capital city of the county matters less than the level of development and the stock of local commuters who leave to work in Ploiești7. Through immigration Ploiești municipality connects in particular with localities from the southern and central-eastern part of Prahova county (see figure above). The localities with high rates of departure for residing in Ploiești are Urlaţi and Băltești, in the proximity of the city, and also Apostolache, Ciorani, Ariceștii Zeletin, Chiojdeanca, and Tătaru, located farther from the city. 7 IMMIGRANTS to Ploiești =2.6+0.06*DISTANCE up to PLOIEȘTI +0.56*COMMUTERS from locality to Ploiești + -0.08*LHDI for the locality of departure (origin locality) to Ploiești, R2=0.55. The first and last coefficient from the equation are significantly different from 0 for p=0.01. I Specifying the level of significance is relatively conventional because in the analysis are included 84 of the 90 communes of the county. 78 Development effects of territorial mobility networks The communes located in Prahova county tend to be more developed as the commuting flows for work go to more developed localities. The relationship also applies at the national level for all communes. In other words, for the development of the village of origin, not only the activity of commuting for work by itself matters, but also the development level of the locality in which people go to work. Although at a lower level, the same goes for commuting in cities, both in Prahova and the rest of Romanian cities. The practical implication of these series of findings sends to the idea that facilitating commuting to work is beneficial to localities of origin, especially in the cases in which commuting is oriented towards destinations with a high level of development. In other words, facilitating commuting for Prahova inhabitants to Ploiești and the metropolitan area of this city, to Bucharest and the tourist towns from Prahova Valley can contribute to the development of Prahova localities. Table 6. Number of commuters in Prahova county by main destination localities Commuters Commuters arrived from arrived from LHDI 2011 LHDI 2011 Prahova Prahova county county Ploiești municipality 49 38835 Câmpina municipality 47 8845 Păulești 51 2248 Sinaia town 52 2681 Plopeni town 50 1991 Bușteni town 52 1008 Băicoi town 48 1754 Breaza town 47 931 Boldești-Scăeni town 47 1754 Florești 44 1494 București municipality 50 19141 Blejoi 50 1286 Otopeni town 59 1133 Brazi 43 3669 Brașov municipality 52 960 Vălenii de munte town 48 2798 Mizil town 44 1633 Urlați town 43 1508 Source: Own calculations Note: Of about 114,000 Prahova inhabitants leaving for work in other localities in the country, specified in the 2011 census data, approximately 82% go towards the 18 localities mentioned in this table. The importance of the development triangle Ploiești – Bucharest – Prahova Valley tourist cities for the development of Prahova is evident by simply mapping commuting and migration flows in the localities of Prahova since 1999 (see figures on the next page). Labor commuting flows between Ploiești and Bucharest generates residential counter-flows from Bucharest to Ploiești. The processes are similar on the other two axes of human connectivity triangle mentioned above: the migration counter- flow from Bucharest to Prahova Valley corresponds to the commuter flows from the Prahova Valley tourist cities to Bucharest, and migration from Ploiești to Sinaia-Bușteni is counter-flow to commuting from tourist cities to Ploiești. In fact, the relationship between commuting and residential migratory movement is complex, with multiple interactions over which we should not insist in this context. What matters is emphasizing the idea that local development effects don not belong to one or another of the cities mentioned in the analysis, but to a cross-county urban network. Of course, urban networks that lead to development cannot be created overnight. They are the effects of long-term cumulative processes. In line with local and regional development policies, actions for rural non-agricultural activities development can be envisaged; these may function as a substitute for the established urban networks. Similarly, connectivity between communes, given the proximity to each other, can be enhanced by developing efficient transport networks. 8 For rural areas in Prahova we have: IDUL_orig=53.53 + *0.024 * IDUL_dest – 5.138 * ln(Distance to city with more than 200k inhabitants). R2=0.34. The shaded coefficients are significantly different from zero for p=0.05. N=4009 commuter flows between the communes in the county and target sites, wherever these targets may be situated. For the towns in Prahova the regression coefficients are similar to those for communes, but are not significantly different from zero. Given that the analysis is done for all 1500 commuter flows leaving from localities in Prahova, the significance level is conventional. The direction of these relations should be taken into consideration. For all communes in Romania we have: IDUL_orig=45.18 + *0.033 * IDUL_dest – 2.55 * ln (Distance to city with more than 200k inhabitants). R2=0.09. N=72758 origin-destination commuter flows. 79 Map 24. Main inter-urban commuting flows in Prahova cities Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory NOTE: Reading mode example – the main commuting flows for work from Câmpina are headed to Ploiești and Bucharest. Map 25. Main lifelong migration flows in Prahova cities after 1999 NOTE: Reading mode example – the main cities sending immigrants to Câmpina after 1999 are Ploiești and Bucharest. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I Source: Own drawings 80 1.1.6. Conclusions – existing disparities, trends, needs, and intervention areas Map 26. Positioning in the national territory Ploiești municipality remains one of the most important urban agglomerations in Romania and the largest in the South Muntenia region, playing a key role in the overall development of the country. For this reason Ploiești obtained in 2008 the status of urban growth pole. The municipality is part of an urban system with a population of over 4 million people and which generates about 50% of the income of companies, together with Bucharest and Târgoviște, and belongs to Braşov – Bucharest – Ploiești – Giurgiu development axis, which is the most important transport and development corridor in Romania. These agglomeration phenomena generate the prerequisites for the Growth Pole’s further development. For Ploiești, the proximity to Bucharest has antagonistic effects: on the one hand, the unequal competition between the two cities has limited the development resources and the polarizing area of Ploiești; on the other hand, it has become, especially in recent years, an economic and logistical hub for relocating of activities. 81 1 I The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory 82 Map 27. Zoning Ploiești Growth Pole includes localities with different functional profiles (complex, industrial, agricultural, etc.), which are also complementary. The pole is located in a plain area, with pedo-climatic conditions favorable to agriculture, particularly viticulture and fruit growing, and traditional activities. Therefore, in terms of how the land is used, agricultural land occupies 65% of the growth pole. However, recent years have seen a growing trend in occupancy of land with constructions (residential, industrial, communication infrastructure, etc.) at the expense of agricultural areas, especially in the suburban area, although the housing and population dynamics in Ploiești were much lower than in other growth poles in Romania. The area also faces a shortage of woodland, especially in the south. Regarding the zoning of the built-up area, the central part of Ploiești municipality is the place where we find most of the public services of general interest and attraction points, being surrounded by residential districts developed radially, consisting either of individual housing or assemblies of collective housing (blocks), constructed especially during the communist period. Both types of residential areas face specific issues that affect the quality of housing and public spaces. In addition, many public and residential buildings face seismic risk and require major consolidation works, Ploiești being among the most exposed areas in the event of an earthquake of high magnitude. The industrial areas of the municipality occupy large surfaces, consisting of platforms built in the interwar period and during the communist regime, some located in semi-central areas, totally or partially abandoned today (brownfield sites). There are also new industrial parks, located in peripheral areas and having developed substantially in recent years, here being located most of the major investments attracted by the municipality. Besides these, there are the major shopping centers, developed in peripheral areas, sometimes even by the conversion of former industrial sites. Green, recreational, and sports zones occupy a small surface at the growth pole level, compared to residential and industrial areas, this being one of the major community problems, especially because there are major anthropic pressures on the environment and high traffic values, besides the fact that the municipality is located in a plain area, thus lacking extensive natural fields. 83 1 I The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory 84 MAp 28. Population dynamics and workforce migration The last two decades have seen a sharp decline in the population trend, which is more pronounced than in the case of other growth poles. The causes lie in the high intensity of internal migration (especially towards the capital city), external migration (especially of the young and highly qualified population), and negative natural growth. In spite of the demographic decline, localities in the peri-urban area of the municipality have benefited from a phenomenon of suburbanization, which has led to the emergence of new residential areas with a better quality of living and the relocation of some economic activities as a result of real estate, environmental, and urbanization pressures in the urban core. This has had a positive effect on the localities concerned, which now record a higher urban development index than the localities that are more remote from the city. Considering the human development index, Ploiești ranks high in the the national hierarchy of urban settlements, but lags behind many growth poles, the development gap between them having widened in the last decade. Locally, there are major development disparities between Ploiești and the other localities, but also between city districts, where live disadvantaged communities in terms of access to employment, housing and services of general interest, and which require integrated investment under the coordination of the local community. Working-age population continues to represent approximately 2/3 of the Growth Pole population, but the aging trend of the local workforce is becoming more and more pronounced, the internal and external migration playing a significant part in this respect. The same implications are to be found in terms of population structure by educational level, the phenomenon of „brain-drain” (migration of highly skilled personnel) leading to a lower share of university graduates compared to other growth poles. This vicious circle is a disadvantage for Ploiești Growth Pole in the competition for attracting the necessary workforce with secondary education for industry and services. Of all the growth poles in Romania, Ploiești has the greatest capacity to attract workforce from surrounding areas, mainly due to the proper connectivity of the city and it’s positioning in an area with a high density and a yet significant share of rural population with limited employment opportunities in the localities of residence. Harnessing this competitive advantage by stimulating commuter flows (e.g. through investment in infrastructure and transport services) will have a positive impact on the development of the Growth Pole. 85 Annex 1.1. ZUP list in Ploiești (2007-2014) Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory Nr. Initiator Location ZUP description crt. 2007 Alexandru Depărățeanu 1. Individual Housing construction S+P+1 No.12 2. Company Anton Pann No.4 Apartment building construction 2S+P+M+6E Modification Of ZUP Repositioning Bucharest – Brașov highway route and reducing the protection 3. Company For Ploiești Industrial zone from 100 m to 50 m of the shaft, the area between DN 72 and the Park operating road to the firing range Ploiești Changing destination from green zone (park) to residential area with low-rise 4. Individual Căliman No.88 buildings Modifying authorized project and increasing height regime from S+P+8 to 5. Company Carpenului No.4 S+P+10 Centura de Est, 6. Individual Housing construction P+M No.283 7. Individual Crișan No.9 Area between Crișan street and Milescu street Drum Exploatare 8. Individual Construction of metallic hall for clothing, PVC joinery T21, A301/125 9. Individual Eroilor No.19 Housing construction P+1 10. Health Ministry Găgeni No.102 Emergency Hospital construction Gh. Gr. Cantacuzino Construction of company headquarters, garages, sheds, carport, and utility 11. Company No.340A connections 12. Company Gheorghe Doja No.166 Multifunctional assembly in mixed area Șos. Vestului - Str. 13. Company Construction of multifunctional building D+P+M+3 Mărășești Intersection Modification of urban indicators (coefficient of land use) for building 14. Individual Ion Maiorescu No.1 construction 4S+P+11 15. Company Lucernei No.1 Construction of “Flowers Valley” residential complex 16. Company Mihai Bravu No.250F Lifting restrictions on building offices Moș Ion Roată Lifting restrictions and linking regulations in the area for building apartment 17. Individual No.19A and 19B block S+P+3 18. Company Naţiunii No.4 Construction of office building S+P+6 19. Individual Nicolae Titulescu No.66 Housing construction P+M Community 20. Social Services Petrolului No.8A Emergency social center development Administration 1 21. Individual Plăieșilor No.32 Modification of height of the enclosure, authorized by AC 98/2002 22. Individual Republicii No.152 Hotel construction S+P+4 Change destination of land from utility networks area in medium-rise 23. Individual Republicii No.224 housing area The Growth Pole’s Profile Apartment block construction S+D+P+4+M in protected area with 24. Company Romană No.41 architectural value Change destination of area from zone with institutions and services into 25. Individual Rozelor No.2 housing zone with complementary functions (basement garage) Change of function - housing with mixed height regime, institutions and 26. Individual Spătar Milescu, 8B, 8C complementary services, collective apartment building 27. Individual Spicului No.16 Housing construction S+P+M 28. Company Ștefan cel Mare No.8 Lifting the temporary construction ban Ștrandului 29. Company The area between DN 1B, PECO swimming pool and OMV Petrom gas station No.61A, T10, P102 I 86 Nr. Initiator Location ZUP description crt. Titan, Plot 21A 30. Company Construction of a retail deposit for non-food goods 301/10,301/11 Tudor Vladimirescu Modification of urbanistic indicators in view of constructing collective 31. Company No.79 housing 32. Individual Vasile Lupu No.73 Change of function for extending and adding floors to dwelling 33. Individual Vioarei No.44 Adding attic floor to existent dwelling 34. Individual Vlad Ţepeș No.21A Construction of office building P+2 35. Company Vornicei Fn Construction of collective housing S+P+4 -S+P+12 2008 Integration in protected urban site and modification of urbanistic coefficient 36. Individual Anul 1907 No.2 for constructing office building 3S+P+3E+M 37. Individual Vlad Ţepeș No.21 Construction of office building P+3E 38. Individual Aprodul Purice No.44 Modification of urbanistic indicators for housing construction P+4E Modification of urbanistic indicators for collective housing construction 39. Individual Bobâlna No.139 D+P+4E+M partial Modification of urbanistic indicators for construction of collective housing – 40. Company Bucharest No.39B residential complex 2S+P+11E+12, 13 r Modification of urbanistic indicators for construction of residential complex Bucharest T38, P566, 41. Company (S+P+4E), offices (S+P+14E), arranging enclosure, branching to utilities, 559, 558/1 enclosing field Modification of urbanistic indicators for construction of apartment building 42. Company Carol Davila No.24 S+P+5E with an area of S+P+2E Modification of urbanistic indicators for construction of apartment building 43. Individual Clementei No.44 S+P+4-5E LMC (Local Change destination of land – arranging residential area (NHA) and zone with 44. Municipality Cosminele No.11A institutions and services of general interest Council) Ploiești Modification of urbanistic indicators in view of constructing C1-type housing, 45. Individual Prof. I. Th. Grigore No.9 company headquarters, with the following regime: S(parking)+P+2E Lifting restrictions of construction until the preparation of the planning documents and modification of urbanistic indicators in order to build a car 46. Company Drumul Sării No.58 service, auto parts deposit, office seat and bathroom, locker, porter lodge, fencing, walkways, roadways, parking Modification of urbanistic indicators in view of collective and medium-rise 47. Individual Elena Doamna No.44 housing construction D+P+3E Enăchiţă Văcărescu Modification of urbanistic indicators in view of collective and medium-rise 48. Individual No.76 housing construction Modification of urbanistic indicators in view of extending construction with 49. Company Frăţiei No.1 elevator Modification of urbanistic indicators in view of constructing apartment 50. Company Găgeni No.109 building S+P+6-10E+Tehnical floor Modification of urbanistic indicators and change of function from polluting 51. Company Găgeni No.88A industry to nonpolluting industry, commerce, residential sector Gh. Gr. Cantacuzino Modification of authorized project via AC No.704/11,08,2005 – hall for car 52. Company No.131 service, storehouse S+P+1E 53. Company I. L. Caragiale No.16 Office building construction S+P+2-5 Modification of urbanistic indicators in view of office building construction 54. Company Văleni No.72 S+D+P+6E Christian Modification of urbanistic indicators for the construction of ELIM Christian 55. Libertăţii No.10A Baptist Church Baptist Center – administrative office Modification of urbanistic indicators for the construction of collective 56. Individual Veronicla Micle No.23 housing D+P+4E+partialM Construction of car wash and annex building (ground floor), fencing, 57. Company Mărășești No.35 branching, roadways, and walkways Lifting restrictions for construction until the preparation of DUP/ZUP and 58. Individual Mărășești No.61 modification of urbanistic indicators in order to destroy C1-type building, extend and add floors to C2-type building, construct car wash 87 Nr. Initiator Location ZUP description crt. Change of function for land from agricultural culture sector and utility Mihai Bravu 59. Company networks sector to industrial and storage sector for the construction of 10 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory T20, PA 293/31 industrial halls Moș Ion Roată Modification of urbanistic indicators for the construction of collective 60. Company No.22-24 housing and offices Negru Vodă Modification of urbanistic indicators for the construction of office building 61. Company No.42 and 42A P+2E+3R Extension of North Commercial Complex – stage II – accommodation places 62. Company Nordului No.1 S+P+M+9E Lifting restriction for construction, car wash construction, food store 63. Company Podul Înalt No.9-11 and auto parts store, coffee shop, fast food shop, modernization of fuel distribution station Modification of urbanistic indicators in view of construction of head-office 64. Individual Radu Stanian No.4 S+P+2E+M Modification of urbanistic indicators (coefficient of land use and height 65. Individual Rodica No.3 regime) for housing construction S+P+3E+M Change of function from industrial units to housing units, institutions and 66. Company Rudului No.262 public services, storage units, green spaces Modification of urbanistic indicators (land occupancy rate, coefficient of land 67. Company Ștrandului No.150 use) approved by Ploiești Local Council Decision No. 191/2007 for adding floors to showroom Change of function for construction of hall, administrative space, annex, 68. Company Ștrandului No.160 utilities branching, enclosure, parking, walkways Lifting temporary restriction for construction in view of head-office and 69. Individual Ștrandului No.190 deposit for building materials Extending construction P and P+4E, extending 3rd and 4th floor, enclosing 70. Company Ștrandului No.61 terrace fencing Partial change of function from exclusively recreational into nonpolluting 71. Company Ștrandului No.70 industry area in order to build a production hall and an administrative office Ștrandului T13, Pa186/118, Lifting restriction for construction, change of function and urbanistic 72. Company 119, 119/1,120 indicators in view of construction of care showroom and service Change destination of land from industrial area to area for institutions and Târgoviște Km 8 services in order to build hotel, food factory, exhibition pavilion with indoor 73. Company Ploiești Industrial Park and outdoor premises, tennis and football fields, entrances, parking, utilities branches Change of urban indicators (coefficient of land use) and change of function from industrial area and public institutions and services area into residential 74. Company Târgoviștei No.11 and services zone for the construction of AZUR residential complex (place, head-offices, business center) Modification of urbanistic indicators in view of collective housing 75. Individual Victoriei No.15 construction – apartment building with offices on the ground floor D+P+3E 76. LMC Ploiești Mărășești Street 1 2009 Modification of urbanistic indicators – M Bravu 1 area (establishing height Alexandru Vlahuţă 77. Individual regime and minimum obligatory withdrawal relative to the alignment of the No.6 street) The Growth Pole’s Profile Modification of urbanistic indicators (land occupancy rate, coefficient of land 78. Company Avram Iancu No.4 use) for extending, adding floors, recomposing, modification of authorized project AC527/2007 at the Nephrology and Dialysis Center Modification of urbanistic indicators for the construction of multifunctional 79. Company Buna Vestire No.18-20 center, pharmacy, medical cabinet and offices 80. Company Centura de EST No.48 Modification of urbanistic indicators in the East Lane No. 48 area 81. Company Centura de VEST No.23 Modification of urbanistic indicators for developing production base Change of function for land in view of modernizing and extending 82. Company Corlățești No.15A slaughterhouse Modification of ZUP for changing function of land – developing residential I 83. LMC Ploiești Cosminelor No.11A area (NHA) and area for institutions and services of general interest (according to Ministry of National Defense) 88 Nr. Initiator Location ZUP description crt. Dimitrie Cantemir Modification of urbanistic indicators and height regime for construction 84. Company No.1A apartment building Ecaterina Teodoroiu Modification of urbanistic indicators for construction of apartment building 85. Company No.14 S+P+5-6 Modification of urbanistic indicators for construction of apartment building 86. Company Găgeni No.109 S+P+6-10+Technical floor with office spaces at the ground floor (10th floor duplex version) Grădinari No.42 Update DUP of “PLUS” supermarket (assent CTATU No. 325 / 22.09.2005) 87. Company (Former M. Bravu 202) for modification of main front withdrawal at Mihai Bravu str. Modification of Independenţei Blvd. ZUP, approved by Local Council Decision Independenţei 88. Company No. 45/2005, by the modification of urbanistic indicators (land occupancy No.23 Bis, 25 rate, coefficient of land use, height regime) Modification of urbanistic indicators and change of urban function from 89. Company Industriei No.36 industrial area to housing and services area for construction of residential complex Change of function from area with specific to residential area and Intrarea Gaterului modification of urbanistic indicators for construction of medium-rise 90. Individual No.54 collective housing and complimentary endowment, enclosure, walkways, parking, branching, household platform Lifting restriction for construction, modification of urbanistic indicators for 91. Individual Mărășești No.118 apartment building construction D+P+2-3-4 Modification of urbanistic indicators established by Local Council Decision 92. Individual Mărășești No.171 No. 217/2007 for C3-type housing construction, and renovating and adding attic to C2-type construction Study to improve traffic in the intersection Mărășești-Eroilor-Torca and 93. Company Mărășești No.185 modification of urbanistic indicators in the analyzed area Modification of urbanistic indicators (coefficient of land use and height 94. Individual Mihai Eminescu No.9 regime) for construction of apartment building 2S+P+3+M(duplex) Modification of urbanistic indicators (land occupancy rate, coefficient of land 95. Individual Nicopole No.66 use, alignment) for housing construction Lifting restriction for construction and modification of urbanistic indicators 96. Company Paris No.6 (land occupancy rate, coefficient of land use) Change of function from industrial area to area for general interest services 97. Company Poligonului No.1 in order to build beerhouse (P+1), toilet room, reconstruct deposit interior, change function from deposit to restaurant Change of function from nonpolluting industrial area to multi-purpose 98. Company Republicii No.146-150 residential area Change of function from area of partial sanitary protection and nonpolluting 99. Company Republicii No.170 industry to residential area (2nd version) Change of function from urbanistic and technical networks protection area 100. Individual Republicii No.194 to low-rise residential area and lifting construction restriction Modification of urbanistic indicators and withdrawal from the Republicii 101. Individual Republicii No.214 Blvd. axis for construction of collective housing building S+P+3+4withdrawn, swimming pool, garages Modification of urbanistic indicators in view of apartment building 102. Individual Roșiori No.46 construction Lifting construction restriction and modification of urbanistic indicators (established by Local Council Decision 14/31.01.2008) for consolidating, 103. Company Ștefan Cel Mare No.8 restoring, redeveloping, adding attic (offices) to existing construction S+P+3+2M Change of function from urbanistic and technical networks protection area 104. Individual T 2, P 4/1, L 1,2,3,4 to area for housing, institutions and services 105. Company T 62,P A 775/1-15Dn72 Extending built-up area for industrial units and deposits Plot 44, '' Mitică 106. LMC Ploiești Dismantling field No. 44 and land parceling Apostol'' District Lifting construction restriction, modification of urbanistic indicators in the 107. Individual Tribunei No.6 studied area 108. LMC Ploiești West Station Area Connection road South – West 89 Nr. Initiator Location ZUP description crt. 2010 Lifting construction restriction until ZUP/DUP elaboration, modifying the Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory 109. Individual Andrei Mureșanu No.37 coefficient of land use, and modifying minimum obligatory withdrawal from A. Mureșanu street axis Dn 72, Ploiești- Târgoviște Km 8, B Change of function from area for institutions and services to mixed area for 110. Company Premises, Ploiești institutions and services / nonpolluting industry Industrial Park 111. Company Drumul Sării No.88 Change of function from residential area to institutions and services area 112. Company Găgeni No.3 Construction of collective housing building and commercial spaces S+P+4E+5r Gh. Gr. Cantacuzino Lifting construction restriction and change of function from city parking to 113. Individual No.100 mixed area: institutions, services, housing Gh. Gr. Cantacuzino 114. Company Lifting construction partial restriction and change of function No.124 Change of function from land with urbanistic and technical function to area 115. Individual Industriei No.1D for institutions and services in view of constructing car showroom, enclosure, utilities Ploiești Municipality 116. LMC Ploiești Mitică Apostol district Built-Up Area Change of function from land with agricultural crops and urbanistic & 117. Company Mihai Bravu No.343 technical networks to area for industry, storage and services -ID-S Change of function from land with urbanistic & technical networks to Moara Nouă 118. Individual residential area in view of constructing a housing P+1, annexes, enclosure, No.6, Pa 412/1 utilities Str. Mareșal Averescu Consolidating, adding attic and extending Olimpia sports hall and developing 119. ADP Ploiești Olimpia Sports Hall amateur running track in Tineretului park, Ploiești Park Partial change of function from area with constructions for urbanistic & 120. Individual Pictor Rosenthal No.63 technical works and agricultural crops to residential area Lifting construction restriction and change of function from low-rise/ 121. Company Republicii No.138 medium-rise mixed zone to institutional and services area in view of constructing commercial complex, hypermarket, and commercial gallery Adding floors to hotel, including withdrawn attic for getting conference room 122. Individual Republicii No.152K function, needed for a 4 star hotel 123. Company Str. Târgoviștei No.2 Change of function from industrial area to commerce and services 124. Individual Tazlău No.39 Modification of urbanistic regulations 2011 Partial change of function from area with communication channels to 125. Individual Str. Dr. Bagdazar No.4 area for housing, institutions, services; majoring the land occupancy rate, modifying side and rear limits Lifting construction restriction and change of function from area for 126. Individual Str. Mărășești No.274 institutions and services, complimentary constructions and park to low-rise 1 residential area, institutions and services Change of function from industrial area to institutions and services of Str. 1 Decembrie 1918 127. Company general interest area and modification of street direction, proposed in the No.1 UPETROM premises through the General Urban Plan and unachieved The Growth Pole’s Profile Lifting construction restriction, changing function of land from collective Str. Ștrandului 128. Company housing and services area to area for services, recreation and sports, No.53-55 including modifying alignment regime 129. LMC Ploiești Str. Ghighiului No.2 Modification of urbanistic indicators at HIPODROM premises Lifting construction restriction considering an objective proposed on a non- 130. Individual Str. Popa Farcas No.57 buildable plot Change of function from area for road communication channels to low- 131. Individual Str. Pompierilor No.1A rise housing area; lift construction restriction in in the intersection; modify alignment regime Change of function from nonpolluting industry area to area for institutions 132. Individual Str. Poligonului No.2 and services/commerce; establish urbanistic indicators, alignment regime I 90 Nr. Initiator Location ZUP description crt. Change of function of land from area for agricultural crops and technical and 133. Individual Str. M. Bravu No.336 urbanistic networks to area for industry and storage units Str. Gh. Gr. Cantacuzino Lifting construction restriction, alignment regime and change of function 134. Company No.111A from services area to area for housing, already existing there Change of function from industrial to institutions and services area, modify 135. Company Str. Gh. Doja, Apelor urbanistic indicators, lift construction restrictions in the intersection between Gh.Doja-Calomfirescu streets and Gh.Doja-Postei-Apelor streets 136. Individual B-dul Republicii No.164 Lifting construction restriction Str. Radu de la Afumați 137. Individual Modifying regime of alignment relative to the axis of the street No.16 Str. Gh. Gr. Cantacuzino Change of function from area for transport units and partially for protective 138. Company No.332 belt to mixed area for institutions and services / recreation Plot 13, Pa210, Dn 1 Change of function of land from area for agricultural crops, technical and Prahova County 139. Highway - Centura de urbanistic networks, and protective plantation to area for industry and Council EST Of Ploiești storage units Lift construction restriction in the intersection, change of function from Str. Laboratorului 140. Company nonpolluting industry area to mixed area for institutions and services / No.29A nonpolluting industry, establish urbanistic indicators and alignment regime Change of function from area for technical and urbanistic networks to low- 141. Individual Str. Rafov No.51 rise residential area 142. Individual Bd. Republicii T2, Pa 4/1 Modification of approved ZUP, height and alignment regime Change of function from area with service housing / colonies, sanitary 143. Individual Str. Sondelor No.74 protection and nonpolluting industry to area for institutions and services; lifting construction restriction and modifying alignment regime 2012 144. Company Str. Mărășești No.318 Lifting construction restriction 145. Company Str. Traian No.115-117 Modification of urbanistic indicator: land occupancy rate 146. Individual Str. Bănești No.11 Modification of regime of alignment relative to the axis of Zidari street Str. Gh. Gr. Cantacuzino 147. Company Modification of urbanistic indicators No.44 Modification of urbanistic regulations, completing Local Council Decision 148. Individual Str. Tazlău 61/2010 Centura de EST No.277 Change of function from area for agricultural crops, technical and urbanistic 149. Company B networks to housing area 150. Company Str. Sondelor No.62A Modification of urbanistic indicator and functional reconversion Str. Mircea cel Bătrân 151. Company Modification of urbanistic indicators and functional reconversion No.119 Change of function from area for agricultural crops, technical and urbanistic Individual/ Str. Laboratorului 152. networks to mixed area for housing, complementary facilities, institutions Company No.7C, E and services; modification of urbanistic indicators 2013 Ploiești Str. Găgeni Re-zoning and functional reconversion for municipal interest investments in 153. Municipality No.98, 98A, 102, 102B Ploiești Company Change of function from area for agricultural crops, technical and urbanistic Individual / Str. Laboratorului networks to mixed area for housing, complementary facilities, institutions 154. Company No.7C, E and services; establishment of urbanistic indicators; housing construction as secondary purpose 155. LMC Ploiești Extending the validity term for the ZUP of Hipodrom Ploiești area Change of function from industry area to area for institutions and services; 156. Company Str. Oborului No.1 modification of urbanistic indicators Ploiești Accessibility and traffic fluidization towards Ploiești-West industrial area 157. Str. Mărășești Municipality and Brazi industrial platform DN 1b, Company/ Lifting construction restriction, establishing urbanistic indicators, changing 158. T13,P186/109-113, Individual land function to professional services and nonpolluting industry / storage Str. Ștrandului No.182 91 Nr. Initiator Location ZUP description crt. Str. Mihai Bravu Changing land function to nonpolluting industry with services ID-S and 159. Company No.342A, 342B, 344A establishing urbanistic indicators Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.1. People and Territory Rectification of ZUP, modification of urbanistic indicators and functional 160. Company Str. Sondelor No.62A reconversion „Modification of approved ZUP – change of function from industrial area to area for institutions and services; modification of urbanistic indicators, 161. Company Str. Calomfirescu No.2 lifting construction restrictions at the intersections between Gheorghe Doja- Calomfirescu streets and Gheorghe Doja-Poştei-Apelor streets 162. Company Str. A. Mureșanu No.76 Mini-football Sports Base DN 72 163. Company Extending the validity term of ZUP for Ploiești Industrial Park (Km 74+500 – 76+300) Ploiești P-ţa Eroilor No.1A, 164. Construction of pediatric hospital and multi-floor parking Municipality Str. Cuza Vodă Fn Ploiești 165. Str. Cosminele No.11A Land parceling for individual housing construction through the NHA Municipality Fixing material error from Local Council Decision 327/27.08.2013 – ZUP for 166. Company Str. A. Mureșanu No.76 Mini-football Sports Base 2014 Blvd. București, T39, PA Change of function to mixed sub-area – services, commerce, housing, small 167. Company 569/61 Si 62 production – M1; establishing urbanistic indicators Re-zoning and functional reconversion for municipal interest investments, Ploiești Str. Găgeni 168. for correlation with rehabilitation projects of tram route and developing Municipality No.98, 98A, 102, 102B multimodal terminal Str. Spătar Milescu Change of function of land from “city parking” to “mixed area for housing, 169. Individual No.20 institutions and services” Ploiești 170. Str. Lucernei No.1 Change function of land from industry units area to housing area Municipality Lifting construction restriction and changing function of land from 171. Company Șos. Vestului No.12 residential and parking to public institutions and services area – 2nd version Str. B, Cartier Vest 3, 172. Company Lifting construction restriction and establishing urbanistic indicators T61, P158 Str. Gheorghe Doja Lifting construction restriction, modifying maximal urbanistic indicators and 173. Company No.101C, Ploiești alignment regime Str. Romana Lifting construction restriction, modifying maximal urbanistic indicators and 174. Company No.65 and 81 alignment regime B-dul. Republicii, Change of function and lifting construction partial restriction in order to 175. Individual No.198B build housing, enclosure and branching as secondary purpose 195/2007, in view of making some extensions and a new building for 176. Company Str. Ștrandului, No.61A showroom Lifting construction restriction, modifying urbanistic indicators (land Str. Gh. Gr. Cantacuzino 177. Individual occupancy rate, coefficient of land use) and alignment regime for 198-202 restructuring existing buildings and constructing commercial space 1 178. LMC Ploiești Extending term of validity for dismantling field no. 44 and land parceling in Mitică Apostol district Change of function from mixed area to nonpolluting industry and services 179. Company Str. Mărășești, No.319 The Growth Pole’s Profile area; modification of urbanistic indicators Prahova County Change function of land from special destination area to institutions and 180. Șos. Vestului, No.14-16 Council services area; modification of urbanistic indicators I 92 Part I: The Growth Pole’s Profile 1 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention CHAPTER 1.2. Economy 95 1.2. Economy 1.2.1. Economic context – Economic sectors and development promotion The analysis of the key macroeconomic indicators shows that the economy of Prahova county, in general, and of Ploiești Growth Pole, in particular, has had a strong upward evolution in the past decade, interrupted in 2008 by the onset of Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy the global financial and economic crisis. Thus, between 2000 and 2011, the GDP/capita in Prahova county grew by 333% at current prices, at a slower pace of growth than the one at regional (340%) and national level (344%); the causes are related to the stronger adjustment of the county economy during the crisis (2008-2010). However, Prahova county remains one of the top 10 economic poles of Romania and the largest in the South Muntenia region, contributing by 3.5% to the national GDP and by 30.1% to the regional one. Figure 19. GDP per capita at current prices, between 2000 and 2011 GDP per capita at current prices (EUR) 12.000 10.000 8.000 6.000 4.000 2.000 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 România Macroregion 3 South Muntenia Region Prahova Source: EUROSTAT Despite the tendency of converging to the EU average in the past 10 years, similar to that recorded at the level of the whole country (in the year 2000, Prahova county reached only 9.5% of the EU average GDP per capita, and now this indicator has increased to 23.9%)1, the economic development gap of the county compared to Bucharest, and other counties where growth poles are located (e.g. Cluj, Timiș, Constanța) has widened. Figure 20. Dynamics of the GDP/capita at current prices in the major Romanian counties between 2000 and 2011 1 30,000 GDP per capita at current prices (EUR) 25,000 The Growth Pole’s Profile 20,000 2000 15,000 2008 10,000 2011 5,000 0 i iș uj a v ia lj și 28 eș t Cl nţ șo va Do Ia ur Ti m ta ra ân ho EU c s B m ra Bu Co n Ro P Source: EUROSTAT I However, when taking into account the GDP vs. the purchasing power, Prahova county was at 26% of the European average in 2000 and at 47% 1 in 2011. 96 Also, the structure of local economies varies significantly from one growth pole to another. Thus, in cities that were the most economically dynamic in the last 10 years (Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca) the economy is dominated by the tertiary sector (the service sector)2, which has – traditionally – the highest added value, the highest salary level and offers the best prospects for development. By contrast, there are a number of less dynamic cities, with low economic performance, such as Craiova and Ploiești, where the industrial sector continues to generate over half of the output of the local economy. The exceptions to this rule are Timișoara, with a high share of the industry, but with a shift towards more technologically advanced branches (automotive, electrical and electronic equipment, etc.) and a very high level of foreign investment, which have continued to perform well over the last few years, and Constanța, with a well-established service sector, especially in transport, but with lower economic performance. Therefore, in addition to gearing its industrial sector towards more high-tech branches striving to become more competitive globally, the Ploiești municipality must diversify its local profile by supporting the service sector. Figure 21. Structure of the total turnover achieved in 2013 in the Romanian growth poles by major economic sectors Ploiești Agriculture Brașov Forestry and Fishing Craiova Industry Constanţa Construction Services Iași Timișoara Cluj-Napoca 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Source: BORG Design Database In terms of entrepreneurial dynamics, expressed by the number of active businesses per 1,000 residents, the Ploiești municipality has the weakest performance of all 8 Romanian growth poles; the local economy is dominated by large companies with foreign capital, to the detriment of a solid local class of entrepreneurs. In this context, measures are needed to support the residents’ business initiatives, which may prove more beneficial for the local economy in the medium and long term. Figure 22. Number of active companies per 1,000 stable residents in the Romanian growth poles in 2013 Number of active companies/1,000 inhabitants 100 80 60 40 20 0 i și ti șt oc a ar a nţ a ov ov a Ia eș re ap ișo ta aș ai oi cu N ns Br Cr P l Bu uj - Ti m Co Cl Source: BORG Design Database 2 For a more detailed analysis on this topic, please see: World Bank. 2013. Growth poles: The Next Phase. 97 Map 29. Distribution of companies in Ploiești municipality by census sector in 2013 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy Source: Own slide based on data from BORG DESIGN (LIST OF FIRMS) Between 2007 and 2013, the number of active companies in Ploiești Growth Pole decreased by 13.9%, more than the regional (-11.1%) and the national (-12.6%) average, due to the economic crisis, which led to a decrease in the domestic and external demand, and thus to a limitation of the activity of businesses in the area, or even to bankruptcy for some. The most affected sectors were the construction industry, the trade and the manufacturing industry – areas with a significant share in the local economy; in these sectors, the number of companies has decreased by 18-26%, in the last 7 years alone. In contrast, there are sectors where the number of companies has increased, such as agriculture, energy, information and communications, and certain services for the population, these being less vulnerable to economic cycles. The number of newly established companies fell steadily after 2008, reaching the minimum of the range in 2014. By contrast, the number of suspensions and removals from the trade registry rocketed in 2009 and 2010, settling after 2011 at values similar to those registered in the mid-2000s and following broadly the local and national economy cycle. 1 On the other hand, the number of insolvencies is still high; this procedure has been more commonly used in recent years by companies facing a liquidity shortage and high debt, which proves that the recovery from the crisis has been a slow one. Moreover, the macroeconomic indicators show that 2014 was the first year in which the national economy The Growth Pole’s Profile returned to the performance it had in 2008; this is also true at the local level. As well, the number of companies set up by students remains low – 296 were in operation in 2014, out of 468 established to date. In Prahova county, 383 limited liability companies were established by the end of 2014, of which 365 are operational, representing only 2.3% of those existing at the national level. In addition to the companies located within the growth pole, there are more than 8,000 freelancers, this figure being lower by 7.3% compared to 2007. They perform various activities, especially in the service sector, but their activities have a relatively marginal impact on the local economy. I 98 Figure 23. Dynamics of company-related operations during 2008-2014 8,000 7,000 Newly registered businesses Suspended businesses 6,000 Dissolved businesses 5,000 Radiated businesses Businesses in insolvency 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Source: The National Trade Register Office Despite this negative dynamics, Ploiești Growth Pole continues to pool 64.6% of the active companies in Prahova county, 19.3% of those in the South Muntenia region, and 2.1% of those in Romania. The suburbanization phenomenon occurring over the last few years around Ploiești has affected not only the residential sector and the population, but also the businesses. Thus, the adjoining localities of Ploiești have attracted many investors over the past few years – either newly established or relocated from the urban core –, pressured by urban planning and environmental regulations and especially those related to the real estate market (the availability and price of land, the level of taxes, the cost of utilities), so much so that some record a larger number of companies per 1,000 inhabitants than the municipality itself (e.g. the Păulești and Blejoi communes). Figure 24. Number of active companies per 1,000 inhabitants by localities in 2013 Number of active companies/1,000 inhabitants 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 ti i i i ni șt i i oi az i v ti ti i că eș ico en en iva en ej co eș eș ch as loi Bă Scă l op t ăne erc Bl Br Bu ăv ă ul Ve re P i- P h rc B br P ru ă șt Ra Bă m șo ug lde ș tii Du ârg Căl Bo ice T lea Ar Va Source: BORG Design Database Of the more than 10,500 active companies in Ploiești Growth Pole that submitted their financial statements for the financial year 2013, 99.6% are SMEs, which are the engine of the local economy. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that 36.2% of these businesses have no employees and about 15% had no revenues in 2013. With this in mind, we can say that the economy of the area is based on approximately 6,000 enterprises with a turnover that exceeds 25,000 EUR/ year. Compared to 2007, the number of microenterprises has decreased by 14.6%, the number of small enterprises – by 1.8%, the number of medium enterprises – by 8.1%, and the number of large enterprises – by 26.7%, some of the latter having undergone significant personnel lay-offs since 2008. Therefore, we can say that small and medium enterprises have adapted best to the unfavorable context of the economic crisis, as they are the most flexible. 99 I 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy 100 Map 30. Active companies/1,000 inhabitants Table 7. The structure of active enterprises by size categories in 2013 Enterprise size Ploiești Growth Pole Prahova County South Muntenia Region România category by number of employees in 2013 % of the total number of active companies 0-9 (micro) 88.9 85.2 86.3 87.1 10-49 (small) 8.9 11.9 11.2 10.6 50-249 (medium) 1.8 2.5 2.2 1.9 over 250 (large) 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.4 Source: BORG Design Database and the National Institute of Statistics (NIS), TEMPO Online In terms of the stakeholder age, we notice that 9.86% of the young people aged up to 29 own companies in Prahova county, compared to an average of 10.79% nationally; the situation is similar in the case of people aged 30-39 (25.85% compared to 28.15%). By contrast, the percentage of shareholders aged 40 and over is higher at the county level. After 1989, Ploiești municipality and Ploiești Growth Pole underwent several cycles of restructuring and shifting / adaptation regarding the local economy. Thus, some of the large enterprises built during the communist period reduced their activity or disappeared, as they could not adapt to the conditions of the market economy, such as Plopeni Mechanical Plant, “Romfosforchim” Chemical Fertilizer Undertaking in Valea Călugărească, “Astra Română” Refinery, “1 May” Oil Equipment Plant, “Intex” Textile Enterprise, “Cablul Românesc” Enterprise, “UZTEL” Plant, etc. On the other hand, over the last 20 years, and especially over the last decade, a number of investors have come to this area, developing new areas of activity and generating jobs, partially offsetting the disappearance of the large industrial units built in the communist period: Coca-Cola, Unilever, Bergenbier, Alexandrion (food and beverage industry), Unilever (chemical industry), OMV, Rompetrol and Lukoil (energy and petrochemicals industries), Calsonic Kansei, Yazaki, Johnson Controls, Honeywell (automotive parts), British American Tobacco (tobacco), Lufkin, Cameron (equipment for the oil industry), Timken (bearings), Dekomte de Temple, Ottorose, Beaulieu, Oztasar (textiles and clothing), Toro (machinery for irrigation systems), Xella, Adeplast, Bauelemente (construction materials), Terqua (steel constructions), etc. In addition to the shifting of the industrial sector, over the last two decades, the service sector has also developed; it has come to generate over 40% of the turnover and over 50% of the number of jobs in the growth pole, especially in the field of modern trade – as several large international networks (Kaufland, Carrefour, Billa, etc.) entered the local market in transport, information and communications technology, scientific, technological and professional activities, etc. However, the service sector in Ploiești is less developed than in other growth poles, due to the polarization of the area by Bucharest, which is just 60 km away. Figure 25. Structure of active companies by major sectors of activity in 2013 100% 90% 80% Services 70% Construction 60% Industry 50% Agriculture 40% Forestry and Fishing 30% 20% 10% 0% Ploiești Prahova South Muntenia România Metropolitan County Region Area Source: BORG Design Database 101 1.2.2. The tourism industry: Products and Infrastructure As previously mentioned, tourism plays a marginal role in the economy of Ploiești Growth Pole, which ranks last from this point of view among the Romanian growth poles. Although it is located on the development axis linking the two main tourist poles in Romania – Bucharest municipality, dominated by business and weekend tourism, and the chain of resorts in the Prahova Valley and Brașov area, the most important destination for winter tourism in Romania, Ploiești city has a very limited tourism market, which amounts to business and transit tourism. Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy The number of tourist accommodation establishments in Ploiești Growth Pole increased by 288% during 2007- 2014, due to the opening of new tourist facilities both in Ploiești and in surrounding localities. So far, 52 tourist accommodation establishments operate in Ploiești Growth Pole. Figure 26. Number of tourist accommodation establishments in Ploiești Growth Pole during 2007-2014 30 25 20 Hotels Motels 15 Hostels Touristical pensions 10 Agrotouristical pensions 5 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database As can be seen in the figure above, in addition to the increase in the number of tourism accommodation establishments in the growth pole, there is also a diversification of such establishments, although in Ploiești the prevailing accommodation establishments are those of larger size (hotels, motels). Figure 27. Bed places in Ploiești Growth Pole by type of tourist accommodation establishment 1 5% 5% Hotels According to NIS records, in 2014, there The Growth Pole’s Profile Motels were a total of 2,749 bed places in Ploiești 14% Growth Pole, meaning an increase by 162% Hostels compared to 2007. The bulk of bed places Touristical pensions can be found in hotels (66%), motels (14%), 10% 66% Agrotouristical pensions and hostels (10%). I Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database 102 Most bed places can be found in Ploiești (70.1%), Bărcănești (8.9%), Blejoi (6.9%), and Plopeni (5.3%). By contrast, the Ariceștii Rahtivani, Berceni, Dumbrăvești, and Brazi communes have no tourist accommodation establishments. Figure 28. Distribution of bed places in Ploiești Growth Pole by localities during 2007-2014 2500 2007 2000 2008 2009 1500 2010 2011 1000 2012 2013 500 2014 0 ti i ni i ti oi v ti i ă eș ico ăe en eș ej co leș ch sc loi Bă c lop ăn Bl Bu u Ve rea P i-S P rc Pă r u ă eș t Bă șo ug ld ârg Căl o T B lea Va Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Databas According to the Romanian National Tourism Office (ANT), of the total number of tourist accommodations in the Growth Pole, 4.9% are one star places, 32.2% – are two-star places, 61.1% – are three-star places and 1.8% – are four-star accomodation places. In Ploiești municipality there are only 13 beds classified as four-star (in one guest house), while 64% are three-star beds. In 2014, in terms of tourist flows in the Growth Pole, 62,768 tourist arrivals were reported, which is 1.7% less than in 2007. This negative dynamics can be attributed to the global crisis, which has also affected the tourism market since 2009. During this period, the number of tourists accommodated increased in Ploiești municipality (+ 7.1%), in Boldești Scăeni and Plopeni towns, and in Blejoi, Păulești, Târgșoru Vechi, and Valea Călugărească communes; numerous new accommodation establishments were opened there. Figure 29. Number of tourists accommodated in the existing establishments in Ploiești Growth Pole in the 2007- 2013 period 60000 2007 50000 2008 40000 2009 2010 30000 2011 2012 20000 2013 10000 0 ti i ni i ti oi v ti i ă ieș ico ăe en eș ej co leș ch sc o ă c lop n Bl Bu u Ve ea Pl B i-S P rc ă Pă r u ăr șt Bă șo ug lde ârg Căl Bo T lea Va Source: NIS, Online TEMPO Database 103 Compared to the other growth poles in Romania, Ploiești has the lowest number of accommodated tourists, up to 10 times less than in cities with a well-defined tourist function, such as Brașov and Constanța. Map 31. Number of tourists accommodated in the Ploiești Growth Pole in 2014 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 104 Figure 30. Number of tourists accommodated in the Romanian Growth Poles in the 2007-2013 period 1,400,000 1,200,000 1,000,000 800,000 600,000 2007 400,000 200,000 2013 0 i și ti șt ţa ov ca ra Ia ov a eș ure tan raș a po ișoa rai loi Bu c ns B -N m C P Co uj Ti Cl Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database Between 2007 and 2013, the number of nights spent in accommodation establishments decreased by 7% down to 149,134, both due to the decreasing number of tourists and to the average length of accommodation, which fell from 2.51 to 2.37 nights/tourist (even less in Ploiești – 2.36 nights). Of the total number of overnight stays, 71.8% were registered in hotels, a percentage that rises to 90% in the specific case of Ploiești, where business tourism prevails in the local market. Figure 31. Structure of overnight stays in Ploiești Growth Pole by type of accommodation establishment 7% 7% 3% 3% Hotels 9% 9% Motels Hostels 9% 9% Touristical pensions 72% 72% Agrotouristical pensions Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database 105 The net usage index of the accommodation capacity in operation in Ploiești Growth Pole decreased continuously during 2007-2014, from 41.5% to 16.1%, both due to the opening of new accommodation establishments and to the decrease in the number of tourists accommodated and overnight stays. In Ploiești municipality there was a similar decline, from 41.8% to 17.2%. This development indicates the existence of a local accommodation overcapacity, which raises questions about the profitability of the tourist accommodation establishments in the area. Most of them achieve higher revenues and profits from event organization and catering activities than from accommodating tourists. Currently, there are tourist information centers only in the towns of Sinaia and Bușteni; both are resorts located in Prahova Valley, while in Ploiești such services are not provided. Such establishments will also be built in the future, in the Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy towns of Breaza and Câmpina, close to Ploiești. Local organizations involved in promoting local tourism include the Prahova Tourism Promotion and Development Association (APDT PH), which is a public-private partnership established in 2008 at the initiative of the National Associations of Travel Agencies (ANAT) and of the Prahova Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with other important partners in Prahova county (the Oil and Gas University, accommodation establishments, local public administrations). Since October 2009, APDT PH has been one of the founding members of the Federation of Tourism Promotion Associations in Romania (FAPT); for the past six years, it has organized the “ExpoVacanța” Prahova Travel Fair and for 2 years the international event “Criteriul primei zăpezi” (“First snow criterion”), dedicated to winter sports in Prahova-Brașov area. According to the data collected by the Prahova Tourism Promotion and Development Association, the main tourist attractions in Ploiești are of cultural nature, as there are no natural attractions of great interest: the Merchant’s House Museum, “Nicolae Simache” Clock Museum, the I.L. Caragiale Museum, the “Ion Ionescu-Quintus” County Museum of Art, the County Museum of History and Archeology, the “Nichita Stănescu” Memorial Museum, the “Paul Constantinescu” Memorial Museum, the National Museum of Oil, the “Toma Caragiu” Theatre, the Palace of Culture. They are located mainly in the central area of the city, where a number of places of worship are located as well, which might also attract the attention of visitors. They are suitable for inclusion in cultural and religious tourism routes. 1 Other attractions in the area include: the “Gh. Bănciulescu” Aeroclub in Strejnic, the swimming pools and SPA centers The Growth Pole’s Profile in the area, and the Hippodrome (the only trotting track in Romania), for health and sports tourism. Thematic routes could cover the cycling routes through the Dealu Mare vineyards, and also the Wine Road (Drumul Vinului) – the old road used by the Romans to cross Europe, specifically the segment linking Ploiești to Buzău, where there are internationally renowned vineyards, especially for red wine varieties similar to Bordeaux region in France (Valea Călugărească, Urlați, Ceptura, Tohani, Gura Vadului, Seciu-Boldești-Scăeni), which could generate wine and culinary tourism. Also, religious tourism could target the monasteries of Chițorani, Turnu, Zamfira, Vărbila, Jercălăi, Sinaia, etc. In the county, three thematic routes are currently promoted, also including the Ploiești area: the Wine Road (wine and culinary tourism), the Fruit Road (active cultural and culinary tourism) and the Princes’ Road (cultural and religious tourism). They have also received European grants for promotion activities, accessed under the auspices of Prahova I County Council. Two other promoted thematic routes are the Coal Road and the Salt Road, targeting the industrial heritage and health tourism (the Slănic-Prahova salt mine). 106 Map 32. Ploiești municipality attractions map Source: Prahova Tourism Promotion and Development Association 107 1.2.3. Workforce The final results of the General Population and Housing Census of 2011 show that 46.1% of Ploiești Growth Pole ‘s population (over 150,700 people) was active, of which 41.9% were employed and 4.2% unemployed. This indicates the existence of considerable local labor resources, which can be a significant advantage for attracting future investments. Among the employed persons, around 95% were employees, and the remaining 5% were entrepreneurs, unpaid family workers or self-employed. However, the proportion of inactive people has increased steadily over the past decade, Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy especially due to the aging population. Map 33. The share of employed people by census sector in Ploiești city in 2011 Source: Own drawing based on NIS data. 2011 General Population and Housing Census 1 Currently, a quarter of the Growth Pole’s population is retired, although the population over 60 is less than 22% of the total population, the ratio being of only 1.72 employed persons/retired person. Therefore, we can talk about a phenomenon of retiring at active ages (the segment of 50-60 years of age),which is typical especially for the 1990s. The Growth Pole’s Profile Also, one may notice a high rate (5.1%) of persons who stay at home, but who are able to work. Therefore, the total labor resources of the municipality, including the pensioners and the working age homemakers, reach 53-55% of the total population. Involving them in the labor market, as well as involving the unemployed would increase the number of employed persons by 35,000-40,000 people, which would cover the local needs for workforce, even if the migration phenomenon will continue to be at a high level in the next decade. I 108 Map 34. Share of pensioners by census sector in Ploiești municipality in 2011 Map 35. Share of homemakers in Ploiești by census sector in 2011 Source: Own drawing based on NIS data. 2011 General Population and Housing Census 109 Figure 32. Occupational structure of the population in Ploiești Growth Pole by localities 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Ploiești Bărcănești Berceni Other Blejoi Brazi Supported persons Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy Bucov Homemakers Păulești Pensioners Târgșoru Vechi Pupils and students Băicoi Unemployed Boldești-Scăeni Employed Plopeni Dumbrăveşti Ariceștii Rahtivani Valea Călugărească Growth Pole Source: NIS, The final results of the 2011 General Population and Housing Census According to NIS estimates, in 2014 there were 104,903 employees in Ploiești Growth Pole, i.e. up by 2.8% compared to the census of 2011, but down by 8.7% compared to the numbers recorded in 2007. The economic difficulties faced by local enterprises lead to personnel layoffs, especially in the 2009-2010 period. As can be seen, the number of employees communicated by NIS in 2011 was about 37,000 less than the number of occupied persons, the difference being accounted for by those who worked in other areas (e.g., commuters) and those who had another status, such as employer or self-employed or working in their own household. Figure 33. Average number of salaried employees in Ploiești Growth Pole in the 2007-2013 period Average number of employees 130,000 125,000 120,000 115,000 110,000 105,000 1 100,000 95,000 The Growth Pole’s Profile 90,000 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Source: NIS, Online TEMPO Database It is noteworthy that the number of employees varied significantly from one location to another during the 2007-2013 period. Thus, the number of jobs in Ploiești decreased by 13%, in Plopeni by 31.7%, and in Dumbrăvești commune by 30.6%, while other localities witnessed the following increases: by 218% in Ariceștii Rahtivani, by 45% in Brazi, by 24% in Păulești, and by 20% in Târgșoru Vechi and Bărcănești. These localities have attracted a number of important investors in recent years, including following business relocations from Ploiești, which shows a clear trend of redistributing the economic activities in the territory, from the urban core to the periphery (the so-called phenomenon of suburbanization or peripheralization). Thus, the jobs in the Growth Pole were distributed in 2014 as shown in the figure below. It is relevant I that the share of Ploiești municipality in the total number of jobs fell from 78% in 2007 to 74% in 2014. 110 Map 36. Distribution of jobs in Ploiești Growth Pole 111 Figure 34. Structure of jobs in Ploiești Growth Pole by their location 3% Băicoi 3% Boldești-Scăeni 2% Plopeni 1% Ariceştii Rahtivani Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy 1% Bărcănești Ploiești 1% Berceni 76% 3% Blejoi 5% Brazi 1% Bucov 0% Dumbrăveşti 3% Păulești 1% Târgșoru Vechi 1% Valea Călugărească Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database Another issue specific to Ploiești Growth Pole is the workforce’s ageing tendency. The average age of employees is over 40, mostly as a result of the increasing phenomenon of young people migrating to Bucharest and to other countries. On the other hand, people in this category were qualified – especially in the communist era – in industrial occupations, which are no longer required in the local labor market today. The analysis of the occupational structure of the population between localities does not reflect major differences, the highest employment rates being recorded in Ploiești municipality (42.9% of the total population), in Plopeni town, and in Brazi and Păulești communes (where there is a relatively high number of employers) and the lowest in Dumbrăvești (33.1% of the total) and Bărcănești communes (36.6%), both with a high proportion of dependents. The highest percentage of pensioners is recorded in Băicoi (27.6%) and Ploiești (26.3%), where the aging population had a job in the past, and the lowest in Berceni and Târgșoru Vechi communes, with a younger population, but also with many elderly people who do not receive a pension, having previously worked in agriculture. The share of homemakers varies between 4.3% in Ploiești municipality and over 8% in Ariceștii Rahtivani and Bărcănești communes, and Boldești- Scăeni town. Compared to other growth poles in Romania, Ploiești municipality is characterized by a smaller percentage of persons employed, only surpassing surpassing, for instance, Constanța and Craiova from the unemployment perspective. As well, the number of pensioners and homemakers is higher compared to the most dynamic economic growth poles, such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara. All this indicates fewer employment opportunities locally and an accentuated population aging trend, worsened by the “brain-drain” phenomenon (labor migration of the young and highly qualified). Another disadvantage of the municipality consists in the small percentage of pupils and students 1 (about 13% compared to over 20% in Cluj-Napoca and Iași – university centers with a long tradition), which makes it difficult to recruit highly qualified personnel in emerging areas such as IT&C. The Growth Pole’s Profile I 112 Figure 35. Occupational structure of the population in Romanian growth poles Employed Ploiești Unemployed Craiova Pupils and students Brașov Pensioners Constanța Homemakers Iași Supported persons Timișoara Other Cluj-Napoca București 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Source: NIS, final results of the General Census of Population and Housing, 2011 The unemployment rate decreased significantly over the past decade, going from 14% in 2002 to 8.8% of the active population in the 2011 census, nearly double the rate of about 5% communicated by the National Employment Agency, which only reports jobseekers registered in its records. The increased local labor mobility had an important contribution to the reduction of unemployment in the area, even despite the onset of the global crisis, due both to people commuting to Bucharest and the temporary or definitive external migration, which reduced the pressure on the local labor market. Map 37. Share of the unemployed by census sector in Ploiești city in 2011 Source: Own drawing, based on NIS data. 2011 General Population and Housing Census 113 In 2011, the highest unemployment rate was recorded in Plopeni town and in Dumbrăvești commune, both affected by the massive restructuring of Plopeni Mechanical Plant, as most of the local active population was dependent on the plant’s activity. Plopeni city also recorded the highest external migration rate, a phenomenon favored by its relatively young population, which expanded significantly during the communist period. On the other hand, the lowest unemployment rate (under 7%) is recorded in those communes around Ploiești which have attracted major investments in recent years (Păulești, Blejoi, Ariceștii Rahtivani). However, it should be noted that, according to NIS data, the official unemployment rate fell by almost one percentage Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy point from the time of the census, when the effects of the crisis were the most acutely felt, so we can estimate that the real unemployment rate was around 7% in 2014. The unemployment rates by gender are approximately equal, but the data from the County Employment Agency indicate that 65.4% of the unemployed have elementary, middle school , and professional education, 27% have secondary and post-secondary education, and only 7.6% are university graduates. Moreover, 48% of the unemployed do not receive unemployment benefits; they are generally long-term unemployed. Finally, it should be noted that 23.6% of the unemployed are under 25, and 24.7% are over 50; these two categories of the active population suffer the greatest labor market inclusion difficulties. Figure 36. Unemployment rate relative to the active population by locality 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 i ti ni oi i v ti hi icoi ni ni ti i ă le șt eș ce ej az co leș ec ăe pe eş an sc Po o ie n r Bl Br u u V ă c lo v t iv ea Pl rc ă Be B Pă r u B i- S P b ră h ăr th Bă șo șt Ra ug ow rg de Dum tii ăl Gr â l ş C T Bo ice lea Ar Va Source: NIS, The final results of the 2011 General Population and Housing Census Figure 37. Unemployment in the civil active population in Prahova County during the 2007-2014 period Unemployment rate (% active population) 10 1 8 9 The Growth Pole’s Profile 7 6 Total 5 Male 4 Female 3 2 1 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 I Source: Prahova County Employment Agency 114 Map 38. Unemployment rate in Ploiești Growth Pole Sursa: xx 115 Regarding the occupational structure, the service sector has come to provide 57% of the jobs in the Ploiești Growth Pole, followed by the industry (28%), agriculture and forestry (8%), and the constructions sector (7%). Compared to the communist period, the number of people employed in the service sector is two times higher than those working in the industry sector; there is a tendency, specific to large urban agglomerations, to shift the workforce to the service sector. Figure 38. Structure of employment of the population by main economic sectors and by localities Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy Plopeni Boldești-Scăeni Băicoi Agriculture, forestry and fishing Târgșoru Vechi Păulești Industry Bucov Construction Brazi Services Blejoi Berceni Bărcănești Ploiești 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Source: NIS, The final results of the 2011 General Population and Housing Census Agriculture continues to play an important (traditional) role in the economy of the rural localities in the Growth Pole, pooling up to 20-30% of the total workforce in localities like Bărcănești, Berceni, Brazi, Bucov, Păulești, and Târgșoru Vechi, which have large agricultural areas. Most people working in agriculture are over 50 years old and practice horticulture or animal husbandry on small (up to 5 ha) individual farms, often for their own consumption or for additional income. The share of this industry has significantly decreased over the last two decades, but it continues to employ over 20% of the active population in all localities, the highest shares being recorded in small towns – Plopeni, Băicoi, Boldești-Scăeni. The service sector is best represented in the case of Ploiești municipality (over 60% of the employed population), which also serves the surrounding area. By analyzing the employment structure in more detail, by main activities of the national economy, we see that the manufacturing sector remains the main employer in the Growth Pole, with a share of 24% of the total employed population, followed by trade (17%), agriculture (8%), construction and transport (7% each), all mainly private sectors, and by a number of activities related to the public sphere (public administration and defense – 6%, health and social assistance – 4%, education – 4% ). Such activities generally have low added value, and thus low staff remuneration. On a different note, the activities with a higher salary level (IT&C, financial intermediation, scientific, technical and professional activities, mining and quarrying, energy) do not employ more than 12% of the population, which explains 1 why the wages in the area remain at a lower level compared to other growth poles in Romania, where the economic structure is more favorable. The Growth Pole’s Profile Most of the employed population (79%) works in the private sector – the main economic engine of the Growth Pole, while the public sector only employs 13% of the population, and households employ 7%. More than 19,000 people who work in the public sector have been strongly affected by the 25% salary reduction, which occured in 2010. I 116 Map 39. Employment structure in Ploiești Growth Pole Sursa: xx 117 Figure 39. Occupational structure of the population in Ploiești Growth Pole by main activities of the national economy % of the total employed Other Services Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 1% Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries 8% Education 4% Mining and Quarrying 2% Health and Social Assistance 5% Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy Defense and Public Administration 6% Manufacturing 24% Commerce and Repairs Energy 1% 17% Water and Sanitation 1% Constructions 7% Transport and Storage 7% Hotels and Restaurants 2% IT&C 3% Financial Intermediations and Insurance 2% Professional, Technical and Scientific Activities 4% Administration and Support Services 4% Source: NIS, The final results of the 2011 General Population and Housing Census Figure 40. Structure of the employed population, by activity sector % of the total employed NGOs 1% Households 7% 1 Public Administration 13% The Growth Pole’s Profile Financial and Non-Financial Companies 79% Source: NIS, The final results of the 2011 General Population and Housing Census I 118 Regarding the net average wage in Prahova county (the most detailed territorial level for which the NIS collects statistics on wage levels), in 2013 it was 5.4% higher than the regional average, but 3.3% below the national average. In the 2008– 2013 period, the net average wage increased by 16.6% in nominal terms, which in real terms meant an increase of about 5%. This rate was lower than the growth rate at the national (+20.6%) and regional level (+19.9%) for the same period. Figure 41. Dynamics of the net average monthly wage at the national, regional, and county levels in the 2008-2013 period 1,800 1,600 1,400 2008 1,200 1,000 2009 800 2010 600 400 2011 200 0 Romania South Muntenia Prahova County Region Source: NIS, Online TEMPO Database Compared to other Romanian counties where growth poles exist, the net average monthly wage in Prahova is higher than in Iași, Brașov, Constanța, and Dolj, but about 10% lower than that of Timiș and Cluj, and 33% lower than the average wage in the capital city, which explains the intense and temporary migration of the local workforce to Bucharest. Figure 42. Net average monthly wage in Romanian counties with growth poles in 2013 Net average monthly wage (RON) 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 șt i iș uj va și ov ța lj re m Cl Ia aș an Do u Ti a ho r t Bu c Pr B ns Co Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database Compared to the national average, the net average monthly wages in Prahova county are only higher in agriculture and forestry, mining and quarrying, manufacturing and transport. The widest gaps compared to the national average can be seen in high value-added sectors – information and communications (-35.9%), financial intermediations (-24.4%) and the public sector (public administration, education, health). 119 Figure 43. Amount and dynamics of the net average wage by main activities of the national economy in Prahova County during the 2008-2013 period Hotels and Restaurants Administrative and Support Services Other Services Real Estate 2013 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy Constructions 2008 Commerce and Repairs Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Health and Social Assistance Water and Sanitation Education Manufacturing Transport and Storage IT&C Public Administration and Defense Professional, Technical, and Scientific Activities Financial Intermediations and Insurance Energy Mining and Quarrying 0 0 00 00 0 0 0 0 0 50 00 50 00 50 00 1,0 1,5 2, 3, 2, 3, 4, Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database The highest net average wages can be found in the following sectors: mining and quarrying industry, energy industry, financial intermediations, professional, scientific, and technical activities, and public administration and defense, which employ together approximately 15% of the total active population. The lowest salaries, close to the minimum wage, are in hotels and restaurants, real estate transactions, administrative and support services, constructions, arts, entertainment and recreation, trade and repair, agriculture and forestry, which account for over 40% of the jobs. Therefore, the local wage levels can be increased primarily by changing the economic structure and by supporting high value-added activities, especially in the area of services, and an appropriate level of personnel remuneration. The analysis of the key economic indicators for the economic activities in the Growth Pole shows that manufacturing, trade, constructions and transport have the highest contribution to employment, economic output, and entrepreneurship. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 120 Table 8. Major economic indicators at the level of national economy activities in Ploiești Groth Pole in 2013 Number of active Total turnover (mil. Total number of Total employed Economic activity companies (2013) RON, 2013) employees (2013) population (2011) Agriculture, forestry, 132 431 1,744 12,520 and fisheries Mining and quarrying 50 1,230 2,589 2,836 Manufacturing 920 10,051 25,267 36,171 Energy 83 1,164 2,717 1,996 Water and sanitation 127 334 2,449 2,191 Constructions 1,147 1,560 8,287 11,092 Commerce and repairs 3,603 5,246 14,849 25,806 Transport and storage 824 1,554 8,072 10,106 Hotels and restaurants 376 132 2,006 2,767 IT&C 354 989 1,808 3,890 Financial intermediations and 202 44 519 2,440 insurance Professional, technical, 1,231 754 4,748 5,286 and scientific activities Administrative and 395 315 4,581 6,025 support services Public administration 8 19 276 9,778 and defense Education 114 23 347 6,613 Health and social 212 82 1,134 6,962 assistance Arts, entertainment, 110 78 448 1,626 and recreation Other services 240 72 1,313 2,528 Source: BORG Design Database and NIS, The final results of the 2011 General Population and Housing Census 121 1.2.4. Economic engines and prospects The fact that an economic sector has a large number of employees does not necessarily mean that it is also an economic engine. For example, in most cities, a large number of employees work in trade. Trade, however, is not an economic growth sector and it does not provide a comparative advantage to a locality. Basically, a trading company will locate anywhere it will find a market. The sectors providing a competitive advantage to a metropolitan area are those with a location quotient greater Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy than 1. A location quotient compares the local concentration of an economic sector (i.e. the number of employees in that sector relative to the total number of employees in the metropolitan area) to the national concentration of that sector. Sectors with a location quotient higher than 1 have the potential to become an economic engine. Such sectors are attractive for both companies in the field (who want to have access to skilled workforce) and for experts (who want to work in a field that offers many opportunities in their area of expertise). In Ploiești Growth Pole, the following economic agglomerations that have a location quotient greater than 1 pool together a large number of companies and employees and generate a significant business volume and exports: 1) Machinery and equipment industry – finished goods such as heavy bearings, machinery and equipment for extracting oil and gas, chemical, petrochemical, metallurgy, and energy industries; machinery for agriculture and irrigation; weighing systems; engines; pumps; hydraulic equipment; pressure equipment, electromechanical systems; ammunition and military missiles, etc. This industry branch has a tradition of over 100 years, having developed around the oil exploitations and refineries in the region and having been strongly supported during the communist era, when “1 Mai” Plant alone generated over 18,000 jobs and Ploiești area ranked among the first production areas for armament, hydraulic equipment, and heavy bearings. Ploiești continues to be the main center for the design, production, and maintenance of machinery and equipment for the oil drilling and processing industry. However, this branch was heavily restructured after 1990, losing many foreign outlets; its decline was interrupted only by the arrival – in recent years – of foreign investors. The main companies in this field include: UPETROM 1 MAI, TIMKEN, CAMERON, PLOPENI MECHANICAL PLANT, CAMEXIP, UZUC, LUFKIN, HIDRAULICA PLOPENI, REMERO FIL, 24 IANUARIE, ELECTROMECANICA, DINAFIT, TORO, ROQUET, FLINTAB, etc. They generate about 6,500 jobs, accounting for 18% of the total jobs in the industry. 2) Food and beverage industry – milling and bakery products, pasta products, meat and meat products, eggs, dairy products, beer, soft drinks, corn puffs, wine, vegetable oil, margarine, spices, food seasoning, mustard, etc. Although not a traditional center of the food industry, since 1990 the Ploiești municipality has attracted a large number of international investors in the sector: COCA–COLA HBC, BERGENBIER, UNILEVER, BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO, HALEWOOD, ALEXANDRION GROUP, etc. In addition, there are a number of smaller companies, many of them with local capital: PHOENIXY, PRODMAR, GOPA, FARINA PAN, ECOLACT PROD, LIDA GARBEA, POIANA PRODCOM, PRAM, PANEXION. They generate more than 5,000 jobs (14% of the total population employed in industry); the products are intended mainly for the Bucharest market, but also for the national market. In recent years, there have also been exports to the regional market. 1 3) Textile and clothing industry – clothing items, protective equipment, curtains, carpets. This industry has some tradition in the area; a felt cloth factory operated here since around 1900. After 1990, large investors in the field came to this area and several companies appeared in the clothing and textile sector: OTTOROSE, OZTASAR, REXTON, The Growth Pole’s Profile UNIQUE CLOTHING, TASAR DESIGN, HACO DESIGN, SMART, AFFINITY IMPEX, PEARL K&D, FULYA TEKSTIL, PLATINA TAILORING, TESSUTICA ROMANIA, etc. They currently generate almost 5,000 jobs (13% of the population employed in the industry), mainly for women, but many companies continue to make low value-added products, offering low salaries under the Lohn system. 4) Manufacture of metal structures – welded steel constructions, SKIDs, tanks, electrical panels and installations, prefabricated metal products for the petrochemical and chemical industry, metal roofing, aluminum carpentry, steel halls, metal bellows and joints, fittings, armatures, etc. As can be seen, many of these metal products are intended for oil companies. In this sector, there are companies with foreign capital and domestic capital, such as AMPLO, TERQUA, INDUSTRIAL MONTAJ, MONTICOR INDUSTRIES, DEKOMTE DE TEMPLE, MONTUBING, DEPACO, TEHNOREX, I SUDARC, BUPAR UNION, FEMETALRO, etc. The companies in the field employ a total of about 3,500 people (10% of the population employed in the industry). 122 5) The automotive industry – wiring systems, brake pads, car covers, heat exchangers, radiators, air conditioning systems, etc. This industry branch does not have a long tradition locally, having developed mainly over the last decade, with the arrival of specific investors in the industrial parks around the city: YAZAKI, HONEYWELL FRICTION MATERIALS, FLEXITECH, JOHNSON CONTROLS, CALSONIC KANSEI, DELFINGEN, etc. They currently generate more than 3,500 jobs, representing 10% of the population employed in the manufacturing industry and 3% of the total number of jobs. 6) The petrochemical industry – fuels, oils, solvents, bitumen. Currently, three refineries are operational (Petrobrazi – owned by OMV PETROM, Teleajen – LUKOIL and Vega – ROMPETROL) and one is not (Astra Română) – with a total processing capacity of over 8 million tons of crude oil per year, far exceeding domestic production (4 million tons/ year). They are operated by multinational groups and have benefited from massive investments for retrofitting; in Petrobrazi alone, investments worth over 600 million EUR were completed in 2014, and the refinery became one of the most modern in Europe. The refining industry currently employs about 3,500 people, i.e. 10% of the total workforce employed in the industry. For nearly two centuries, the development of Ploiești city was closely linked to the progress of the hydrocarbons extraction and processing industry, Ploiești being the center of Romania’s oil sector, located in the middle of very productive oil fields. As early as 1857, when the first refinery in the world became operational (Marin Mehedințeanu’s gas factory), four oil refineries were built in Ploiești area, with a processing capacity of over 10 million tons/year, processing both domestic and imported raw material. A genuine conglomerate of horizontal and vertical activities developed around the oil industry (production of machinery and equipment for extraction, engineering and design, construction and maintenance, pipeline transport, education and training, domestic and foreign trade, etc.), which pooled together more than half of the local workforce, including during the communist period. After 1989, with the decrease of hydrocarbon reserves, the negative dynamics of the national economy and the restructuring and retrofitting process, the importance of the oil sector in the economy of the Growth Pole decreased significantly; the Growth Pole became more diversified by attracting investments in industries such as food, textile, automotive, services, etc. Currently, about 6,000 people are still working directly in hydrocarbons extraction and processing, accounting for less than 5% of the total working population, given that, for example, one of the refineries (Astra Română) is no longer operational and the other three operate below their maximum capacity. However, if we include the related industries mentioned above, the number of employees directly or indirectly dependent on the oil sector reaches 20% of the local workforce. Thus, despite the declining importance of the oil sector, it remains the main field of local economic specialization. The oil sector-related industries are volatile and heavily influenced by the evolution of the international oil prices, which could have a domino effect on many local businesses; this is one of the key vulnerabilities of the Growth Pole’s economy. However, the prospects are favorable, given that currently there are endeavors to exploit new hydrocarbons resources in the Black Sea and in the Caspian Sea, for which Ploiești is the most appropriate resource center. They could also contribute to an increase in the use of production capacity of the three refineries in operation (controlled by OMV PETROM, LUKOIL, and ROMPETROL groups), which can process twice the domestic production annually. The food industry also has good prospects for development in Ploiești area due to the strength of the local companies operating in this sector, the proximity to the outlet market of Bucharest and its environs, but also from but also thanks to the important agricultural resources in the area (e.g. vineyards, orchards, livestock, etc.). The automotive parts industry will also continue to develop, as the industrial parks in Ploiești area attract a growing number of investors in the field, attracted by the presence of DACIA RENAULT in the region. In order to determine the industrial branches for which Ploiești area holds a significant competitive advantage for export activities, we determined the Balassa Index of Revealed Competitive Advantage. It indicates that the industry of machinery, electrical appliances, and equipment is the most competitive sector on foreign markets, being strongly influenced by the fact that automotive components (e.g., wiring) manufacturers and oil producers (YAZAKI, CAMERON, LUFKIN, etc.) are established in this area. Also, the textile and the automotive parts industries are relatively competitive on foreign markets, although the former is competing with Asian products. Despite its good local development, the petrochemical industry is still deficient in terms of competitive advantage, given the significant imports of petroleum products that are processed in Ploiești refineries. Moreover, food imports are still higher than the exports; the domestic agriculture and processing industry fail to fully cover domestic consumption, despite very high-quality agricultural resources. 123 Figure 44. Balassa Index of the Revealed Comparative Advantage in Prahova County during the 2011–2014 period -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 I. Live animals and animal products II. Vegetable products III. Animal or vegetable fats and oil IV. Foodstuffs vegetables and tobacco Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy V. Mineral products 2011 VI. Chemical products 2012 VII. Plastics and rubber 2013 VIII. Piei crude, piei tăbăcite IX. Wood products 2014 X. Paper XI. Textiles XII. Footwear XIII. Stone, plaster, cement, ceramics, glass XIV. Metal products XV. Machinery, mechanical appliances and electrical equipment XVI. Automotive XVII. Optical, medical, clocks and musical instruments XVIII. Miscellaneous manufactured articles XIX. Other products not elsewhere included Source: NIS, Online TEMPO Database. Own calculations A shift-share3 analysis of the post-crisis 2009-2013 period reveals the dynamics of Ploiești Growth Pole’s economy. The economic sectors with the highest number of employees and with a location quotient higher than 1 were selected for this analysis. Overall, the “winning” sectors are those that grew faster in the growth pole than they did nationally during the 2009- 2013 period. The main winning sectors were: the manufacture of other wearing apparel (4,170 employees); Service activities related to the extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas (2,125 employees); Maintenance and repair of motor vehicles (1,075 employees); Landscape maintenance activities (756 employees); Manufacture of tobacco products (550 employees); Repair of household appliances (524 employees); Other specialized construction activities 1 (514 employees); Television broadcasting activities (470 employees). Broadly speaking, the winning sectors are relatively low value-added service sectors and industrial sectors. This means that, although these sectors experienced greater impetus locally than nationally, they did not necessarily have a substantial contribution to the economic growth of the The Growth Pole’s Profile area concerned. The “losing” sectors are those that experienced a decrease in the number of employees at local level, due to a decrease in these sectors nationwide. The losing sectors include: pipeline transport (1,774 employees); urban passenger transport (1,078 employees); manufacture of machinery for mining, quarrying and construction (1,077 employees); construction of utility projects for fluids (733 employees); manufacture of refined petroleum products (545 employees); wholesale of sugar and chocolate and sugar confectionery (518 employees); renting and operating of own or leased real estate (503 employees). Overall, it seems that Ploiești had a negative performance in a number of sectors in the field of processing and transportation of crude oil, due to a negative performance of these sectors nationwide. I 124 Figure 45. Shift-Share Analysis of the Ploiești Growth Pole during the 2009-2013 period Big Losers Road freight transport 0.5 Winners Manufacture of tobacco products Collection, purification and distribution of water Manufacture of automotive parts Service activities related to the extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas Ingineering and consultancy Raising of poultry Manufacture of bearings, gears, gearing and 0.3 driving elements Manufacture of other Maintenance and repair of motor vehicles machinery and joinery Non-specialized wholesale Manufacture of other outerwear Electrical installation work 0.1 Retail sale in non- Repair of household appliances specialized stores -0.4 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 -2 E -15 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 Construction of utility projects for fluids -0.1 0 Plumbing, heating and air Transports through pipes conditioning Urban passenger land transport Manufacture of refined petroleum products -0.3 Mining machinery production Distribution of electricity Losers -0.5 Questionable winners NOTE: The size of the circles is proportional to the absolute number of employees in the respective sector Source: BORG Design Database The “questionable winners” are those economic sectors recording an increase in the number of local employees against a backdrop of nationwide declines in these sectors. The biggest questionable winners include: distribution of electricity (2,073 employees); manufacture of metal structures (1,642 employees); plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (1,267 employees); repair and maintenance of other transport equipment (646 employees). Basically, these sectors are service sectors without a clear competitive advantage nationwide. The “big losers” are the economic sectors which suffered a decrease in workforce against a backdrop of positive performance of the same sectors at national level. The biggest losers include: manufacture of automotive parts (3,804 employees); road freight transport (3,701 employees); engineering and consultancy activities (2,524 employees); collection, purification and distribution of water (1,440 employees); retail sale in non-specialized stores (1,419 employees); manufacture of bearings, gears, gearing and driving elements (854 employees); electrical installation work (773 employees); manufacture of other special-purpose machinery and equipment (684 employees); transport by taxi (507 employees). Some of these sectors are low value-added and have no competitive advantage at national level (for example, trade). But others – namely the manufacturing of automotive assemblies – are sectors with a strong national competitive advantage. The potential for smart specialization of the local economy can also be assessed by comparison to the other Romanian growth poles, which are the engines for the development and growth of Romania’s economic competitiveness, as shown in the study on Growth Poles developed by the World Bank. Ploiești Growth Pole has important competitive advantages in the extraction and energy industries, being the most attractive of the Romanian growth poles (except for Bucharest municipality) in terms of geographic positioning of such activities. This is due to the fact that Ploiești has always been a traditional center for resources and skills in oil extraction and processing, but also to the investments made in recent years in the energy sector, such as building the largest and most modern power plant in Romania – OMV PETROM’s plant in Brazi, following an investment of over 500 million EUR, completed in 2011. It has the potential to generate 10% of Romania’s electricity needs. As well, Ploiești has average competitive advantages in the following industries: manufacturing industry (namely in these branches: petrochemistry, machinery and equipment, food and beverages), transport and logistics, as it is becoming more and more a logistics center serving both the South region and the Bucharest market (the platforms: AQUILA, KAUFLAND, LIDL, BILLA, PROFI, AHEAD) and in IT&C – some major companies are located here, such as TEAMNET INTERNATIONAL, ELETTRA COMMUNICATIONS, ROMCAP CONDENSATORI, 2K TELECOM, ASESOFT, SUNSMART INTEGRARE, INFRATEL NET etc. 3 For a detailed description of the methodology, see: World Bank. 2013. Competitive Cities 125 In contrast, we find a number of economic activities for which Ploiești Growth Pole is much less competitive compared to other cities in Romania: construction, trade, tourism, financial services, real estate, professional, scientific, and technical activities, administrative services and support, education, health, culture, leisure, etc., mainly due to the polarization of the service sector by Bucharest, which is located just 60 km away. Figure 46. Competitive advantages of Romania’s growth poles by activities of the national economy, based on the total utility method in 2013 Other Services Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy Ploiești Culture and Recreation Health and social services Education Brașov Administrative and support services Professional, scientific and technical activities Craiova Real-Estate Financial services ICT Constanța HORECA Transport and logistics Iași Trade and repairs Constructions Water and waste management Timișoara Energy Processing industry Cluj-Napoca Extraction industry Agriculture, forestry, and fishing 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 Source: BORG Design Database. Own calculations Therefore, the economic activities with the best prospects for development in Ploiești Growth Pole – having a potential for smart specialization, redefinition on more solid competitive bases and new jobs generation – are the oil extraction and processing industry, including all related services along the entire supply chain, the automotive, machinery and equipment industry, the food and beverage industry, the energy industry, the ICT sector, and the transport and logistics 1 sector. However, the evolution of these sectors over time should be also taken into account in order to understand whether the poor performance during 2009-2013 is a fleeting trend or long-term dynamics. The Growth Pole’s Profile I 126 1.2.5. Research and development, and support infrastructure for companies The research, development, and innovation activity (RDI) in Ploiești Growth Pole is underdeveloped compared to the national level and is dominated by the public sector. The areas of specialization of the local RDI units are closely linked to the area’s economic profile and are specialized in oil extraction and processing, oil equipment and viticulture. Thus, the Research and Design Institute for Oil Drilling Equipment (IPCUP) is the only research nucleus in Romania for oil equipment, drilling rigs, tools and devices in the field, ensuring – throughout its 60 years of activity – scientific results that have propelled Romania among the top players in the world in this sector, ranking third after Russia and US. In recent years, the institute, which is subordinated to the Ministry of National Education, has faced a dramatic decline in demand for services, due to the privatization of the companies in the sector, which have their own RDI departments, and has accumulated significant debt to the state budget, which has prevented them from paying the wages on time to its specialized staff. Therefore, it currently has only about 50 employees, half of whom are university graduates and who were transferred to the National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering (ICPE–CA) in 2013, when the activity revived. In addition to the actual research and design, and technical inspection activity, the Institute also performs technology transfer activities within its small production workshop. The customers of the institute are mostly local companies in the oil equipment production and hydrocarbons extraction sector, but also some foreign companies. ICERP S.A. Ploiești is a company with double specialization – research and production, and has over 45 years of experience in lubricants and additives. The company products (additives, greases, protection fluids, metal processing fluids, industrial and engine oils, detergents, biocides, corrosion inhibitors) are marketed under the brands ADIROL, LUBRICERP, and PROTICERP. All these products are the result of the research carried out in ICERP’s own laboratories; over the last few years alone, more than 40 new products have been registered at the State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (OSIM). This privately owned company is also facing a slump in demand; it is currently undergoing reorganization and it has only 30 employees, one third of whom are university graduates. IPIP S.A. (the Engineering and Design Institute for Oil Refineries and Petrochemical Plants), established in 1950, is the leading provider of design services for refineries and the petrochemical industry in Romania. The company, currently privately-owned, has nearly 300 employees and its annual turnover amounts to 10-20 million EUR. Other local companies providing design, engineering, core taking, and research services in the oil sector are PETROSTAR, WEATHERFORD ATLAS GIP, JCR CHRISTOF CONSULTING, COMPROIECT 92, TECON ENGINEERING, etc., with a total turnover of over 65 million EUR and 1,100 employees in 2013. IC-DVV (Institute for Research and Development of Viticulture and Winemaking) Valea Călugărească, subordinated to the “Gh. Ionescu-Șișești” Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, is one of the most important research centers in the field of viticulture and winemaking in Romania. A variety of activities are carried out here, such as the creation of plant propagating material from new varieties with high biological value, chemical analyses and quality wines from the following varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot noir, Fetească neagră, Sauvignon, Fetească regală, Riesling, Distilate. The institute has modern research laboratories endowed with cutting-edge equipment, experimental polygons (16.8 ha), pilot microvinification station, ampelographic collection of vinifera varieties and rootstocks with more than 1,100 varieties and clones of the national and global range (5.2 ha), plantations of rootstocks (2.71 ha), nursery vines (5.0 ha), pilot farms (around 150 ha), and a grapes winemaking undertaking, where the technologies in viticulture and winemaking developed by the research sector are tested under production conditions. In terms of information technology, the institute has modern means of communication (telephony network and optic fiber internet, high-speed Internet, advanced computers and state of the art specialized software: ArcGIS, Arc Editor 9.1., etc.) and the possibility to implement an INTRANET network. Like other public research units, the activity of the institute was affected by the reduction of the allocations for research from the state budget and it has reduced its staff to about 100 people. Thirteen research centers operate within the Petroleum – Gas University of Ploiești, generally grouped around several departments belonging to the five faculties of the university: • Hydrocarbon deposits engineering; • Modern and environmentally-friendly drilling and extraction technologies; 127 • Materials and technologies for the manufacturing of oil equipment; • Strength, stability, dynamics and durability of oil and petrochemical equipment structures; • Advanced automation of chemical processes; • Oil processing and petrochemistry; • Interdisciplinary Research Center for the Implementation of EU Policies in Countries of the Black Sea Region; • Research Center for Literary Studies, Linguistics, Critical Theory and Culture; • CerTIMF Research Centre; Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy • Interdisciplinary Research Center for Economic and Financial Strategies; • Interdisciplinary Research Center for Strategies for the Implementation of EU Policies in Countries of the Black Sea Region; • Center for Economic Studies and Research; • Center for Legal and Socio-Administrative Studies and Research. The ITAF Ploiești Business and Technology Incubator also operates within the University and ever since 2008 it has provided activities in the field of industrial products and technologies (student start-up incubation, consultancy, technology transfer, research, training, etc.) – accredited by the National Authority for Scientific Research (ANCS). It also offers continuing training, information technology, and a Center for Technology Transfer, Innovation and Business, which provides services such as fundamental and applied research, design, drafting of feasibility studies, and various other services in these sectors: oil, environment, information technology, etc. The University runs major research and development contracts with major companies in the oil sector, such as ROMGAZ, LUKOIL, PETROSTAR, OMV PETROM; to this purpose, the good qualification of the teaching and research staff is of utmost importance, as are the specific facilities (e.g., simulators, testing equipment for oil piping), purchased through projects funded by grants. Figure 47. Percentage of the GDP allocated to RDI expenses during 2007-2013 % of GDP allocated to RDI 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 1 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Romania South Muntenia Region Prahova County The Growth Pole’s Profile Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database In terms of expenses related to the RDI activity, Prahova county is far below the national and regional average, with less than 0.2%, i.e. over 10 times less than the target assumed by Romania in the 2014-2020 Partnership Agreement. This can be explained by the underdeveloped specific infrastructure and by the chronic underfinancing of the research sector from the state budget. As well, because of the weak development of technology transfer, few research projects are funded by private companies and few results reach production processes. Therefore, most of the academic research remains at a basic level. I According to AD ASTRA statistics, Ploiești municipality ranks last among the growth poles when it comes to scientific output materialized in published scientific articles. 128 Figure 48. Number of scientific articles published in 2011 2,000 1,800 1,600 1,400 1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 0 i ca și a ov va ța ti șt po Ia ar aș io an eș re a ișo r a t loi cu -N m B Cr ns P Bu uj Ti Co Cl Articles Source: AD ASTRA, Romanian Research White Paper Regarding the protection of intellectual property rights, the statistics of the State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (OSIM) indicate the following positioning of Prahova county in the national context, in the 2001-2013 period: • 9th place by number of patent applications per 100,000 inhabitants (28), surpassing only Constanța among the growth poles; • 9th place by number of applications for the registration of designs per 100,000 inhabitants (15), surpassing Dolj, Timiș, and Iași counties; • 10 th place by number of applications for registration of trademarks per 100,000 inhabitants (240), surpassing only Dolj. When it comes to business and innovation support infrastructure, Ploiești Growth Pole ranks first among the Romanian growth poles when it comes to the area occupied by industrial parks. Thus, there are eight authorized industrial parks, four of which are public and four are private. The industrial parks owned and managed by the local public authorities are the following: • Ploiești Industrial Park – covering an area of 163 ha and with an occupancy rate of 100%, it is a greenfield park located in the western part of the city and has access to to DN (National Road) 72, the railway and the whole range of utilities (electricity, water, sanitation, gas, telecommunications) and internal access roads. Currently, the park accommodates about 40 companies, which have invested about 300 million EUR and have generated more than 7,000 jobs, some of them resulting from significant foreign investment attracted in recent years (YAZAKI, CAMERON, ALKA, CALSONIC KANSEI, KAUFLAND, JOHNSON CONTROLS, BERICAP, etc.). The park is managed by a company subordinated to Prahova County Council, like the other three publicly owned industrial parks in the Growth Pole. • Plopeni Industrial Park – with an area of 76 ha and an occupancy rate of 100%, it is a brownfield park developed on the abandoned production areas of the former Plopeni Mechanical Plant, having access to the full range of utilities. At present, more than 25 companies operate here, with about 600 employees. They carry out various activities: plastics, manufacture of wood and furniture, metallurgy and machining, machinery and equipment, trade, construction. • Brazi Industrial Park – with an area of 46 ha, it hosts about 20 companies with 245 employees; its occupancy level is of 75% for land and 12% for buildings. This park also needs additional investment for the demolition or conversion of several abandoned buildings on its territory. • Bărcănești Industrial Park – covering an area of 91 ha (with the possibility of expanding by another 80 ha), it is the most recent industrial park in the area (2013), located on the land of the former Tătărani greenhouses, thus having an occupancy rate of only 2%. The park infrastructure is poor, much of the land requiring disposal of the existing constructions and installations. In this respect, a master plan was developed for investments worth about 8.4 million EUR, and a Zonal Urban Plan. The proposed specialization of this park is agri-food. 129 The private industrial parks in the area are the following: • Ploiești West Industrial Park – it covers an area of 290 ha, being the largest private industrial park in Romania, and is developed by the Belgian company ALINSO GROUP in the western part of the town, near the industrial park owned by Prahova County Council. It has areas for SMEs logistics, cold stores, and an intermodal freight terminal. The total investment in this park, estimated at 750 million EUR, was only partially implemented. By 2016, it is estimated that up to 20,000 jobs will be created. Among the renowned clients of the park there are international companies such as TORO, LUFKIN, UNILEVER, HONEYWELL, SCHLUMBERG, BAT, and HALLIBURTON. So far, the park’s occupancy rate has reached 30%, with investments of about 200 million EUR. Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy • PRIMUS I and II Industrial Parks – with an area of about 110 ha, they are located in the Ariceștii Rahtivani commune. • WDP Development Industrial Park – with an area of about 25 ha, it is located in the western part of the city and will host the first production unit of the Belgian company ROQUET. • DIBO Industrial Park – it covers an area of about 22 ha and is located in the Brazi commune. It offers investors 16 already constructed industrial buildings, to be extended in the future. Therefore, we can say that Ploiești Growth Pole has about 800 ha of public and private industrial parks, with a nearly 50% occupancy rate and in a continuous expansion, having determined investments of over 500 million EUR and created 10,000 new jobs. They played a key role in attracting new investors to the area; most of these investors settled in these business support structures. The effects of the industrial parks’ development on foreign investment were positive: the number of companies with foreign capital increased by 42.8%, and the subscribed capital by 165% between 2007 and 2013. Therefore, Prahova county has come to rank 11th nationally in terms of the number of companies established by foreign investors, and 8th when it comes to the value of the subscribed capital. Figure 49. Volume of foreign investments attracted by Prahova County for the 2007-2013 period 4,000 3,500 2007 3,000 2008 2,500 2009 2,000 2010 1,500 2011 1,000 2012 500 2013 0 1 Number of foreign investors companies Subscribed capital (mil. Lei) Subscribed capital (mil. USD) Subscribed capital (mil. Euro) Source: National Trade Register Office The Growth Pole’s Profile I 130 Map 40. Functional areas in Ploiești Growth Pole Sursa: xx 131 However, it should be pointed out that the services provided by administrative companies to the investors hosted are not very diversified, being limited to the sale and lease of land and the provision of utilities. In this context, there is a lack of business support structures geared towards local entrepreneurs, to offer them a wider range of information services (information, consultancy, training, technology transfer, internationalization and marketing, event organization, incubation, etc.). Although several studies previously carried out at the regional or national levels have identified the existence of several industrial agglomerations that have the potential to turn into clusters, no such structure has been established locally yet. Such industrial agglomerations belong to the following sectors: automotive, (developed around DACIA RENAULT), Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy electrical equipment, tourism, agri-food, construction, petrochemistry. For comparison, such structures have already been formalized, are functional, and have even drawn grants in other growth poles (Cluj-Napoca: furniture, ICT), Iași (medicine, ICT), Timișoara (ICT, automotive, renewable energy), Constanța (transport), etc. 1.2.6. Projects completed / ongoing The first step in developing business services for local entrepreneurs is to develop the “Green Light” Multifunctional Business Center, located in Ploiești Industrial Park, an investment of about 9 million EUR, co-financed by the ROP 2007- 2013. It will contain an office building with a conference room and exhibition center – there were no such functions locally; these will benefit particularly the SMEs and microenterprises in the Growth Pole. Also, a Business Excellence Center for Young Entrepreneurs is currently under construction, being supported by funds from the POR 2007-2013. It will include offices and multi-purpose rooms for young people who want to start businesses in the field of consultancy, ecology, ecotourism, environmental assessment, and design. Moreover, the Prahova County Council has allocated significant funds for developing the infrastructure of the county’s industrial parks that are managed by its subordinated companies (Ploiești, Plopeni, Brazi, Bărcănești), and also for those in the proximity of the Growth Pole (Mizil, Urlați, Ciorani). The same institution has actively contributed to the development of tourism in Prahova county by using funds from the ROP 2007-2013 to design and promote integrated and thematic tourist routes. We should also mention the substantial investments made by private companies, either in the field of production (such as OMV PETROM, which has invested over 1 billion EUR in the modernization of the Petrobrazi Refinery and in the construction of Brazi Power Plant), or in the field of business infrastructure development (ALINSO GROUP, WDP DEVELOPMENT). Foreign capital companies invested 470 million EUR in the 2007-2013 period in the form of capital injections, in addition to other amounts reinvested from their profits and to investments made by domestically-owned companies. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 132 1.2.7. Conclusions – existing disparities, trends, needs, and areas of intervention Map 41. Structure of Economic Activities (Romania) Ploiești Growth Pole has a tendency of converging – in the long term – with the economic performance of other cities and regions in the European Union. However, this tendency was temporarily interrupted by the global crisis, so that the GDP/capita at current prices remains below 40% of the EU-28 average and below the level reached by more dynamic growth poles (Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara) during the last decade. The current economic structure of the Growth Pole is unfavorable for smart economic specialization and better living standards; the high value-added service sector (ICT, financial services, professional, scientific, and technical activities, etc.) is underdeveloped compared to other growth poles in Romania. Thus, Cluj-Napoca and Constanța have an economy dominated by the tertiary sector, in contrast to Craiova and Ploiești, which display lower economic performance and where the industrial sector continues to generate over half of the output of the local economy. Timișoara is an exception to this rule, as it has a high share of the industry, but also shifts towards more technologically advanced branches. 133 The rate of entrepreneurship at local level, expressed by the number of active enterprises per 1,000 inhabitants, is low compared to other growth poles; the local business environment is dominated by foreign capital companies and lacks a solid class of local businessmen. The unemployment rate is among the highest (being surpassed only by Craiova), as is the share of pensioners and homemakers in the total population. The level of local salaries is below the national average, due to the unfavorable economic structure of the local economy (a high rate of employment in low value- added sectors). Ploiești Growth Pole has important competitive advantages when it comes to the extractive and energy industries, Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy since it is the most attractive of the Romanian growth poles for the location of such activities. It also has competitive advantages in the manufacturing industry (namely in these branches: petrochemistry, machinery and equipment, food and beverages), in transport and logistics, as it is becoming more and more a logistics center that serves both the South Region and the Bucharest market. In contrast, the economic activities where Ploiești Growth Pole is less competitive include construction, trade, tourism, financial services, real estate, professional, scientific, and technical activities, administrative and support services, education, health, culture, recreational activities, etc. This is due mainly to the service sector polarization induced by Bucharest, which is located just 60 km away. Between 2007 and 2013, the number of active companies in Ploiești Growth Pole dropped by 13.9% due to the economic crisis, which led to a decrease in the domestic and external demand, and thus to a limitation of the companies’ activity in the area, or even to event to the bankruptcy of some of them. The most affected sectors were the construction industry, and the trade and manufacturing industries, which hold a significant share in the local economy; in these sectors, the number of companies has decreased by 18-26% in the last 7 years alone. In contrast, there are sectors where the number of companies has increased, such as agriculture, energy, information and communications, some services for the population. Despite this negative dynamics, Ploiești Growth Pole continues to pool 64.6% of the active companies in Prahova county, 19.3% of those in South Muntenia region and 2.1% of those in Romania. There are several industrial agglomerations at local level, which pool together a large number of firms and employees and generate a significant volume of businesses and exports: machinery and equipment, food and beverages, textiles and clothing, metal constructions, automotive parts, oil extraction and processing, energy. Despite these conglomerations, the business networks, the supply chains, and the innovative clusters have not been formalized and functionalized yet locally, although there are horizontal and vertical connections between certain companies. Ploiești municipality is a resource and skill center of international importance for the oil industry, having the ability to process a significant amount of hydrocarbons from the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea. The dependence of a large part of the local economy on the oil market, which is among the most volatile, constitutes a vulnerability. The local sectors that have a potential for smart economic specialization are the following: the oil and gas extraction and processing industry (including the full range of related works and services for the entire supply chain), the automotive parts industry, the machinery and equipment industry (mainly equipment for the petrochemical and extractive industries, hydraulic equipment), the food and energy industries, the ICT sector, and, last but not least, 1 transport and logistics, given the favorable geographical location near an outlet market of about 3 million consumers – the Capital city – and at the intersection of several transport corridors. The Growth Pole’s Profile The localities around the city have attracted many investors over the past few years – either new ones or relocated from the urban core, under pressure from urban and environmental regulations and especially from those related to the real estate market. Nevertheless, in the communes of the Growth Pole, a large portion of the population is employed in subsistence agriculture, due to extensive agricultural resources (viticulture, horticulture, animal husbandry), which are only partly exploited in the local processing industry due to the lack of functional supply chains. The local RDI sector is declining as a result of the chronic underfunding of this area and the lack of functional structures for technology transfer. The Ploiești area traditionally has skills and expertise in basic and applied research, design and engineering for petrochemistry, machinery for the oil industry and viticulture, which could underlie the revival of the research activity in the context of concerns for smart specialization. I The local business support infrastructure is very well developed (ranking first nationwide when it comes to the 134 Map 42. Structure of economic activities (Ploiești Growth Pole) 135 surface of industrial parks and the jobs created at their level) and plays a key role in attracting investments. The public authorities have played a key role in this area by developing four industrial parks in the metropolitan area alone. However, the existing parks offer only basic services (housing and utilities) and are directed towards foreign investors, while local entrepreneurs have limited access to business services. Tourism has a marginal contribution to the local economy, despite private investments in the accommodation, catering and leisure infrastructure and despite designing and promoting regional thematic routes with great potential for attracting visitors in the fields of wine tourism, culinary tourism, cultural and religious tourism, etc. Therefore, Ploiești Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.2. Economy remains only a center for transit and business tourism, being located between two tourism poles of international importance (Prahova Valley and Bucharest). The dynamics regarding the number of employees varied significantly from one locality to another in the 2007-2013 period. While it dropped in Ploiești, Plopeni, or Dumbrăvești, other places (Ariceștii Rahtivani, Brazi, Păulești, Târgșoru Vechi, Bărcănești) attracted a number of important investors in recent years, including following businesses’ relocation from Ploiești city, which emphasizes a clear trend of redistribution of the economic activities in the territory, from the urban core to the periphery. The unemployment rate remains at a low level, despite massive restructuring of the local economy after the year 1990 against a backdrop of new investors entering in, the practice of commuting to Bucharest- Ilfov, and the external migration of the workforce. The workforce aging tendency (the average age of the employed – over 40) is manifested mainly as a result of the intensification of the migration of young people to Bucharest and other countries, and is accompanied by outdated qualifications, which were obtained in the past and are less required on today’s job market. Regarding the structure of employment, the service sector has come to provide 57% of the jobs in Ploiești Growth Pole, followed by the industry (28%), agriculture and forestry (8%), and the constructions sector (7%). Compared to the communist period, the number of people employed in the service sector is two times higher than the number of industry workers. The workforce generally tends to shift to the service sector in large urban agglomerations. In the communes around Ploiești municipality, a great portion of the population is employed in subsistence agriculture, due to extensive agricultural resources (viticulture, horticulture, animal husbandry), which are only partly exploited in the local processing industry, due to the lack of functional supply chains. The important volume of foreign investments that were attracted in recent years highlights the shortage of workforce with secondary education. This situation requires the reintroduction of technical and vocational education, and the fostering of labor mobility from outside the metropolitan area, including attracting unemployed or informally employed people to the labor market. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 136 Map 43. Workforce 137 Part I: The Growth Pole’s Profile 1 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention CHAPTER 1.3. Environment 139 1.3. Environment 1.3.1. Environmental quality and pollution control (air, water, and soil) Air Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.3. Environment According to the Environmental Report (EPA Prahova, 2013), air quality in Ploiești was monitored by daily or hourly measurements in 12 stations (6 automatic stations and 6 manual stations). The level of the pollutants such as SO2, NO2/NOx, CO, benzene, particulate matter, lead, and ozone are monitored and evaluated in accordance with Law no. 104/2011, which transposes the requirements of the European regulations. As well, the levels of ammonia, formaldehyde, and hydrogen sulfide are monitored in examined by reference to the standards included in STAS no. 12574/87 - Air in protected areas. The measured values of pollutants are emission values that are influenced by the economic activity in the area where the measuring equipment is located. Temperature, humidity, pressure, air movement, and rainfall determine substantial changes in the level of atmospheric pollution. Besides the economic activity, road traffic is also a key determinant of the pollution level. Figure 50. Changes in sulfur oxide emissions by years (2005- Generally, in the automatic monitoring stations 2013) and by groups of activities (for 2013) the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide have not exceeded the quality thresholds for human health protection provided by Law Emissions - SOx [tons/year] no. 104/2011, except in 4 cases, in which hourly 30,000 emission limits for sulfur dioxide were exceeded 25,000 at Mihai Bravu Station. As well, the values of 20,000 annual average concentrations of particulate matter under 10 microns (PM10) and of heavy 15,000 metals do not exceed the limit value (40 μg/ 10,000 cubic meter). However, in manual stations, the 5,000 maximum concentrations provided by STAS 12574/87 for the total suspended particles 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 (TSP) were exceeded at the EPA headquarters, at ICERP and at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Also, the PM10 particulate matter Emisions SOx - Year 2013 [Gg/year] concentrations exceeded the daily averages at 7 000 the EPA headquarters, in the Blejoi commune, 6 000 on the București Boulevard and on the Mihai 5 000 Bravu Street. When using short-term averaging 4 000 methods, the maximum concentrations of 3 000 hydrogen sulfide (Mihai Bravu district) and 2 000 particulate matter (București Blvd., Republicii 1 1000 0 - Vestului Avenue crossroad) were exceeded. Nitrogen dioxide concentrations are also 1.A.1 1.A.2 1.A.4 1.B.2 1.A.3. approaching the maximum permissible values Combustion Emissions Low power Petroleum Road The Growth Pole’s Profile activities in generated stationary (refining + transport at the EPA headquarters and on București Blvd. the energy by electricity facilities storage) and All this suggests that pollution is generated industries and heat natural gas production primarily by the more and more intense vehicle Source: EPA Prahova. State of the environment in Prahova County in 2013 traffic, but also by certain industrial activities. All this potentially contributed to the growth of morbidity and mortality caused by respiratory diseases, malignant tumors and cardiovascular diseases, as compared to 2012. Carbon monoxide, benzene, and ozone did not exceed the values above which they become harmful for human health. However, the maximum permissible daily concentration of ammonia was exceeded. I 140 Figure 51. Changes in nitrogen oxide emissions by years As for the pressure exerted on air quality in the (2005-2013) and by groups of activities (for 2013) Prahova county, the activities which accounted for air pollution in 2013 were the following: Emissions - SOx [tons/year] • Combustion activities in the energy industries 25,000 - i.e. production of electricity and heat; refining of crude oil and petroleum (refining / storage) - 20,000 are the main source of SOx and NOx emissions; 15,000 10,000 • Livestock and waste management is the main source of NH3 emissions; 5,000 • Petroleum (refining + storage) and natural gas, 0 as well as combustion in low power stationary 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 facilities (institutional / commercial and Emissions NOx - Year 2013 [Gg/year] residential) represent the main source of volatile 7,000 organic compound emissions. 6,000 Emissions generated by electricity and heat 5,000 production have decreased significantly due to 4,000 improving of the pollutant retention equipment, 3,000 switching to cleaner fuels and improving 2,000 energy efficiency. However, energy production 1,000 and distribution remain a major source of air 0 1.A.1 1.A.2 1.A.4 1.B.2 1.A.3. pollution, accounting for NOx and SOx emissions. Combustion Emissions Low power Petroleum Road The road transport sector is a major source activities in generated stationary (refining + transport the energy by electricity facilities storage) and of air pollution. Heavy vehicles are the most industries and heat natural gas important source of NOx, PM10/PM2.5 and heavy production metals, while cars are important sources of CO, Source: EPA Prahova. State of the environment in Prahova County in 2013 NH3 and NMVOC. 141 Water In 2013, in the Prahova county, groundwater bodies were monitored in 8 springs, 32 boreholes and 6 wells. The nitrate indicator was exceeded in just 3 of them, i.e. 6.52%. The quality of surface water intended to be rendered potable was monitored in 17 sections in Prahova sub-basin. The water purification sections are located immediately upstream of the water intake (for intakes of surface running waters) and, respectively, in the intake section (dam, shore) for water reservoirs. According to the Water Law no. 107/1996, as amended and supplemented, the bodies of water which Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.3. Environment were designated for catching water for human consumption and which provided, on average, more than 100 cubic meters of water/day, were established as monitoring points. The purification sections were classified into quality categories based on the annual average value of physical, chemical, and microbiological indicators, and they met the requirements of NTPA 013/2002 according to GD 100/2002, as amended and supplemented. In 2013, out of the 25 monitored water bodies, 71% were in good ecological condition, and 29% showed a moderate ecological condition. Also, the Paltinu and Măneciu water reservoirs, which provide much of the drinking water needed by Ploiești urban area, have a good ecological potential. It should be noted that only 31.4% of the wastewater requiring treatment was treated properly in 2013. The percentage is 12.2% for wastewater, 40.5% for water generated by food industry, 42% for education and health sectors, and 52.7% for the trade and services industries. This is due to the insufficient endowment of the tertiary wastewater treatment plants in the city and the biological treatment plants for industrial wastewater. In 2013, organic matter, nutrients (coming from urban areas, livestock farms, food and beverage industry, chemical industry), heavy metals, dangerous organic micro-pollutants (chemical industry), etc. were discharged in Ploiești urban area. In 2013, there was also an accidental pollution in Prahova sub-basin, on Dâmbu brook, caused by OMV PETROM SA ASSET VII Muntenia East, 23rd Sector, Ploiești West. Oil iridescence could be noted on the water and crude oil stuck on the vegetation covering the bank of the river. The development of the pollution phenomenon was monitored and the affected area was cleaned up. Soil After monitoring soil quality in terms of heavy metal content in the 7 measuring points within the city of Ploiești, it was noted that in some monitoring points the average annual values measured for the nickel and copperindicators slightly exceeded the normal levels for soil. For indicators such as cadmium, lead, and zinc, the average annual values remained within the standards allowed with respect to soil (according to the Order of the Ministry of Environment no. 756/1997). At county level, the critical areas in terms of soil degradation cover a total of 132.13 ha, of which 100 ha are sites contaminated through activities related to the oil extraction industry and storage of oil residues. There are other wider areas belonging to industrial sites that are totally or partially abandoned, due to the closure or decline of certain industrial enterprises, dating back to the communist era or even the interwar period ( Astra Română Refinery, Dorobanțul felt cloth factory, “1 Mai” oil machinery plant, etc.). Such areas also pose environmental risks too, and 1 although they are not critical, they should be carefully monitored. They can be found in the GP area, Brazi, Boldești- Scăeni, and Ploiești. In Boldești-Scăeni there is also a 350 m2 area affected by landslides. The Growth Pole’s Profile I Sourse: http://decontaminarecampina.ro 142 Map 44. Deteriorated soil (polluted areas, brownfields) 143 Table 9. Critical areas in terms of soil degradation Contaminated site name Company name Site area (m2) Polluting activity SC ROMPETROL RAFINARIA VEGA SA Vega tar pit 100,000 oil waste storage Ploiești SC ROMFOSFOCHIM ACTIVE SRL Phosphogypsum pit 559,000 oil waste storage VALEA Călugărească Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.3. Environment Roasted pyrite warehouse SC MEGA COMPANY SRL București 65,000 oil waste storage SC RAFINARIA ASTRA ROMANA SA Oil residue pit 26,000 oil waste storage Ploiești Pit 196 SC PETROTEL - LUKOIL SA Ploiești 44,440 oil waste storage Collection Center 701 35 Collection Center 702 30 Collection Center 27 35 Collection Center 1043 129 Collection Center 97 700 Collection Center 302 Holes 820 4 VD Tintea park 2,000 Collection Center 16 250 Băicoi slurry pit 6,000 Urlați slurry storage pit SC PETROM SA Ploiești 250 oil extraction industry Cărbunești 1 slurry storage pit 60 Cărbunești 2 slurry storage pit 150 Park 710 slurry storage pit 700 Boldești-Central I slurry storage pit 750 Boldești slurry (ecological) pit 2,500 Boldești-Central II slurry storage pit 390 Slurry storage pit 3 Boldești Tritter 800 Sonda 6002 slurry pit Sinaia de Mizil 9,034 Surani park 1 980 Oil residue pit – Vega zone 19,000 oil waste storage Ploiești Source: EPA Prahova. State of the environment in Prahova County in 2013 Table 10. Critical areas affected by landslides Locality Type of erosion Area Boldești-Scăeni Landslide 350 Source: EPA Prahova. State of the environment in Prahova County in 2013 Table 11. Pollution accidents affecting the soil in 2013 Date Locality Pollutant Substance Băicoi (100 m from the left 04.01.2013 SC Conpet SA Ploiești crude oil bank of Doftana river) 1 Berceni commune - Matisol 02.04.2013 SC Conpet SA Ploiești crude oil area (Urlați-Ploiești pipeline) 16.09.2013 Bărcănești tanker gasoline 19.09.2013 Băicoi – str. Horia OMV Petrom oil and salt water mix The Growth Pole’s Profile Source: EPA Prahova. State of the environment in Prahova County in 2013 About 18% of the land in Prahova county is affected by intense processes of degradation, especially by surface and subsurface erosion, landslides, oil and salt pollution, excessive humidity, etc. Natural factors were amplified by the inappropriate use of land, such as deforestation, irrational grazing, excessive use of chemical fertilizers, etc. I 144 Map 45. Deteriorated soil (land slides, accidental pollution) 145 Another major shortcoming at local level is the deficit of woodlands, especially in the south of the territory (plain area). In addition, there are major anthropogenic pressures on the existing forests, mainly illegal logging, the most problematic areas being Dâmbu and Plopeni-Sat. Map 46. Forested areas Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.3. Environment 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 146 Noise pollution During 2011, 68.71% of the measurements showed values that were higher than the limits established by STAS 10009/88. Noise measurements targeted areas that may pose health risks to the exposed population. The noise level is mostly the result of road traffic affecting the population of Ploiești, rail traffic on the lower sections along railways and industrial activities. Map 47. Daytime noise pollution in Ploiești urban area Source: RASP Ploiești The figure above shows that in Ploiești, the values recorded exceeded 75 or even 80 decibels, on the north-south axis, near the railway stations, in industrial areas and on streets crossed by trams routes or open to heavy-duty traffic. According to an audit conducted by a private company in the field of acoustic measurements (ENVIRO CONSULT), the most polluted growth pole in terms of noise is Bucharest (85% of the population is affected), followed by Constanța (76%), Cluj-Napoca (64%), Brașov, and Ploiești (61%). 147 1.3.2. Protected natural areas Due to the outstanding diversity of biotopes and habitats, Prahova county enjoys a rich inventory of flora and fauna species, including endemic species, rare species, glacial relics, and species of Community importance. In the GP area, there is a habitat of national importance - the Plopeni forest (91 ha of protected site of Community importance - SCI), hosting a vegetal association that is endemic to Romania, namely Peucedanorocheliani-Molinietumcoeruleae, which has Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.3. Environment been observed also in Banat and Hațeg as well. The habitat is characterized by swampy groves with clayey substratum and high groundwater level. Plopeni forest site is in the custody of Prahova County Museum of Natural Sciences, which accessed funds from SOP ENVIRONMENT 2007-2013 to develop a management plan. Out of the 134 local areas of interest (4,607 ha) that enjoy the protection status, as established in the General Urban Plans of the communes and in the decisions of the local councils (and which are also included in the spatial plan of Prahova county), the GP area includes: Broasca (39.2 ha) in Bucov commune; a nature reserve (40 ha) in Păulești commune; and Plopeni forest (10 ha) in Plopeni town. As regards the natural protected sites of Community importance (SCI), in addition to Plopeni forest, there is also the Ialomiței Corridor, which extends partially on the territory of Brazi, Valea Călugărească and Berceni communes. There is a major anthropogenic pressure on local biodiversity, for example because the land that is covered by constructions has expanded, due to the extension of settlements and transport infrastructure (e.g. establishment of industrial parks, new residential areas, and construction of highways). This can be seen especially in the peri-urban area of Ploiești city, and has negative effects on climate change and the habitats in those areas, which have shrunk dramatically. As well, the irrational exploitation of minor river beds for sand, gravel and ballast mining activities will adversely affect the ecosystems concerned if measures for environmental reconstruction are not taken. 1.3.3. Climate change In its programmatic documents, the EU has declared its responsibility for addressing climate change and has set the target of allocating 20% of the EU funds for the period 2014-2020 to climate actions, reducing GHG emissions, and climate adaptation. Such climate actions should be included and integrated in Ploiești GP IDP projects. Addressing activities such as the reduction of carbon emissions and climate resilience would benefit the local communities within the growth pole. In March 2007, the European Council expressed its firm commitment to reduce by 2020 total emissions of greenhouse gases in the Community by at least 20% compared to 1990 levels and by 30% if other developed countries also commit to achieving comparable emission reductions, and if the developing countries that are more advanced economically contribute adequately, according to their responsibilities and capabilities. By 2050, global greenhouse gas emissions 1 should fall by at least 50% below their 1990 levels. In order to contribute to achieving these long-term objectives, it is appropriate to set out a predictable path through The Growth Pole’s Profile which the emissions of facilities covered by the Community scheme should be reduced. To achieve in a cost-effective way the Community’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% below the 1990 levels, the emission allowances allocated for such facilities by 2020 should fall by 21% below the 2005 emission levels. The Community-wide quantity of allowances, calculated from the mid-point of the 2008-2012 period, should decrease in a linear manner, ensuring that the emissions reduction system delivers gradual and predictable decreases of emissions over time. The annual decrease of allowances should be equal to 1,74% of the allowances issued by Member States pursuant to Commission’s Decisions on Member States’ national allocation plans for the period 2008-2012, so that the Community scheme contributes cost-effectively to achieving the commitment to an overall reduction in emissions of I 148 at least 20% by 2020. Climate change is a multi-sector issue, therefore most adjustment and improvement measures will be specific to each sector. For example, the industrial, transport, and energy fields should take measures to reduce GHG emissions, e.g. by making efforts to promote energy efficiency as specified in local recommendations on energy efficiency (LREE), by using renewable energy in private and public sectors, by investing in the development of a low carbon transport system, and by improving the efficiency of industrial entities and public utilities. As for reforestation, it is covered by the biodiversity sector. Climate change adjustment measures are also sector-specific and must be integrated into sector-specific activities, such as flood protection in rural areas and climate-resilient farming practices. In Prahova county there are 14 operators that hold greenhouse gas emission permits for activities in facilities covered by Law no. 278/2013 on industrial emissions. The procedure for issuing greenhouse gas emission permits for the period 2013-2020 is laid out in Order no. 1897/2007, as amended and supplemented by Order no. 2069/2010 and by Order no. 3420/2012. Map 48. Deviation of air temperature profiles in measured points on AA’ and BB’profiles, compared to the city center (PFC) 149 I 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.3. Environment 150 Map 49. Air pollution Map 50. Map of surface temperatures in Ploiești, processed from the satellite image taken by Landsat 8 on August 06, 2014, between 10:00 and 12:00 OVR Urban Heat Islands (UHI) in the city of Ploiești The continuous urbanization of major cities worldwide and the climate effects induced by this process are, at present, a major issue addressed in urban development studies. The main consequence of the enlargement of urban areas is the intensification of urban heat islands (UHI) above medium-sized and large cities. The study for detecting the urban heat island of Ploiești is based on two different approaches: detection of UHI by direct measurements made at 1.5 m above the ground, for determining air temperature variations in the breathable layer (atmospheric urban heat island - AUHI); and detection of the surface urban heat island (SUHI), identified based on remote-sensing satellite imaging systems. The results of the two approaches are structured in two parts and detailed below. As shown, there are green areas, which lead to a temperature decrease in both cases, while the increase in the density and height of both residential and industrialbuildings determines a temperature increase, especially if the roof color and material allow heat retention at their level. As well, on both profiles, the urban heat island dome is well evidenced compared to the peripheral rural area. In some cases, the high values of surface temperatures are counterbalanced in the central part of the city by the existence of green areas with temperatures that are as much as 5°C lower than those registered on surfaces (asphalt, concrete, etc.). 151 In the west-east profile, given average cloudiness and light wind (1-2 m/s) conditions, the center of Ploiești is considerably warmer than the eastern extremity of the city, while the western extremity, a 10-storey buildings area, is warmer. This is due mainly to the heat loss from buildings, most of them probably not being insulated. As well, the western industrial area records temperatures similar to those in the central part of the city. The surface temperature analysis highlights the fact that the north-central and north-western parts of the city are warmer (30.0 to 32.0 °C), while surfaces in the extremities of the city, which are generally characterized by Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.3. Environment construction-free spaces, remain considerably cooler (22.0 to 24.0 °C). The highest surface temperatures of over 36.0°C are specific to industrial areas, located in the western or in the southern part of the city, between the București Blvd. and Lupeni Street. High temperatures (34.0-36.0°C) were also recorded between Petrolului Blvd., Mimiului Str. and Mărfurilor Str., as well as in the eastern industrial zone, located south of the Mihai Bravu Boulevard. On both profiles the urban heat island dome is well evidenced, compared to the peripheral rural area. In some cases, the high values of surface temperatures are counterbalanced in the central part of the city by the existence of green areas, where temperatures are as much as 5°C lower than those registered on artificial surfaces (asphalt, concrete, etc.). 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 152 Figure 51. Surface temperature variation along the AA’ profile: 1 - city center area; 2 - green areas on Mihai Bravu Str., east of the intersection with Al. Vlahuță Str. and Udriște Năsturel Str.; 3 - farm field, east of Mihai Bravu cemetery; 4 - eastern industrial area C Surface temperatures - AA’ profile 33 4 32.5 32 31.5 31 2 30.5 30 29.5 29 1 3 28.5 28 27.5 27 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000 10,000 11,000 m Figure 52. Surface temperature variation along the BB’ profile: 1 - green area, south of the bus garage on Găgeni Str.; 2 - built-up area and major intersection; 3 - Toma Socolescu Square and Civic Center Esplanade; 4 - green area on Independenței Blvd.; 5 - southern industrial area Surface temperatures - BB’ profile C 33 2 5 32.5 32 31.5 31 30.5 30 29.5 29 1 28.5 3 28 4 27.5 27 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 4,500 5,000 5,500 6,000 6,500 7,000 7,500 m As for apartment buildings, the heat loss from inside to outside in the cold season leads to an increase of air temperature. It is likely that the AUHI intensity will increase in the warm season, leading to an increase in the breathable air temperature and generating a thermal discomfort for the human body. 153 1.3.4. Completed / ongoing projects Among the implemented or ongoing initiatives at the level of Ploiești Growth Pole that have an impact on the environment we can mention the projects for developing management and protection plans for habitats in Bucegi Natural Park and in the Plopeni Forest site, co-financed by SOP ENVIRONMENT 2007-2013. There are also projects for the rehabilitation, expansion, and modernization of water and sanitation networks in Prahova county, co-financed by the same program, Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.3. Environment which targeted the Băicoi and Plopeni urban areas, and projects carried out by APA NOVA with its own funds in Ploiești. Moreover, there are works co-financed by ROP 2007-2013, for rehabilitating the tram infrastructure and for landscaping Ploiești West Municipal Park, which will have the impact of reducing noise pollution and, increasing the environmental factor quality respectively. Other projects also have direct or indirect impact on the environment, such as: upgrading the road network, thermal rehabilitation of apartmentand public buildings, installation of renewable energy units and large co-generation plants, etc. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 154 1.3.5. Conclusions - existing disparities, trends, needs, and areas of intervention Map 53. Environmental quality and pollution control 155 Air quality has improved significantly in the GP area in the last decades due to the cumulative effects of the closure or restructuring of some polluting industrial activities, but also due to environmental investments made by companies activating in those sectors. However, a number of economic operators, especially in the chemical and oil industry (e.g. detergents) generate emissions of volatile organic compounds that have a negative impact on air quality. Emissions coming from electricity and heat production have decreased significantly due to the improvement of the pollutant retention equipment, switching to cleaner fuels, and the improvement of energy efficiency. However, the power Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.3. Environment production and distribution sector remains an important source of air pollution, accounting for NOx and SOx emissions. The road transport sector is a major source of air and noise pollution, especially along the north-south axis, near railway stations, in industrial areas and on streets crossed by tram routes or open to heavy-duty traffic. The level of pollution of surface waters and groundwater has decreased in recent years to values below the maximum allowed. However, the lack of a sewerage network in some neighborhoods in urban centers and in rural areas remains a major environmental risk factor. Moreover, the Prahova and Teleajen rivers, which drain almost entirely the watercourses in the Growth Pole area, are at risk of pollution as a result of insufficiently treated water discharges, often from plants that that can perform only mechanical treatment. As well, domestic wastewater treatment plants cannot perform tertiary treatment. Last but not least, the phreatic water and the groundwater continue to be at major risk of pollution as a result of the extractive activities, despite the improvement of oil technologies. Even if environmental reports do not indicate hazardous concentrations of pollutants in the soil samples collected, the anthropic pressure on soil quality at the level of Ploiești Growth Pole is substantial. In addition to the 100 ha of sites contaminated as a result of economic activities, especially in the field of oil extraction and processing industry, there is pressure related to the deficiencies in the waste management system, such as illegal dumping, incomplete collection, and pollution generated by materials that are hard to recycle and that are not selectively collected. At the level of economic operators, there are several trends that should be considered by the institutions in the field of environmental protection, such as the expansion of industrial parks, given that some companies carry out potentially polluting activities, and given the bankruptcy of companies which have left behind large industrial areas that are totally or partially abandoned (e.g. Astra Română refinery, ROMFOSFORCHIM, Dorobanțul etc.), and which must be carefully monitored in terms of environmental protection. As well, oil industry assets (wells, pipelines, warehouses, especially non- compliant ones) must be monitored after their activity has ceased. 1 Protected natural areas cover small surfaces at the Growth Pole level. They include a number of areas with protection status, as established in the GUP of communes and in the decisions of the local councils (and which are also included in The Growth Pole’s Profile the spatial plan of Prahova county): Broasca (39.2 ha) in Bucov commune; nature reserve (40 ha) in Păulești commune; and the Plopeni Forest (10 ha) in Plopeni town. The area includes a habitat of national importance - Plopeni Forest (protected site of Community importance - SCI, with an area of 91 ha), which hosts a vegetal association that is endemic to Romania, namely Peucedanorocheliani- Molinietumcoeruleae, characterized by swampy groves with clayey substratum and high ground water level. Plopeni Forest site is in the custody of Prahova County Museum of Natural Sciences, which accessed funds from SOP ENVIRONMENT 2007-2013 to develop a management plan. There is a major anthropogenic pressure on local biodiversity, for instance due to the expansion of built-up perimeters with settlements, and the expansion of transport infrastructure (e.g. establishment of industrial parks, new residential I areas, and construction of highways). This has negative effects on climate change and on habitats in these areas, which have shrunk dramatically. 156 Map 54. Protected natural areas 157 Part I: The Growth Pole’s Profile 1 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention CHAPTER 1.4. Connectivity 159 1.4. Connectivity 1.4.1. Accessibility and mobility (transport infrastructure and public transport) Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.4. Connectivity Road connectivity Ploiești municipality has direct access to two roads in the road central network TEN-T: DN 1 / E60 and DN 1B / E 577, which ensure accessibility to the most important areas in Romania: capital area and Wallachia, Moldavia, and Transylvania. Besides these, there are other secondary gateways: • DN 1A: Bucharest – Buftea – Ploiești – Boldești - Scăeni – Vălenii de Munte – Săcele – Brașov; • DN 72: Ploiești – Târgoviște – Găești; • DN 1D: Albești - Paleologu – Urziceni. DN 1 has two traffic lanes in each direction between Bucharest and Comarnic; the same happens with DN 1B between Ploiești and Albești Paleologu, while the rest of the national roads that ensure access to the municipality have a single lane per direction. Recently, A3 highway Bucharest (Ring Road) – Ploiești (Bărcăneşti node), parallel to DN 1, has been inaugurated; still, it continues to register low levels of traffic because it lacks a direct penetration artery in Bucharest, as the respective section, which is about 9.5 km long, is under execution. MAp 55. TEN-T core and comprehensive road network in Romania TEN-T Network Core network Comprehensive network 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I Source: Transport Ministry 160 The national roads that ensure access to Ploiești are generally in a good and very good condition, the best traffic conditions being encountered on DN 1 (Ploiești – Câmpina – Comarnic section, including Ploiești West Ring Road) and on A3 Highway. In contrast, DN 1A Bucharest – Cocorăşti – Colț segment is in a poor state. In recent years, the national administrator of motorways and national roads (CNADNR) has conducted the following major investments in the area: • enhancing the circulation on Ploiești West Ring Road – through an investment of about 40 million EUR, from the state budget; • infrastructure modernization for traffic safety on DN 1 in linear villages and black spots – through an investment of about 20 million EUR, financed from SOP TRANS 2007-2013. The table below indicates the county roads that provide access to the Growth Pole and the links betweenlocalities therein. Appendix 1.4.1 includes a series of maps summarizing this information. Table 12. County roads characteristics ensuring access to Ploiești Growth Pole Connected localities Average daily traffic Viability state on the County road sign within Ploiești Growth (min/max at traffic Type of road cover Growth Pole’s territory Pole census posts) DJ 100D Plopeni - Bănești 2,007 - 2,397 Good Light asphalt Băicoi – Câmpina – DJ 100E 824 - 2,434 Good Light asphalt Afumați DJ 100F Băicoi – Găgeni 3,640 – 6,007 Good / average Modernized asphalt Modernized asphalt / DJ 100L DN 1A – Urlați 588 – 2,835 Average Light asphalt DJ 101D Ploiești – Râfov – Olari 1380 – 6,735 Average Light asphalt Valea Călugărească – DJ 101F 1784 Average Light asphalt Drăgănești Tătărani – Tinosu -Șirna DJ 101G – Dâmbovița county 815 – 2,261 Good Light asphalt limit Ploiești – Filipeștii de Modernized asphalt / DJ 101I Târg – Filipeștii de 719 – 1,677 Good Light asphalt Pădure Ploiești – Păulești DJ 102 – Plopeni – Slănic – 915 – 14,183 Good Modernized asphalt Homorâciau Ploiești – Bucov – Plopu DJ 102E 2,035 Good Light asphalt – Urlați DJ 104P Ploiești – Negoiești 3,322 Good Light asphalt Ploiești – Strejnicu – Light asphalt / Dirt / DJ 129 Târgșoru Vechi – DJ 2,050 - 4,703 Good/poor Gravel 101A Ploiești – Berceni – DJ 139 894 - 1,636 Average Light asphalt Râfov – DN 1 DJ 140 Ploiești – Brazi – DN 72 948 – 1,944 Average/poor Light asphalt DN 72 – Ariceștii DJ 144 1,679 – 6,007 Average Light asphalt Rahtivani – Florești DJ 155 DN 1 – Păulești 2,530 Good Light asphalt DJ 156 DN 72 – Strejnicu 1,389 – 9,604 Good Modernized asphalt DJ 215 Băicoi – Scorțeni 1,495 - 1,864 Good Light asphalt DJ 217 DJ 102 – DN 1A 1,883 Average Light asphalt Dumbrăvești – DJ 218 1,189 Average Light asphalt Cosminele Boldești-Scăeni – DJ DJ 232 626 Good Light asphalt 102E(Plopu) DJ 236 Bucov – DN 1A N.A. Average Modernized asphalt DJ 250 Bucov – Boldești-Scăeni 5,446 Good Light asphalt Source: CESTRIN, Prahova County Council 161 A recent World Bank study proposes a set of criteria for prioritizing investment projects from public funds that aim at improving access to major communications network: correlation with projects from the General Transport Master Plan of Romania, access to opportunities, volume of average daily traffic, and volume of the population served. According to these criteria, the county roads that ensure the connectivity of Ploiești Growth Pole and that should be prioritized at the level of interventions are: DJ 217, DJ 100L, DJ 218, DJ 236 (with proposed funding from PNDL - National Local Development Program), and DJ 100F, DJ 156, DJ 129, DJ 102, DJ 144, DJ 100D, DJ 104P, DJ 102E, DJ 101I, DJ 100E, DJ 101F, DJ 139, DJ 140 respectively (with potential funding through ROP). Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.4. Connectivity Map 56. Investment prioritization in the rehabilitation and modernization of county roads in Prahova County 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I Source: World Bank 162 Map 57. County road sections in need of rehabilitation / modernization (see broken figure above) Source: World Bank As it can be observed, over 95% of the county roads in Ploiești Growth Pole are upgraded, but many of them have not been completely rehabilitated, undergoing only maintenance and repair works. In terms of traffic volume, the highest daily averages are recorded on DN 1, from Bucharest to Ploiești (30,000 to 40,000 vehicles per day, depending on the section) and from Ploiești to Comarnic (25,000 – 30,000 vehicles day), this being in fact the motorway with highest heavy traffic in Romania. Although DN 1 has 4 lanes and bypasses the main urban settlements in the area (Ploiești, Băicoi, Câmpina), and despite the fact that A3 motorway linking Ploiești to Bucharest Ring Road has been recently opened, on this highway there still are traffic jams, especially on weekends and 163 during tourist seasons on Prahova Valley. Besides, a 15,000 vehicles per day traffic is considered to be highway traffic. At present, the data are more than double, showing the need to extend A3 Highway from Ploiești to Brașov. The national road ranking second in terms of traffic volume is DN 1B, with over 22,000 vehicles per day in 2010 on the section Ploiești – Albeşti Paleologu, including on the northeastern ring road of the municipality, according to the traffic census conducted by CESTRIN. This motorway is followed by DN 1A, which is used as travel alternative between Bucharest – Ploiești – Brașov when traffic jams with 10,000 – 15,000 vehicles per day occur on DN 1, from Ploiești Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.4. Connectivity to Vălenii de Munte; the number of vehicles are significantly fewer on Ploiești – Bucharest section (6,000 – 8,000 per day), where traffic on DN 1 and A3 is more fluid, which makes DN 1A less attractive as a travel alternative towards the capital, besides the fact that this highway is longer. DN 72, which connects Ploiești and Târgoviște, records more than 12,000 vehicles per day between Ploiești and Dâmbovița county limit. A closer analysis of traffic flows on the national roads in Ploiești area indicates that traffic in the Growth Pole area represents a high share in the total traffic. This is reflected in the decrease of traffic volumes as one moves away from the city. A significant contribution in this respect is made by the nearly 40,000 people who commute to Ploiești from a maximum distance of 40 km, plus the people who travel for studies (students) and other services (administrative, medical, etc.) from the entire Prahova county. Summarizing, the most significant traffic flows enter the city through the north-south penetrations (Republic Avenue, Independence Avenue, Bucharest Avenue), western penetrations (Ştrandului Street, Gheorghe Doja Street), and eastern (Gh. Gr. Cantacuzino Street). According to the World Bank’s “Competitive Cities” study, on a 20 minute driving buffer from Ploieștimunicipality there are 305,000 inhabitants, while at a 40-minute buffer, there are 556,000 inhabitants. Similarly, at the 20-minute driving buffer revenues generated by firms were around 2.9% of all firm revenues generated in Romania, while at the 40-minute driving buffer this share grows to 3.4. These values are comparable to those achieved by the other six Growth Poles in Romania, despite the fact that Ploiești has the smallest population of them all. Map 58. Ploiești municipality’s influence area at a driving buffer of 20, 40, and 60 minutes from city border Busteni Nehoiu Rucar G Sinaia Patarlagele Parscov Campulung Izvoarele Comarnic Slanic Moroeni Fieni Campina Sangeru Merei Buzau Pucioasa Scorteni Plopeni Iordacheanu Vulcana-Pandele Mizil Smeeni Moreni Bucov Aninoasa Razvad Targoviste Berceni Comisani Bucsani Rafov 1 Puchenii Mari Gorgota Cojasca Gruiu Urziceni Driving buffer: Snagov The Growth Pole’s Profile Peris Titu Moara Vlasiei 20 min. Corbeanca 40 min. Otopeni Tunari 60 min. Chiajna Dor 60 min. from city border Chir Videle Ci I Source: World Bank. 2013. Competitive cities 164 Map 59. Average daily traffic on national roads in Ploiești Growth Pole Source: CESTRIN According to the General Transport Master Plan of Romania (GTMP), the following major transport projects are programmed for the period 2015-2030 in Ploiești area: • Construction of Ploiești – Comarnic – Brașov motorway; • Construction of Ploiești – Buzău – Focșani – Bacău – Suceava – Ukraine border expressway; • Construction of Ploiești – Târgoviște – Găești expressway. 165 Map 60. Investment proposals for 2015-2030 horizon, according to GTMP (Draft in progress as of November 2014) Highway (cf. MPGT) Botoșani Express road (cf. MPGT) Satu Mare Baia-Mare Suceava Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.4. Connectivity Zalău Bistrița-Năsăud Piatra Neamț Iași Oradea Cluj-Napoca Târgu Mureș Vaslui Miercurea Ciuc Bacău Arad Alba-Iulia Deva Sfântu Gheorghe Sibiu Timișoara Focșani Galați Brașov Buzău Brăila Tulcea Reșița Râmnicu Vâlcea Târgu Jiu Târgoviște Ploiești Pitești Drobeta-Turnu Severin Slobozia București Slatina Constanța Craiova Călărași Giurgiu Alexandria Data source: Transport Ministry Road traffic safety Throughout this sub-chapter, the following aspects were examined and calculated: the general distribution of traffic accidents and their characteristics in Ploiești municipality relative to county and national context; hotspots; black- spots; and dangerous road sections. As well, black pyramids, social vulnerability pyramids and the social vulnerability index at accident moments were constructed. Statistics show that the state of fact in Ploiești with respect to the number of accidents and casualties is more favorable compared to many other capital cities; however, contrary to the national trend, this number is on the increase. Thus, over the examined period (2010-2015), in Ploiești municipality not less than 1,611 accidents were registered (30% of those reported in Prahova county), resulting in 1903 casualties, of which 1,472 people were slightly injured, 405 seriously 1 injured and 26 died. Most traffic accidents occurred at intersections (about 500 cases) and pedestrian crossings (300 cases), the main reason being the failure to give priority. Although accidents are in decline nationally, Ploiești municipality witnessed an increase of 8.3% in the total number of accidents in 2014 compared to 2010. The Growth Pole’s Profile Table 13. Evolution of road accidents in Ploiești municipality (2010-2015) Year Accidents Vehicles Slightly injured Severely injured Dead Total casualties 2010 290 410 261 70 7 338 2011 332 509 306 91 5 402 2012 308 437 281 82 2 365 2013 320 489 302 71 6 379 2014 316 459 279 79 5 363 *2015 45 70 43 12 1 56 I *only in January and February Source: General Inspectorate of Romanian Police 166 The rate of victims in accidents (the number of victims reported to the number of accidents) in Ploiești municipality is of 1.18 victims per accident, significantly lower than the national average of 1.34 deaths per accident. In Romania, the average number of deaths per accident (fatality rate) was of 0.777, while in Ploiești this rate was much lower, namely 0.016 deaths/accident. As regards the rate of vehicles involved in traffic accidents (number of vehicles relative to the number of accidents), the state of fact in Ploiești (1.47 vehicles per accident) is equivalent to the national average, namely 1.49 vehicles per accident. If we were to compare the main cities and municipalities nationally, we can say that by far the most delicate situation is found in Bucharest, where in the last 5 years there have been 18,691 accidents resulting in 21,926 victims, of whom 16,860 were slightly injured, 4,079 were seriously injured, while 407 died. As can be seen in Fig. 1 (hotspots of the victims, made using KDE), dramatic situations are found in the cities of Constanța (3,635 accidents, 4,355 injured, 128 dead), Cluj-Napoca (2,350 accidents, 2,763 injured, 64 dead), Brașov (1,983 accidents, 2,385 wounded, 79 dead), Craiova, Iași, Galați, Oradea, Timișoara, and Sibiu. As it can be seen from the figure below, DN 1 Bucharest – Ploiești – Brașov, which transits Ploiești Growth Pole, is the most visible traffic accidents hotspot in Romania. Moreover, Prahova county ranks second at the national level with respect to the recorded number of road accidents; the fact that most accidents occurred outside the county capital is atypical. Map 61. Number of road accidents at the level of Romanian counties and their density according to the number of victims, 2010-2015 Prahova County Romanian counties. Number of accidents Kernel density. Casualties 948 - 1604 3369 - 4868 High 1605 - 2331 4869 - 6644 Low 2332 - 3368 6645 - 18691 Source: Own drawing 167 Map 62. Spatial distribution of road accidents and casualties in Prahova County and Ploiești Municipality Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.4. Connectivity Source: Own drawing Some results have revealed several dangerous areas, most of them being located in important intersections for the municipality or on crosswalks. These include: the ones from the city center and Heroes Square (intersection of Republic Avenue and Carpathian and Vasile Lupu streets); the intersection of Republic Avenue, Constantin Dobrogeanu Gherea Street, Tache Ionescu Street, and Victory Square; the dangerous area from the north-western part of the city, namely the intersection of North Road, Independence Avenue, and West Road. That being said, the first recommendation for lowering the number of accidents would be to handle the problem of dangerous intersections. The drawing above allows us to say that in the northern and north-western part of the municipality there is an area with a high density of casualties. This area is at the intersections of Republic Avenue with Zidari and Pichetului streets, North Road, and West Road. Another area in which accidents with many casualties happen frequently is the intersection 1 of George Grigore Cantacuzino street and West Road. Besides, it is worth noting here that along the Western Ring Road of Ploiești two black-spots are found, one at the intersection with Mărăşeşti street and one in the north, at the junction with Buda street. The Growth Pole’s Profile In terms of vehicles involved, the highest density of accidents is recorded in the popular intersection of West Road, Republic Street, and North Road, but also in smaller intersections like that of Camelia Street and North Road, North Road and Constantin Brezeanu Street, or Pichetului Street and Republic Avenue. As expected, the central area is a hotspot for accidents involving multiple vehicles, especially in the intersection formed by Tache Ionescu Street, Constantin Dobrogeabu-Gherea Street, Republic Avenue, and Victory Square. A third hotspot is located in the area of the four intersections that are formed by Lupeni street and Constantin Stere, Cavalului, Spătari, and Vioarei Streets. In Fig. 8 it can be seen that there are other smaller hotspots in terms of density and surface, but they should not be neglected. These are located in the following intersections: Apelor Street –Ştrandului Street– Gheorghe Doja Street– Lopătari street; West Road – George Grigore Cantacuzino Street – Petrolului Avenue – Bucharest Avenue. I 168 Map 63. Road accidents black spots according to the number of victims in Ploiești Municipality during 2010-2015 Source: Own drawing Map 64. Road accidents hotspots according to the number of vehicles involved along the street network in Ploiești Municipality during 2010-2015 Source: Transport Ministry 169 The city center is the area with the most hotspots, which are generally located in or near the intersections. These include: the intersection of Independence Avenue and Constantin Dobrogeanu Gherea street, the one located on George Grigore Cantacuzino street (near the intersection withTache Ionescu Street), the one located on the midway of Ioan Luca Caragiale street (near the intersection with Vlad Ţepeș street), the one situated at the intersection of Republic Avenue with Carpathians street, and the one in the intersection of Hașdeu, Milcov, Year 1848, Miciurin, Ana Ipătecu, Mihai Eminescu Streets, and Independence Avenue. Street sections from the “highly dangerous”category are also found in: the intersection of Mihai Bravu and Avram Iancu Streets, the intersection of Stadionului and Alexandru Vlahuţă Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.4. Connectivity Streets, or the intersection of Malu Roșu and Zimbrului streets. An interesting situation is found on the West Road and the Western Ring Road, which have numerous hotspots, but most often these are considered as belonging to “medium dangerous” category. About 20% of accidents occurred on pedestrian crossings, causing no less than 16 deaths (60% of all deaths). This dramatic situation makes us think that the development of pedestrian crossings (with traffic lights or deceleration ramps) is of primary necessity. But there are cases in which the best decision would be their displacement or even their abolishment. Another remark is that traffic accidents involving cyclists have been increasing constantly in the last 5 years, so introducing special lanes for them along the road network or the refurbishment and extension of the existing lanes would be required. Regarding social vulnerability, it was noted that young males aged between 18 and 26 years are most likely to get involved in traffic accidents, but also the children aged between 0 and 17, boys and girls alike. Based on these results, one can say that the best measure to reduce the impact of accidents on young people road would be to intensify road education in schools. Each road accident with casualties has a negative impact on public health, so their analysis is vital for the improvement of traffic safety policies. For each accident, it is very important to determine the place, time, manner, spatial characteristics and social groups that are vulnerable to accidents in order to make effective decisions for the gradual disappearance of these dramatic events. Rail connectivity The railway network in Ploiești municipality is dense, the city being one of the most important railway nodes in Romania, located at the intersection of the highways linking Transylvania and Wallachia, Bucharest and Moldova. Moreover, Bucharest – Ploiești – Brașov and Bucharest – Ploiești – Buzău routes are the most circulated in Romania, with more than 8,000 passengers per day (Louis Berger SAS, 2009). Ploiești Growth Pole and Ploiești municipality are crossed by the following two rail thoroughfares: 300 Bucharest – Ploiești – Brașov – Teiuș – Cluj – Oradea, and 500 Bucharest – Ploiești – Buzău – Focșani – Bacău – Pașcani – Suceava – Vicșani; 1 and by other secondary lines: 302 (Ploiești – Târgoviște), 306 (Ploiești-Slănic), 304 (Ploiești – Măneciu), and 701 (Ploiești – Urziceni – Slobozia – Ţăndărei). The two rail thoroughfares have electrified double lines, while the secondary lines are simple and without electricity. The railway infrastructure is old and outdated, the circulation speed of commercial goods The Growth Pole’s Profile and passenger trains being mostly between 40 and 50 km/h, making them uncompetitive compared to road transport. In this context, rail transport has witnessed a decline in volumes of over 50% compared to the early 90s. However, Bucharest – Ploiești – Predeal line has been completely rehabilitated and modernized with European exceeding 300 million EUR. This allows trains to travel at speeds up to 150-160 km/h. The city has four stations and two operational halts, located in all directions of the city, as follows: • Ploiești South Station; • Ploiești West Station; • Ploiești East Station; I • Ploiești North Station; 170 • Ploiești Triaj Halt; • Ploiești East – Post 1 Halt. There are also railway stations and halts in other localities of the Growth Pole: Târgșoru Nou, Crângul lui Bot, Buda, Florești (serving the city of Băicoi), Găgeni, Plopeni, Plopeni village, Găvănel (Dumbrăvești), Blejoi, Boldești-Scăeni, Valea Călugărească, Brazi. Every day, Ploiești stations are crossed by an important number of trains, as follows: • North Station (8 pairs of REGIO trains, towards Măneciu); • South Station (23 pairs of trains, of which 5 are INTERREGIO trains towards the following final destinations: Bucharest, Brașov, Buzău, Slănic, Suceava); • West Station (33 pairs of trains, of which 13 are INTERREGIO trains towards the following final destinations: Brașov, Slănic, Bucharest, Satu Mare, Beclean, Craiova, Iași, Constanța, Timișoara, Curtici, Târgu-Mureș, Dej, Cluj-Napoca); • East Station (10 pairs of REGIO trains towards Mărășești, Bucharest, Buzău, Brazi); • EP 1 Halt (8 pairs of REGIO trains towards Măneciu); • Triaj Halt (10 pairs of REGIO trains towards Bucharest, Brazi, Brașov, Buzău). These trains are operated by CFR CĂLĂTORI S.A. state company or by private companies, such as TRANSFEROVIAR CĂLĂTORI and REGIOTRANS. Map 65. TEN-F Network in Romania Source: CNCF CFR S.A. 171 Currently, the distances to the Growth Pole’s localities and the leading urban poles in the region are covered during the following times: Table 14. Comparison between distances traveled by train and by bus between Ploiești Municipality and the main cities in the region and in the Growth Pole Journey times with the fastest train Journey times with the fastest bus/ Destination available (min) minibus available (min) Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.4. Connectivity Bucharest 42 52 Brașov 108 80 Buzău 68 40 Târgoviște 98 55 Băicoi 13 (Florești) 41 Plopeni 29 20 Boldești-Scăeni 28 25 Source: www.autogari.ro and www.infofer.ro Air connectivity Regarding air transport, Ploiești doesn’t have its own airport, but it is just 45 km away from “Henri Coanda” International Airport, located in Otopeni – Bucharest, which is the most important in Romania, with an annual passenger average of more than 7 million people and with domestic and international flights towards the most important cities in Europe and the Near and Middle East. Street network The road network from the cities that belong to Ploiești Growth Pole measures in total 549 km, which shows an increase by 35 km compared to 2007, due to the inclusion in the network of other roads from Băicoi city, which had a different destination previously. Following reclassification as well, in Plopeni the road network decreased by 4 km, while in Ploiești and Boldești-Scăeni its length remained unchanged in the last 7 years. Figure 54. Length of municipal street network in Ploiești Growth Pole by cities during 2007-2013 Road Network (Km) 350 300 250 Ploiești 200 Băicoi 1 150 Boldești-Scăeni Plopeni 100 The Growth Pole’s Profile 50 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database. As regards the degree of modernization, in 2013 83.2% of these streets were asphalted, which meant an increase by 11.5 percentage points (+88 kilometers) compared to 2007. This increase can be attributed to street modernizations or reclassifications of already upgraded streets in Ploiești municipality (36 km), Băicoi city (45 km), and Boldești-Scăeni I city (2 km). Despite large investment works, made with funds from either the local budget, the European Union, or the 172 state budget, Plopeni city remains the only one with the entire road network modernized, owing this to its specific characteristics (very limited surface and street network, new urban tissue of collective housing type). In all other cities, there are still unasphalted streets, made of cobblestone or dirt, mostly in Băicoi (39 km), Ploiești (27 km), and Boldești- Scăeni (26 km). Map 66. Distance (meters) up to the center of Ploiești Municipality Source: Own drawing Map 67. Distance (meters) up to the nearest major industrial platform in Ploiești Municipality Source: Own drawing 173 The most problematic situation is found in the five cities’ suburbs with individual housing tissue: for instance, Ţintea district (Băicoi) or Mitică Popescu district (Ploiești). In recent years, the city of Ploiești has made some investments for the modernization of transport infrastructure in suburbs like Râfov and Găgeni. Figure 55. Share of upgraded urban streets of the entire road network by cities during 2007-2013 % upgraded streets of the total number of streets Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.4. Connectivity 120 100 2007 80 2008 2009 60 2012 2011 40 2012 2013 20 0 Ploiești Băicoi Boldești - Scăeni Plopeni Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database According to the estimates of Ploiești City Hall, in the city there are 50,000 cars belonging to either individuals or legal entities, and this number is on the increase. Instead, the total number of parking spaces in the city amounts only to 25,000, paid and unpaid all together. Toll parking places are about 1,100 in number, being located mainly in the city center and managed by a company subordinated to the City Hall– S.C. URBAN MANAGEMENT SERVICES PLOIEȘTI S.R.L., while the free parking places are used by local residents. The price for an hour of parking is 2 lei, which can be paid either at parking meters or by SMS. Although there has been an initiative to issue parking passes for condominium parkings since 2013, it has not been adopted so far. As regards exclusively pedestrian areas, they are Figure 17. Cars blocking bicycle lanes narrow and limited to Civic Center Esplanade and a number of streets and alleys in the same central zone: Unirii Street, Toma Caragiu Street, Griviţei Street, etc.; still, they are discontinuous. The sidewalks on some streets are degraded and do not ensure safe movement of passers. In addition, in suburbs, some streets that were not 1 modernized lack sidewalks. Ploiești municipality has a 3 kilometer bicycle lane The Growth Pole’s Profile on the north – south axis (Independence Avenue – Bucharest Avenue), implemented with European funds. This lane is often unusable because of illegally parked vehicles on its surface. As well, bike and roller lanes can be found in the park of “Olimpia” Sports Hall. I Source: World Bank. 2013. TRACE: Improving energy efficiency in Ploiești 174 Public transport Public transport services are provided exclusively in Ploiești municipality by a company subordinated to the Local Council – S.C. TRANSPORT CALATORI EXPRES S.A. (TCE), with a tradition of over 80 years. The company operates two trolley routes with a length of 25.3 km, two tram routes with a length of 24 km and 41 buses. About 75% of company revenues in the first semester of 2014 were subsidies, the number of employees being over 1,000. The company faces chronic financial problems, which require urgent measures to streamline its activity. The company currently operates a total of 33 trams, 42 trolley buses and 183 buses and minibuses, the buses and trams fleet being on the decrease compared to 2007 following the cassation of used vehicles, while the number of trolley bus has increased, following the purchase of new vehicles. The vehicle fleet of TCE is extremely outdated, resulting in high maintenance costs, long waiting times at stations and limited passenger safety. The newest buses in the TCE fleet are the 50 9-year-old BMC units, while the oldest are about 40 years old. As regards trolleys, the newest 24 Neoplan units were purchased in 2009. The fleet of second-hand trams was purchased 13 years ago from the German town Potsdam, the wagons having been manufactured between 1977 and 1985. Besides, the vehicles do not have, in general, air-conditioning, which affects negatively the comfort of passengers.The ticket price for a trip is 2 lei, which is similar to other growth poles in Romania. From the fall of 2014 until the end of 2015, the trip by public transport will be free for the citizens with incomes lower than 3,000 lei in order to compensate for the inconvenience related to works at the tram infrastructure and other objectives, objectives such as the passage at the West Railway Station. In 2012, a pilot project for introducing the electronic ticketing system on trolleys in the city was implemented, but it did not cover the entire network, and in 2014 the payment of tickets by SMS was introduced too. Figure 56. Public transport fleet in Ploiești municipality Figure 57. Number of passengers who used the public by vehicle type during 2007-2013 transport system in Ploiești municipality by vehicle type during 2007-2013 Public transport fleet in Ploiești municipality Number of passengers (mil.) using the public trans- port system in Ploiești municipality 300 60,000 250 50,000 200 40,000 150 30,000 100 20,000 50 10,000 0 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Tramways Buses and minibuses Trolley buses Tramways Buses and minibuses Trolley buses Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database A World Bank analysis regarding the energy efficiency in Romania’s growth poles has revealed that only about 30% of the residents’ daily trips are made by public transport means; this percentage is one of the lowest of all growth poles and similar cities in Eastern Europe. However, the number of passengers who use public transport in Ploiești has increased in 2007-2013 by 12.1%, and up to 82.2 million in 2014. Of these, 55.7% opted for buses and minibuses, 23.6% for trams, and 20.7% for trolleys. Compared to 2007, there is an increase in the number of passengers who used trolleys (+ 126.5%) and trams (+ 11.9%) over those who opted for buses (-5.5%). 175 In the absence of a metropolitan operator, the interurban passenger transport is carried out by private operators based on a county transport program approved by Prahova County Council. For 2015, the program provides the following trips across the main routes that are relevant for Ploiești Growth Pole: Table 15. Public transport routes ensuring the connection with Ploiești Growth Pole Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.4. Connectivity Route Number of planned daily trips Trip duration (min.) Ploiești - Boldești-Scăeni 45 25 Ploiești - Plopeni 27 20 Ploiești - Păulești - Băicoi 47 41 Câmpina - Cocorăștii Mislii – Plopeni 40 40 Florești – Băicoi – Plopeni 15 25 Vălenii de Munte – Lipănești – Plopeni 1 35 Plopeni – Slănic 15 45 Ploiești – Băicoi – Scorțeni 12 30 Ploiești – Târgșoru Vechi 16 25 Strejnicu – Ploiești 36 10 Ploiești – Ariceștii Rahtivani – Călinești 11 60 Ploiești – Ariceștii Rahtivani – Nedelea 18 45 Ploiești – Târgșoru Nou 5 30 Ploiești - Brătășanca – Mărgineni 8 45 Ploiești – Blejoi – Cocoșești 14 22 Ploiești – Plopeni – Cosminele 9 60 Ploiești – Blejoi 32 12 Ploiești – Plopu – Vărbila 15 40 Ploiești – Plopu – Hârsa 14 30 Ploiești – Pleașa 16 20 Ploiești – Valea Călugărească 14 20 Ploiești – Bucov – Radila 6 25 Ploiești – Berceni 11 15 Ploiești – Bărcănești – Odăi 16 25 Ploiești – Bărcănești – Pietroșani 58 20 Ploiești – Brazi – Bătești 29 30 Ploiești – Brazi – Stejaru 12 35 Țintea – Mislea – Câmpina 14 35 Câmpina – DN1 - Băicoi 11 20 Băicoi – Scorțeni - Telega 14 30 Ploiești – Plopeni - Țipărești 9 28 1 Ploiești – Plopeni – Bertea 12 70 Ploiești – Plopeni – Aluniș 6 60 Ploiești – Plopeni – Slănic 16 70 The Growth Pole’s Profile Ploiești – Lipănești – Mălăiești de Jos 11 38 Ploiești – Parc Bucov – Colonie Pleașa 12 20 Ploiești – Păulești – Găgeni 38 15 Băicoi – Călinești – Filipeștii de Târg 14 45 Ploiești – Plopeni – Scurtești 8 65 Băicoi – Plopeni – Slănic 7 60 Source: Prahova County Council Ploiești municipality has a bus station in the Southern Railway Station area, as well as several stations for passenger embarkation/disembarkation at various points in the city (Eastern, Western, and Northern Railway Stations, Găgeni Street, Bucov Barrier, etc.). However, there are no intermodal terminals with adequate infrastructure to enable rapid and I safe transshipment of passengers from one type of transport to another (eg. railway – public transport). 176 Map 68. Public transport routes 177 1.4.2. Energy (gas, electricity) Natural gas distribution network at the level of Ploiești Growth Pole covers all component localities, except for Dumbrăveni commune. During the period 2007-2013, the distribution network expanded by 134 km (+14.5%) up to a total of 1,034 kilometers as a result of investments made by the distribution operator (GDF SUEZ) in all component territorial-administrative units, including in Ploiești municipality. In this period, the largest network expansion was Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.4. Connectivity recorded in Valea Călugărească (+36 km), Berceni (+26 km), and Târgşoru Vechi (+20 km) communes, but also in Ploiești municipality (+15 km) especially in view of branching new consumers to the gas distribution system. Figure 58. Length of the simple gas distribution network in Ploiești Growth Pole by localities during 2007-2013 Natural gas distribution network (Km) Valea Călugărească Târgșoru Vechi Păulești Bucov 2013 Brazi 2012 Blejoi 2011 Berceni 2010 Bărcănești 2009 Ariceştii Rahtivani 2008 Plopeni Boldești-Scăeni 2007 Băicoi Ploiești 0 100 200 300 400 500 Source: NIS, TEMPO Online database Despite continued growth of the natural gas distribution network, the volume distributed to consumers decreased by 53.5% during the period 2007-2013, primarily as a result of lower consumption in the industry (-67.9%), on Ploiești and Brazi platforms. In contrast, the volume of natural gas distributed to the population increased by 6% compared to 2007, due to the increasing number of households and individual heating systems installed. Despite significant investments made in recent years by the distributor of natural gas, part of the network is old and outdated, replacement of pipelines and branch pipes by modern ones being required for the continuous improvement of customer supply security. To achieve this objective, during the period 2013-2014, an extensive program for replacing 1 a 50-year-old operating gas network was initiated in Ploiești municipality. The project envisages the rehabilitation of 94 km of the network, representing approx. 40% of the existing steel network in Ploiești, and the required investment amounts to 29 million lei. The works were concentrated in the following areas: Mihai Bravu district, Civic Center I, Civic The Growth Pole’s Profile Center II, Lupeni–Haşdeu, Buna Vestire, Nicoale Titulescu, and Andrei Mureşanu. Prahova county and even Ploiești Growth Pole store, besides renewable energy resources, a very significant volume of conventional energy resources, being considered as ”the industrial center” for oil and natural gas extraction and processing in Romania. Thus, according to the Institute of Electro-technical Research and Design (ICPE), the National Administration of Meteorology (ANM), and ICEMENERG (2006) data, Ploiești area has a solar radiation intensity of about 1,250-1,300 kWh/m2/year, which is an average value in the national context, and the average annual wind speed reaches 4 m/s at 50 m above the ground, which makes profitable the investments in air turbines. In addition, the annual energy potential of agricultural and woody biomass in the county is over 430 TJ (National Wood Institute, 2006) and the rivers upstream of Ploiești (Prahova, Teleajen, and Doftana) have potential for small hydro power plants installation I (Hidroelectrica and Polytechnic University of Bucharest, 2005). 178 Map 69. Length of natural gas distribution network 179 Figure 59. Volume of natural gas distributed to consumers in Ploiești Growth Pole by localities during the period 2007-2013 Volume of natural gas distributed to consumers (thousand cubic meters) 200,000 2007 180,000 2008 160,000 140,000 2009 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.4. Connectivity 120,000 2010 100,000 80,000 2011 60,000 2012 40,000 2013 20,000 0 oi ni i i ti i oi i v ti i că ti en an en az ch co eș eș ic ej ăe eș as Br Ve op rc iv Bă Bu Bl ăn ul oi Sc ht re Be Pl Pă Pl u rc gă ti- Ra r șo Bă lu eș tii rg Că ld Tâ eş Bo a ic le Ar Va Source: Own drawing Figura 60. Structure of natural gas consumption in Electricity production facilities from Ploiești Growth Pole Ploiești Growth Pole by consumer type during 2007- firstly include Brazi thermal power plant, owned by OMV 2013 Petrom. It runs on natural gas and was opened in 2011, 100% following an investment of over 530 million EUR, and has an installed capacity of 860 MW, capable of providing 90% 10% of Romania’s energy production. Since it is extremely 80% flexible and can be started and stopped quickly, Petrom 70% plant will be used to balance the country’s wind energy production during the periods when the wind does not 60% blow. The plant produced 1.86 TWh of electricity in 2012, 50% and 2.86 TWh in 2013. As well, Coca Cola company opened 40% in 2009 a cogeneration unit at its factory in Ploiești, the heating operator DalkiaTermo Prahova detains a 30% cogeneration plant with a capacity of 107 MW, and Lukoil 20% Romania holds another unit with a capacity of 45 MW. In 10% terms of installed power at cogeneration plants, Prahova county ranks first nationally. 0% 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 At present, several projects for the exploitation of Non-household consumption Household consumption renewable energy potential were commissioned or are 1 Source: Own drawing under execution in Ploiești Growth Pole as well as many projects to exploit the potential of renewable energy – especially The Growth Pole’s Profile solar (Băicoi, Valea Călugărească, Bucov, Ploiești, Ariceștii Rahtivani, Berceni, Dumbrăvești), but aeolian (Băicoi). Still, their installed capacity is less than about 100 MW, much below the potential of the area. From the perspective of the installed capacity of solar and wind plants, Prahova county has an insignificant share at the national level, one of the reasons being the limited availability of land and their high price compared to neighboring counties in the plain area (Ialomița, Călărași, Giurgiu, Buzău, Brăila, etc.). Electricity transport in Ploiești area is ensured by CNTEE TRANSELECTRICA, through the 400 kV overhead power lines (OPL) Domnești – Brazi Vest – Dârste, (which ensure the connection of the new PETROM cogeneration power plant, the largest of its kind in Romania), 220 kV OPL Brazi Vest – Teleajen – Stâlpu, 220 kV OPL Fundeni – Brazi Vest, 220 kV OPL Brazi Vest – Târgoviște – Bradu. In addition, there are transformer stations of 400/220/110 kV at Brazi Vest and I 180 PETROM, and of 220/110 kV at Teleajen. Besides, Ploiești area is included in the 400 kV ring of Bucharest municipality. The electricity distribution network is currently operated by S.C. ELECTRICA through its distribution branch, Muntenia Nord Distribution S.A. The main activity of Ploiești distribution branch is the electricity distribution, but also the exploitation and development of distribution systems, PRAM, telecommunications, and information technology. It owns electricity distribution facilities at the level of Prahova county, in the south-eastern part of Romania, as follows: • 834.84 km lines of 110 kV (circuit); • 3,397.152 km medium voltage lines (circuit); • 10,583.82 km low voltage lines (circuit); • 46 transformer stations (of which 30 of 110 kV and 16 of medium voltage); • 2,088 transformer substations. Of all the power lines, only 16.6% were underground power lines (UPL), the rest being overhead power lines (OPL). The lack of an underground canalization system for all types of OPL is one of the most pressing issues that Ploiești municipality faces currently; this affects apartment blocks façades and architecturally valuable buildings frontages, determining an unattractive urban look. In addition, some stations and substations in the city are undersized and outdated, so they need to be replaced in view of avoiding problems at the level of customer supply continuity. 1.4.3. IT&C According to the National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications’ (ANCOM) data, in 2011, in Ploiești municipality there were 62,053 fixed lines, of which 52,055 were being used by individuals, and 9,998 by companies. In 2008, in the same municipality, there were 47,543 Internet connections, which were provided at “best- effort” speeds (over 128 kbps). Despite that Ploiești municipality records the highest number of fixed telephone lines and high-speed connections in South Muntenia region, the connection rate of the population remains below the level registered in other similar cities, like Pitești. However, compared to the most recent years for which statistical data are available, it is very likely that the number of fixed telephone stations have fallen to the detriment of mobile telephony, which reached a penetration rate of over 90% of the population. Similarly, the number of high speed Internet connections grew continuously compared to 2008, and the connection rate is approaching 50%. Figure 61. Fixed telephony and Internet connections At the local level one can find all mobile and fixed telephony, number at 1,000 inhabitants in the main cities of South Internet and TV cable companies in Romania; they made Muntenia Region significant investments to provide high quality services in 400 the European context, at relatively affordable prices. 4G services are available locally since 2013, Ploiești being one 350 of the first cities in Romania that benefited from such 300 networks. 250 200 150 100 50 0 i și șt ia ti ia te ra eș oz dr te iș lă oi Pi an ob ov Că Pl ex rg Sl Tâ Al Fixed telephony connec- Internet connections at tions at 1,000 inhabit- 1,000 inhabitants (2008) ants (2011) Source: ANCOM 181 1.4.4. Completed / ongoing projects In terms of mobility projects that have been implemented in Ploiești Growth Pole during the period 2007-2013, the most relevant are the following: • Increase traffic capacity by developing a link road between DN 1 and DN 1B, the DJ 236 county ring road in the north of Ploiești municipality – worth 43.9 mil. Lei, co-financed by ROP 2007-2013, through PA1. Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.4. Connectivity • Increase accessibility to the northern part of the Growth Pole, especially towards Prahova County Hospital by developing a road passage in continuation of DJ102 over DN 1B – worth 78.6 mil. Lei, co-financed by ROP 2007-2013, through PA1. • Increase public transport mobility by the rehabilitation of 102 tram route through works aimed at: improving the tread, waiting stations adapted to people with disabilities, rolling stock, signaling and automation elements. Stage I: North Loop - Republic Intersection – worth 62.8 mil. Lei, co-financed by ROP 2007-2013, through PA1. • Increase public transport mobility by the rehabilitation of 101 tram route through works aimed at: improving the tread, waiting stations adapted to people with disabilities, rolling stock, signaling and automation elements. Stage I – worth 35.6 mil. Lei, co-financed by ROP 2007-2013, through PA1. • Increase public transport mobility by the rehabilitation of 102 tram route through works aimed at: improving the tread, waiting stations adapted to people with disabilities, rolling stock, signaling and automation elements. Stage II: Republic Intersection - West Loop – worth 83.7 mil. Lei, co-financed by ROP 2007-2013, through PA1. • Increase public transport mobility by the rehabilitation of 101 tram route through works aimed at: improving the tread, waiting stations adapted to people with disabilities, rolling stock, signaling and automation elements. Stage II – worth 73.7 mil. Lei, co-financed by ROP 2007-2013, through PA1. • Rehabilitation of DJ 101G Tătărani – Brazi – Tinosu - Șirna – Hăbud – Crivățu – worth 45.8 mil. Lei, co-financed by ROP 2007-2013, through PA2. • Develop an overpass at West Railway Station – worth 91 mil. Lei, co-financed by ROP 2007-2013, through PA1. Less extensive works made with local budget funds are also worth mentioning along with the rehabilitation of Mihai Bravu Street, Republic Avenue, Ghighiului Street, South Raliway Station passage, and streets packages (including sidewalks), in the following districts: Bereasca, May 9, Enache Văcărescu, Malu Roșu, Moțoi, Râfov, Găgeni, Gheorghe Doja, Vega, Mitică Apostol, Peneș Curcanul etc. As well, parking areas were developed on Republic Avenue, Gh. Doja Street, while in the in the northern, western, and central-southeastern zones were used ecological tiles for the construction of parking places. The pavements were restored at the Administrative Palace, the esplanade of the Unions’ House of Culture, the sidewalks from North Complex and on Toma Caragiu Street. An over-ground parking was developed on Cuza Vodă Street. For the year 2015, about 19 million Lei from the budget of the municipality were assigned for current repairs to streets. For the period 2014-2020, the investments in the field of accessibility and mobility are the main concern of the municipality. The focus is mainly on: street modernization works in the areas of Pictor Rosenthal and Râfov; completion of the link between West Railway Station and South Railway Station; purchase of rolling stock (for trams) and buses; implementing one-way traffic lanes; expanding the pedestrian area around the Administration Palace; construction of a new passage over the railway in the south-eastern part of the municipality (Podul de Lemn); upgrading intersections 1 and implementing an intelligent traffic management system; modernization of sidewalks parallel to the tram line, etc. In the field of distribution infrastructure for natural gas, electricity, and IT&C, investments were made primarily from The Growth Pole’s Profile the private operators’ funds and were targeted towards replacing the existing networks with modern ones, which would lead to better quality services provided to end consumers. The most important of these were those referring to the replacement of about 94 km of gas distribution network in Ploiești municipality, simultaneously with its expansion in urban and rural areas in the Growth Pole. Currently, the EU-funded Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan of Ploiești Growth Pole is under development. The plan, The plan, completed in 2015, aims at creating a sustainable and modern urban transport system, as well as at supporting economic development through improving accessibility for people and goods. It will become the support framework for the urban transport projects that will be financed by the Regional Operational Programme 2014-2020, with the support of the European Regional Development Fund. I 182 1.4.5. Conclusions – existing disparities, trends, needs, and intervention areas Map 70. Regional accessibility Ploiești Growth Pole has a favorable geographical position in terms of accessibility at the national and European levels, being situated at the crossroads of major road and rail transport corridors in Romania, part of the TEN-T core network. The largest airport in Romania (“Henri Coandă”, Otopeni-Bucharest), with over 8.3 million passengers and 100,000 landings/take-offs, is very easy to access, as it is 40 minutes away, providing satisfactory connections to most internal and external destinations. In what regards the connection with Transylvania and Moldavia, the lack of rapid transport links with Brașov and Buzău municipalities, as well as with Târgoviște area limits accessibility. Hence, national roads connecting these urban poles record high traffic values, as well as congestion and accident risks. For instance, the transport axis Bucharest – Ploiești – Brașov records the highest traffic values in the country, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons on Prahova Valley, and still does not have a highway yet. As well, the upgrade of DN 1 and the construction of A3 segment that connects Bucharest to Ploiești have ensured only a partial decongestion of DN 1, as there is no direct access to the capital on a distance of about 10 km. 183 The national roads that ensure the municipality’s access to the major transport network and to other urban poles in Romania are in good condition, as they benefited from modernization and maintenance investments. The high traffic intensity in Ploiești area, which is generated by both commuting and transit flows, creates a major risk of traffic congestion at the level of road arteries that go through the city. Although Ploiești municipality is one of the most important railway hubs in Romania, the advanced wearing of the railway infrastructure has led to substantial decreases in rail traffic values compared to 1990, being concurred by road Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.4. Connectivity transport. As well, railway stations in the municipality have not gone through extensive rehabilitation and modernization processes in order to become more attractive to passengers. Although at the local level, there are several train stations and bus terminals used daily by a large number of passengers, especially by those traveling to Ploiești from various localities of Prahova county (commuters, students, etc.), the lack of intermodal terminals to ensure the rapid transfer from one type of transport to another (railway transport, urban and interurban transport, cycle and pedestrian circulation, etc.) is visible. The traffic in the Growth Pole is negatively influenced by the existence of anthropic barriers to mobility, including the dense network of railways that surrounds Ploiești and the lack of overground and underground passages at crossing points. The upgrade degree of the road network has increased in the last decade, amid substantial investment from various sources of funding, including from European funds. However, more than 15% of the streets are still not modernized, the most disadvantaged areas being the suburbs, some of them having enlarged with new constructions in recent years. The streets that were not modernized hamper traffic flow and lead to the risk of accidents, besides the fact that some arteries in the city become undersized, especially in the central area. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 184 Map 71. Mobility in the Growth Pole 185 In spite of the investments made by the county administration from local, state, or European funds, most of the county roads linking Ploiești municipality to its immediate area of influence are in poor condition, with thin asphalt on the surface. Some of them record traffic values that are comparable to those of many national roads in Romania, hence accelerating investments in their rehabilitation by using all available funding sources (ROP 2014-2020 PNDL, the budget of Prahova County Council) needs to continue. Mobility inside Ploiești municipality and some of the neighboring localities is low due to the lack of extensive traffic Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.4. Connectivity management, especially at the level of penetration arteries (north-south, east-west) and those with limited transport capacity, but also due to intersections with inadequate geometries and facilities. All these elements also increase the risk of accidents too. The continued increase in the number of vehicles in the Growth Pole has led to a chronic shortage of parking places, estimated at 25,000 units, both in central areas and near large housing complexes. In addition, the administration of parking spaces is still deficient, given that many vehicles are parked illegally on public places, and even on green spaces, and the number of paid parking places, as well as the revenues generated by them for the municipality are reduced. The public transport network is relatively extensive and covers by the means of buses, trams, and trolley buses most of the areas with high housing density. In addition, recent years have brought a diversification of the services offered to passengers, such as the payment of tickets via SMS, and an increase in the number of passengers using trolleybuses and trams. However, the advanced wearing of the available public transport fleet leads to high costs for vehicle maintenance, failure to follow traffic schedules, and large volumes of CO2 emissions, also endangering the safety of passengers and other road users. In these circumstances, only 30% of daily trips are done by public transport, in favor of private cars and taxis. Furthermore, the lack of electronic ticketing systems and GPS monitoring at the level of the entire public transport system, and the inadequate facilities for the disabled also affect the local public transport system. Interurban passenger transport services are generally satisfactory in terms of vehicles used and transport schedules covered by multiple private operators that are active locally. However, the lack of a metropolitan (urban and interurban) integrated transport system is still visible at the level of stations, transport schedules, and pricing. Despite some pilot local initiatives, alternatives to non-motorized transport remain very low: lack of exclusively pedestrian and interconnected zones, walkways in high-traffic areas, and reduced extension of cycle lanes, which are not integrated, do not ensure safe movement of cyclists, and are often blocked by vehicles parked illegally. All localities of Ploiești Growth Pole benefit of natural gas distribution networks, which create additional comfort of habitation and an advantage in attracting investments. A significant part of the network, especially in cities, is outdated and requires upgrading or even expansion works, such a program being already underway in Ploiești based on the private funds of the distribution operator. The electricity distribution network, which is under the management of a state company, is characterized by a high degree of wearing, including at the level of supply lines, transformer stations, etc., which aggravates the risk of supply disruptions and even incidents. As well, in the absence of an underground canalization system, 80% of the power lines 1 are overhead, affecting the urban aesthetics. Ploiești municipality is one of the most important energy centers of Romania, concentrating a high volume of conventional The Growth Pole’s Profile and renewable resources (solar energy, agricultural biomass, etc.). Romania’s largest and most modern thermal power station using natural gas was inaugurated at Brazi – it provides 10% of the total consumption and, the capacity of cogeneration units in the area is the largest in the country. However, the potential of producing renewable energy especially for public consumption remains largely unexploited. With regard to IT&C, the Growth Pole’s residents have access to the latest technology, enjoying a wide range of high quality services from private operators at competitive prices. However, the number of Wi-Fi locations in cities and in the zones of attraction for residents, tourists, and visitors is very low. I 186 Map 72. Energy and IT&C connectivity 187 Part I: The Growth Pole’s Profile 1 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention CHAPTER 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities 189 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities 1.5.1. Public Space The central area of Ploiești concentrates most of the public spaces, which are arranged around objectives of public interest, including in front of railway stations. The most important are the following: • Halele Centrale area, together with Piața Centrală and Piața Toma Socolescu - bounded by G. Coșbuc Str., Griviței Str., Gen. V. Milea Str., and Republicii Blv.; • Civic Center Esplanade - bounded by Republicii Blv. and other public buildings (bank, shopping center etc.); • Ion Luca Caragiale Square - in front of the Ploiești City Hall, bounded by Republicii Blv., Dobrogeanu Gherea Str., Second Lieutenant-Hero C. Cătălin Str.; • Ion Luca Caragiale traffic square - bounded by the intersection of Independenței Blv., R. Stanian Str., and Golești Str.; • Ploiești South, Ploiești West and Ploiești North railway station squares. The main pedestrian zone of Ploiești is represented by a 0.12 km2 downtown area, with its spatial and functional characteristics, which was the object of the EU CIVITAS - SUCCESS project, being aimed at creating a controlled roadway area dedicated to pedestrians, cycle lanes and pedestrian tracks, public transport stations, etc. Green spaces, parks, recreation, leisure, and sport areas are arranged in a dispersed manner at the growth pole level and have various typologies: • Green alignment spaces along the street structure; • Traffic squares and green spaces between the blocks, serving residential areas; • Public parks and traffic squares; • Sports and leisure parks. Their evolution in the component cities, according to NIS data, is shown in the following table: Table 16. Evolution of green space surfaces in Ploiești Growth Pole Years Municipalities and cities 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 UM: Ha PLOIEȘTI MUNICIPALITY 225 225 225 225 225 302 302 302 BĂICOI CITY 11 11 11 11 31 31 84 84 BOLDEȘTI-SCĂENI CITY 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 1 PLOPENI CITY 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database The Growth Pole’s Profile According to the General Urban Plan of Ploiești, approved in 1999, the surface of green spaces was around 108.58 ha, being foreseen to increase to 433 ha by 2020. According to Local Council Decision no. 124/2010 - Annex 1.1, areas registered in the inventory of assets that make up the public domain of Ploiești, endorsed by Government Decision no. 1359/2001, ammount to 2,047,836 (204.78 ha): • Parks: 337,100 m ; 2 • Public gardens: 150,637 m ; 2 • Green spaces: 373,250 m ; 2 • Traffic squares: 104,616 m ; 2 I • Green spaces in the built-up area: 1,082,233 m . 190 2 Map 73. Green surfaces per inhabitant 191 Differences between the 3 data sources can be noted regarding the surface of green spaces in Ploiești, depending on the time of the analysis and the calculation method. However, even according to the most updated and most favorable Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities source (NIS, 2013, which, however, takes into account the land of sports locations and facilities), the surface of green spaces does not exceed 14.4 m2/inhabitant, far below the European standards of 26 m2. In order to achieve this target, the area of green spaces should increase to 545 ha, even exceeding the GUP projections for 2020. However, it should be mentioned that the existing balances do not reflect the total surface of this type of area at the local level, in the absence of a green cadaster of the municipality. As regards the rest of the cities that make up the Growth Pole, the only one complying with the 26 m2/inhabitant standard is Băicoi (46.7 m2/inhabitant), given the existing green spaces around the salt lakes (e.g. Livedea), which are mostly undeveloped though, while Plopeni and Boldești-Scăeni have less than 15 m2 of green space/inhabitant. Figure 62. Green surfaces per inhabitant in Romania’s growth poles in 2013 Green surfaces 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 m2/inhabitant 10 5 0 a ca i și a a ti ov șt ar ov nț eș Ia aș po re ișo ai ta oi Br cu Na Cr Pl ns m Bu - Ti Co uj Cl Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database Own calculations Ploiești municipality holds the 7th place among the 8 growth poles in Romania in terms of average area of green spaces/inhabitant, surpassing only Brașov, which is, however, surrounded by extensive green and natural spaces, being located in the Romanian mountains. Parks in Ploiești are generally small, being located, being arranged, with few exceptions, along the main roads in the city, especially on the north-south axis (Independenței Blv. - Republicii Blv.). The largest of these is Ploiești West Park, being currently under development with funds from ROP 2007-2013, with a total area of about 58 ha, located between the bypass road and West Rail Station. It will include 45 ha of planted areas, an artificial lake, resting / contemplation 1 / picnic places, covered greenhouse, water fountains, artificial rocks, water mill, skating / roller rink, playgrounds for children, scene, pavilion, 12 sports grounds, cycle paths, walkways, etc. Tineretului Park is the second largest park and has been arranged around Olimpia Sports Hall. This includes, in turn, planted areas, a recreational lake and sports The Growth Pole’s Profile facilities (ice rink, tennis courts and football fields, running track, skydiving tower, cycle and roller paths) that were recently arranged. The largest deficit of green spaces is in the districts built during the communist era and densely populated (Malu Roșu, Enăchiță Văcărescu, Vest, etc.). Although they are numerous small interstitial green spaces, many of them are occupied by illegally parked cars or are improperly arranged, not being available to the public. Although not located on the territory of Ploiești, the most popular recreational area in the region remains the memorial park “Constantin Stere” Bucov, located in the east side of the city, across the Teleajen river, with a surface of over 100 ha, a 16 ha zoo, a recreational lake, and numerous busts of Romanian writers. I 192 In addition to the parks mentioned above, there is a series of traffic squares, the largest ones being in the central area (Central Halls – Central Square – Toma Socolescu Square, Civic Center Esplanade, and I.L. Caragiale Square), places for locals’ and visitors’ promenade, as well as places around objectives of public interest (e.g. traffic squares in South Rail Station, West Rail Station, and North Rail Station). The central area of the city was also covered by the CIVITAS - SUCCESS transnational project, which led to the creation of a 1 km2 of controlled roadway area dedicated to pedestrians, cycle lanes and pedestrian tracks, public transport stations, etc. Map 74. Parks in Ploiești municipality Source: GUP Ploiești – 2015, Fundamental studies 193 Public lighting Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities Currently, public lighting services in the localities of Ploiești Growth Pole are provided either by companies that assumed the management of these services by concession, or by the local authorities and ELECTRICA. Table 17. List of public lighting operators operating within Ploiești Growth Pole Administrative-territorial unit Public lighting operator Majority capital Ploiești S.C. Servicii de Gospodărie Urbană S.R.L. Public Băicoi S.C. General ME.EL Electric S.R.L. Private Boldești-Scăeni S.C. General ME.EL Electric S.R.L. Private Plopeni Local Public Authority Public Ariceștii Rahtivani S.C. Electroconstruct S.R.L. Private Bărcănești Local Public Authority Public Berceni Local Public Authority Public Blejoi S.C. General ME.EL Electric S.R.L. Private Brazi Local Public Authority Public Bucov S.C. TERMOELECTRICA S.A. Public Dumbrăvești S.C. TERMOELECTRICA S.A. Public Târgșoru Vechi S.C. TERMOELECTRICA S.A. Public Valea Călugărească S.C. ELECTRICA S.A. Public Source: ANRSC In Ploiești municipality, public lighting service has been delegated by concession to a private company (S.C. LUXTEN LIGHTING COMPANY S.A.) until 2013, when it was transferred temporarily to the company subordinated to the municipal authority - S.C. SERVICII DE GOSPODĂRIE URBANĂ S.R.L., but which does not hold ANRSC license for such activities. In 2015, there will be an open tender aimed at delegating the management by concession of public lighting service in Ploiești, to a licensed operator, selected by open tender for a period of 10 years, with possibility of extension, based on a new decision of Ploiești Local Council. The public lighting network in Ploiești is 228.4 km long, covering almost the entire road network of the city, plus the power networks owned by SC Electrica SA. During 2001-2014, 4,165 pillars, 13,234 consoles 15,967 sodium vapor discharge lamps, 217,955 linear meters of network, 894 distribution boards, and 121 lighting points related to the public lighting network were rehabilitated. Replacing old mercury-based lamps with those based on sodium vapor had the effect of limiting the increase of electricity consumption compared to the early 90s, although in 2014 it increased by 9%, as compared to the numbers recorded in 2007. The increase in energy price the increase of the consumption value by 70.7% during 2007-2014, up to 5.2 million RON annually, i.e. about 1% of the total expenditure incurred from the local budget. Figure 63. Electricity consumption of the public lighting system in Ploiești during 2007-2014 KWh 1 9,800,000 9,600,000 The Growth Pole’s Profile 9,400,000 9,200,000 9,000,000 8,800,000 8,600,000 8,400,000 8,200,000 8,000,000 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 I Source: Autonomous Public Service Undertaking of Ploiești 194 Map 75. Operators in the public lighting 195 However, with a consumption of 595 kWh per lighting pole, the consumption in Ploiești is slightly higher than in Cluj- Napoca, but is lower than in other growth poles. Tariff for public lighting depends on the times of the day. For example, Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities 1 kWh of electricity costs RON 0.7, including VAT, during peak hours, and only half of this amount (RON 0.35) outside the peak hours. In winter, the lights are on from 17:30 to 07:30, while in summer, they are on from 22:00 to 05:30. Public lighting poles equipped with new sodium vapor lamps Source: World Bank. 2013. TRACE: Improving energy efficiency in Ploiești A few years ago, the operator tried to implement an innovative lighting system, which was very effective, but expensive, by installing more LED bulbs in one of the city’s parks. It was an ambitious pilot project, which sought to demonstrate that an effective solution can be used on street lighting. Although it was appreciated by city administrators, this solution was considered very expensive and soon the pilot project was abandoned. Currently, the system allows the street lighting supplier to be informed in due time, by a simple phone call, of any problem that arises in connection with lighting poles or lamps. Often people call the dispatch center during the first 10 minutes from the time a bulb fails. The fact that all streets in Ploiești are illuminated helps maintaining a low crime 1 rate in the city. Recently, the municipality has tried to introduce a centralized program to control light intensity, but unfortunately, there The Growth Pole’s Profile were some problems and some parts did not work. The residents of some streets where this program was implemented were against this system. As the contract with the municipality has reached its end, the operator responsible for the management by concession of the public lighting service did not want to continue with the program or to see what went wrong and fix the problem. In the future, one of the very ambitious plans of RASP is to further improve the system and introduce public lighting with LEDs. However, for the moment, the municipality is aware that the city budget cannot sustain capital investment for such an effective, but very expensive solution. I 196 1.5.2. Water supply and sewerage systems Drinking water distribution services are provided at the Growth Pole level by a number of operators with majority state- owned or private capital, as follows: Table 18. List of drinking water distribution operators by localities Operator Majority capital TAU where the service is provided S.C. HIDRO PRAHOVA S.A. Public Băicoi, Plopeni, Dumbrăvești Boldești-Scăeni, Berceni, Blejoi, Bucov, S.C. JOVILA CONSTRUCT S.R.L. Private Valea Călugărească S.C. APA NOVA Ploiești S.R.L. Private Ploiești S.C. CAPOLES SERV S.R.L. Private Bărcănești S.C. AQUASAL UTILSERV S.R.L. Public Brazi S.C. PAMA S.R.L. Private Păulești S.C. SERVICIUL DE ALIMENTARE CU APĂ Public Ariceștii Rahtivani S.R.L. SERVICIUL PUBLIC DE ALIMENTARE CU Public Târgșoru Vechi APĂ ȘI CANALIZARE Source: ANRSC As it can be seen, water supply and sewerage systems were given in concession by the local authorities to various private companies. This is the case with Ploiești municipality, Boldești-Scăeni city and Berceni, Blejoi, Bucov, Valea Călugărească, Bărcănești, and Păulești communes. The concession procedure targeted exclusively the management of the existing infrastructure and property, their upgrading, rehabilitation and maintenance, the performance of investments and network operation in exchange for annual royalties, while territorial-administrative units remained the owner of the infrastructure. For example, in the case of Ploiești municipality, the extension of the water and sewerage network is made by the municipal authority, the operator having an advisory and consultative role, while the responsibility for the connections lies with the operator or consumer, as appropriate. Therefore, they can still access funds for investments in water and sewerage infrastructure, less EU-funded programs that require the existence of a regional operator, such as SOP ENVIRONMENT 2007-2013. The only operator with this status is S.C. HIDRO PRAHOVA S.A., which is currently implementing a project with a grant from this program. At the end of 2013, the simple distribution network of drinking water from Ploiești Growth Pole was 1,043 km long, increasing by about 115 km (+12%) as compared to 2007. The most important water network expansions were recorded in Băicoi city (+26 km) and in Blejoi (+21 km), Berceni (+20 km), Păulești (+18 km), Ariceștii Rahtivani (+15 km), and Bucov (+14 km) communes. On the other hand, in the Târgșoru Vechi commune, network length has been reduced by 14 km in the same period, and in the Plopeni city, by 6 km, the reasons being related either to the decommissioning of pipelines, due to their age, or of administrative nature. However, Ploiești continues to hold the largest distribution network of drinking water, with a total length of about 417 km, of which 20 km is the water feed network. Out of the 882 streets in Ploiești municipality, 817 are fully connected to a water supply network, 43-partially connected, and 22- not connected at all. Also, some areas of the city, such as Vega and Teleajen colonies, are to utility networks belonging to local operators, which have their own wells, and not to the public network, since the municipal authority could not make any investment here on reasons of land ownership-related restrictions. In this context, cadastral works must be completed to clarify the regime of land ownership, which also affects future investment in public utility network. Also, it should be borne in mind that in some areas there are no connection requests from individual consumers so as to justify significant investments for the expansion. 1 The total length of the simple water distribution is the length of tubes and pipes installed in the respective locality for the transport of drinking water from the feed pipelines or pumping stations to the consumers’ connecting points. The length of the distribution network will be recorded as a simple network, taking into account that, if there are two or more pipes installed on the same street, their aggregate length will be considered. Both service networks and the distribution main and secondary roads will be included. The length of the connection pipes or the length of the feed pipelines is not included in the length of the distribution network. The length of the feed pipeline is not included, even if there are consumers connected to it. 197 Figure 64. Length of the simple distribution network for drinking water (km) by localities during 2007-2013 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities 450 400 350 300 2007 250 2008 200 2009 150 2010 100 2011 50 2012 0 2013 i ti oi ni i ti i oi i v ti ti i că an en en az ch co eș eș eş eș ic ej ăe as iv Br Ve op rc Bă Bu Bl ăn ăv ul oi Sc ht re Be Pl Pl Pă u br rc Ra gă ti- r șo m Bă lu eș tii Du rg Că ld eş Tâ Bo ic a le Ar Va Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database Despite the continuous expansion of the distribution network, the amount of water supplied to consumers fell by 8.2% during 2007-2013 to 15,575 mil. m3 in 2013. Of the total drinking water produced, about 75% is billed to consumers. Figure 65. Amount of water supplied to consumers (thousand cubic meters) by localities during 2007-2013 16000 14000 12000 10000 2007 8000 2008 6000 2009 4000 2010 2000 2011 0 2012 i ti oi ni ni ti i oi i v ti ti i că an en az ch co eș eș eş eș ic ej 2013 ăe pe as iv Br Ve rc Bă Bu Bl ăn ăv ul oi Sc lo ht re Be 1 Pl Pă P u br rc Ra gă ti- r șo m Bă lu eș tii Du rg Că ld eş Tâ Bo ic a le Ar Va The Growth Pole’s Profile Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database Of this amount, 78.7% was distributed to households, and 21.3% to non-domestic users (economic operators, public institutions, etc.). As compared with 2007, household consumption fell by 4.4%, and the non-domestic one - by 20%. The causes regarding the consumption decrease of drinking water are multiple, including: • decline of the stable population, given the negative natural growth and internal and external migration; • shrinkage of the economic activity and modernization of production processes; • increase of the consumption metering level and decrease in network losses, as a result of its modernization; • voluntary decrease of water consumption, given its rising price and the decline of household incomes during the global I crisis. 198 Map 76. List of the operators for the distribution of drinking water per municipality 199 Figure 66. Amount of drinking water distributed in Ploiești Growth Pole (thousand cubic meters) by types of consumers during 2007-2013 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities 14000 12000 10000 Domestic consumption Non-domestic consumption 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database The simple sewerage network in Ploiești Growth Pole was in 2013 only 486 km long, which is less than 50% of the length of the water distribution network in the same area. As compared with 2007, the sewerage network has however expanded by about 121 km (+31%), given the investments made mainly in Ploiești (+32 km), Brazi (+38 km), Bucov (+34 km), Blejoi (+8 km), Valea Călugărească (+7 km) communes, and Boldești-Scăeni (+10 km) city. Decreases in the length of the distribution network were recorded in Băicoi city (-7 km), either by the decommissioning of old pipes or by changes in their statistical classification. Therefore, at present, 3 communes from the Growth Pole still lack a sewerage system (Berceni, Dumbrăvești, and Târgșoru Vechi), but in two of them the network is limited to 1-2 km (Bărcănești, Ariceștii Rahtivani), the only satisfactory situation being in the communes that received grants (Bucov) or state budget funds (Brazi) for such investment. Figure 67. Simple sewerage network length (km) at the level of Ploiești Growth Pole during by localities during 2007-2013 350 2007 2008 300 2009 250 2010 2011 200 2012 150 2013 1 100 50 The Growth Pole’s Profile 0 ti oi i i i ti oi i v i că en en an az șt co eș eș ic ej as le Br că op iv Bă Bu Bl ăn oi u ht re i-S Pl Pl Pă rc gă Ra t Bă lu eș tii Că ld eş Bo a ic le Ar Va Source: NIS, TEMPO Online Database 2 The simple total length of the sewer pipes is the length of the channels (tubes) through which waste water (municipal, industrial, etc.) and rainfall water within the locality with public sewerage are collected and discharged, starting from the connection pipe chamber of buildings with sewerage facilities to the discharge of wastewater into a natural outlet. Both sewerage (service) networks and primary and secondary sewers are included. I In the event the ducts are placed in several rows on the same street, their overall length is considered. Connections to buildings are not included. 200 Map 77. Degree of coverage(%) of the water supply service 201 The sewerage network in Ploiești is about 328 km long. Out of the 882 streets in the city, 664 are completely serviced Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities by a sewerage system, 60 are partially serviced by a sewerage system, and 158 do not have a sewerage system at all. In the case of Ploiești municipality, water supply and sewerage services are provided by S.C. APA NOVA PLOIEȘTI S.R.L., a company with private majority capital (VEOLIA EAU Group - 73%), but in which TAU Ploiești has also a stake of 27%. This company was given in concession water supply and sewerage services by the municipality in 2000 and for a period of 25 years, being at that time the first public-private partnership in the field of public utilities in Romania. The company has currently about 22,000 clients and over 200,000 inhabitants who benefit from its services. The metering level is of 100%, and some of the company’s services, including the communication of the index, permit requests, consumption calculation, or information on water quality and payment can also can also be provided online. There is also a Customer Center, opened in 2003 and available 24 hours a day. The tariff for drinking water in 2015 is RON 3.42/m3, and for sewerage is RON 1.46/m3, VAT included, i.e. the lowest level of those registered in all county capitals in Romania, and 45% lower than the highest one recorded nationally. The tariff did not increase in the last years, despite the fact that there is a decision of the Local Council in this regard since 2006. The degree of bill collection is over 99%, a very good disconnection program being in place in case of default. The operator supplies water to city residents from 2 types of sources: • underground sources (Crângul lui Bot, North-east and North-west capture zones, i.e. 82% of total water consumption in the city); • surface sources - Paltinul storage lake (18%). Approximately 1,000 samples are taken monthly to test water quality, indicating water compliance with national potability standards. As for the sewerage service, the company collects annually about 15-16 million m3 of wastewater and treats over 20 million m3. The sewerage system of the city is a mixed one, waste, industrial, and meteoric water being taken by the two main collectors. In times of very heavy rainfall, excess water can be discharged directly into Dâmbu brook. The sewerage divider system occupies only a small area of the municipality (e.g. Ploiești North and Bereasca districts). The treatment plant of Ploiești is located in the south-east of the city and has a capacity of 1,200 l/s, Dâmbu brook being the outlet. During the 15 years since it has been given in concession the water supply and sewerage services, APA NOVA PLOIEȘTI invested over 30 million EUR in modernization works, with the following results: the expansion of over 90 km of drinking water network, over 13,000 new or replaced connections, 1,600 valves installed or replaced, over 30 km of sewerage network restored and expanded, 4,000 new sewer connections, the acquisition of modern and performing equipment, own SCADA system, etc. The company has over 250 employees in total (about 3 times less as compared with the time of the concession), generating profit and having a labor productivity 2.5 times higher than the average of the other relevant operators in Romania. As regards the regional water and sewerage operator in the county - S.C. HIDRO PRAHOVA S.A., it provides services in the cities of Băicoi, Plopeni, in the Dumbrăvești commune all located in Ploiești Growth Pole, plus other 40 other 1 urban and rural localities in the county, with a total of over 150,000 inhabitants, which joined the Intercommunity Development Association “Prahova Water Management Partnership”. The price for drinking water supply was in 2015 RON 4.61/m3, while the cost for sewarage was RON 3.03/m3, VAT included, higher than in Ploiești, one of the reasons The Growth Pole’s Profile being the lower density of HYDRO PRAHOVA consumers and the need for financial support in the case of projects carried out with European funds. The main sources of drinking water supply in Ploiești Growth Pole are the surface ones: Paltinul systems for Băicoi and Plopeni, respectively Măneciu for Plopeni. Water supply from underground sources is done from the capture zones Boldești-Lipănești (Plopeni and Boldești-Lipănești), 7000H well drilling and new well drilling - Pomicola H (Băicoi). The water collected from surface and underground sources is transported to the households of the localities through feed pipelines. Ariceștii Rahtivani, Valea Călugărească, Bucov, Blejoi (partially), Berceni communes are supplied from underground sources (wells), while Bărcănești, Blejoi (partially), Brazi, Dumbrăvești, Păulești, and Târgșoru Vechi, from I surface sources. 202 Map 78. Coverage of the sanitation service 203 Water treatment plants are located in Voila (for Paltinul Lake), Vălenii de Munte (for the Măneciu system), and Boldești (for Boldești-Scăeni city). Cities have their own water management systems, which collect water from underground and Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities surface sources through waterworks and are equipped with storage tanks and water booster systems (Mechanical Plant of Plopeni; Băicoi, Tufeni, and Găgeni Canton – Băicoi; Boldești and Scăeni). The water distribution network is outdated in most localities, generating in the network losses amounting to 50% of the water produced, and some rural or urban districts are not connected yet to the network yet. Small towns, such as Băicoi or Plopeni, benefited from investments from pre-accession funds (SAMTID/PHARE) for the rehabilitation and modernization of their water network (dams, treatment plants, feed pipelines, reservoirs, pumping stations, distribution networks). The biggest problems were identified in Ploiești, which, given that it could not access grants from SOP ENVIRONMENT 2007-2013, due to the absence of a regional operator for water and wastewater services, operator has not rehabilitated yet any of the water and sewage networks, including collectors and primary water supply pipelines (part of which is almost 100 years old). The project to modernize the wastewater treatment plant, which started with government funds, has been also abandoned for several years. The investment need for this target is about 3 million EUR, and a possible solution considered by the municipality is its transfer to APA NOVA, which would have to complete the works and operate the station. There are several operational wastewater treatment plants in Ploiești localities (1200 l/s), Băicoi (27 l/s), Boldești- Scăeni (32 l/s), Plopeni (32 l/s), Bărcănești, Păulești, and Valea Călugărească, all featuring the secondary treatment stage (mechanical and biological). The outlet is Teleajen river (Plopeni, through Teiușului/Văcăriei brook, Boldești-Scăeni). A number of communes have provided individual solutions for wastewater treatment, generally septic tanks or one- piece modules (e.g. Brazi and Ariceștii Rahtivani). The sewerage networks are old, even older than 40 years, and the rate of wastewater infiltration/seepage into the soil reaches 30-40%. Many old pipes are damaged on their whole sections, and large areas, even in urban settings, are not connected to a sewerage system (e.g. Mitică Apostol district in Ploiești; Tufeni, Țintea, Dâmbu - Băicoi), which generates a high health risk. Moreover, part of the wastewater is discharged directly into the outlet, without being treated. Wastewater of industrial origin is discharged by some economic operators directly into the Prahova, Azuga, and Teleajen rivers, many industrial treatment plants having only a mechanical stage. It must not be ignored the fact that much of the river water, uncollected by separation systems, reaches the treatment plants and causes an increase of their operating costs unreasonably. The treatment plants are also old, the mechanical and biological equipment being outdated and worn-out, leading to the discharge of insufficiently treated water into the outlets. Tertiary stage treatment, which is required for all urban areas with a population equivalent of more than 10,000, has not been implemented yet, and the sludge is not properly stored and treated. Starting from the above issues, a master plan has been drafted for water and wastewater infrastructure in the localities that are part of the IDA “Prahova Water Partnership” and the proposed operator in order to attract grants through SOP ENVIRONMENT 2007-2013 was S.C. HIDRO PRAHOVA S.A. The financing contract worth 162.7 million EUR, of which 116.5 million EUR from the Cohesion Fund, was signed in 2011. For the urban areas in Ploiești Growth Pole, the foreseen investments are the following: 1. Băicoi urban agglomeration - totaling 10.68 million EUR: • New chlorination stations at Bobeica, Tufeni tanks, Băicoi Station, and Canton; 1 • Tufeni tank feed pipelines rehabilitation; • New main collector (3.8 km) in Băicoi-Plopeni, DN 600-800; • New wastewater pumping station; The Growth Pole’s Profile • Network expansion in the localities / districts Băicoi Tufeni, Schela, Liliești, Țintea, Dâmbu (44.5 km); 2. Plopeni urban agglomeration - totaling 8.28 million EUR: • Wastewater treatment plant construction in Plopeni, with tertiary treatment stage, to serve Băicoi urban agglomeration; • Extension of the sewerage network by 9 km in Plopeni. With funds from the state budget, generally through MRDPA programs, several works for the expansion and modernization of water and sewerage network in the city of Băicoi have been completed or are in progress (water supply system, I sewerage and treatment plant in Tufeni, Țintea, Dâmbu). 204 Annex 1.5.1. covers the regional master plan on water, including the designation of water systems and conurbations/ clusters eligible for investment. They concern in particular, the extension of the sewerage network in rural localities that still lack such a public network, but also the extension of the drinking water network. 1.5.3. Waste management Based on the Environmental Report (EPA 2013), two documents on waste management were drafted in Prahova County: County Waste Management Plan (CWMP 2008), approved by the Decision of the County Council no. 113/30.09.2008, which provides the framework for the development of of EU-funded municipal waste management projects. As well, it optimizes investments and operational costs of municipal waste management at county level and ensures, in the medium and long term, the development of integrated municipal waste management systems, with positive effects on the environment and human health. The most important objectives of the CWMP are the following: • extension of waste collection in rural areas that currently lack sanitation services; • development of separate waste collection systems in order to achieve the recycling targets for packaging waste, electrical and electronic equipment waste, end-of-life vehicles; • construction of waste treatment plants in order to achieve the targets for reducing the amount of biodegradable waste discharged in the storage facilities; • closing the non-compliant storage facilities and the ecological rehabilitation of the sites; • construction and operation of new compliant storage facilities. Long Term Investment Plan for the period 2008-2038 on the Integrated Waste Management in Prahova county identifies the measures, for a period of 30 years, to be taken for the development of an integrated solid waste management system in Prahova county, in accordance with the legal obligations, by: • defining a phased program of long-term investments in waste management for the county of Prahova; • the development of adequate integrated waste management systems to ensure compliance with EU Directives; • drafting support documents for funding applications; • drafting procurement plans and tender documentation in accordance with national legislation on public procurement; • increasing local capacity in the preparation and implementation of projects. The plan assumes that the rate of waste generation will increase in urban areas by 2020 (from 1.21 kg to 1.32 kg mixed collected waste/inhabitant/day) and will decrease in rural areas (from 0.64 kg to 0.45 kg/inhabitant/day), and the increase of the connection level of the population to sanitation services up to 100% will generate a significant increase in the quantity of waste collected for all categories (household waste collected from population and economic operators, municipal waste, bulky waste from parks, gardens, markets, streets). As regards their composition, it is expected that the share of biodegradable waste will decrease from 58% to 48%, concomitantly with the increase of the plastic one (from 8% to 10.5%), paper and cardboard (from 9 to 10%), mineral, composite, and fiber (15% to 22%), especially due to the wide-scale implementation of selective collection. The plan proposes, among other things, the following investment objectives relevant for the Growth Pole Ploiești: • construction of a new storage facility in Ariceștii Rahtivani - Florești area; • construction of a composting plant in Ploiești (on the location of the former non-compliant storage facility); • construction of transfer stations at Brazi, Bușteni, and Urlați, including sorting and recycling plants in the last two. The new storage facility would serve most of the county, less Vălenii de Munte area, Brazi transfer station, Brazi, Berceni, Bărcănești, Târgșoru Vechi communes, Urlați city and Valea Călugărească commune, while the rest of localities of the Growth Pole (Ploiești, Boldești-Scăeni, Plopeni, Bucov, Ariceștii Rahtivani, Dumbrăvești, Păulești, Blejoi) are due to transport waste directly to the Aricești-Florești storage facility, which is equipped with a sorting station. 205 I 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities 206 Map 79. Investments for Integrated Waste Management in Prahova County by the year 2038 As regards waste collection, a dual selective collection system is proposed for 90% of the population, supplemented with voluntary submission points eqipped with 3-bin recyclable fractions. Dual selective collection assumes the implementation of a 2-bin system (a dry one for recyclable waste, a wet one for biodegradable and recyclable waste of poor quality), operating under the “door-to-door” recycling regime. Mixed collection will be allowed only in central areas with high concentration of population. In addition, in rural areas, voluntary submission points of recyclable fractions will be of the “bring centers” - type, with 3 bins, individual composting in households being projected to reach at least 30% of household waste. Mixed collection will be accepted only in very small villages. Waste collection will be done will be done in 120 l and 240 l bins for single and multi-family collection points, 1,100 l containers for multi-family collections points and for institutions and economic operators, 660 l containers for institutions and economic operators with small amounts of waste generated, bell containers for voluntary collection of glass, 1,100 l containers for the voluntary collection of paper and paperboard. The recommended means of transport are the dump trucks of 4 t and 8-12 t. However, it should be noted that these investments, projected for a more distant time horizon (2038), have changed after the approval of the Plan, since, for 2007-2013, the funds allocated from SOP ENVIRONMENT were assigned to other objectives subordinated to the Integrated Waste Management System (IWMS) Prahova, which are detailed below. Waste collection is not widespread in the county. In 2013, local authorities and sanitation operators collected household waste from 90% of the urban population and 44.86% of the rural population, which, at the county level, represents an average of 67.43% (according to the preliminary data reported by sanitation operators in the county). In Prahova county, municipal waste management is carried out in an organized manner by sanitation companies or the local authorities’ own specialized services. The reports received from sanitation companies operating in Prahova County indicated the following quantities of municipal waste collected from households and economic agents in 2013: Table 19. Quantities of municipal waste collected in 2013 Type of collected waste Quantity of waste (tons) 1. Household and similar waste - Total, of which: 142,686 - household waste from the population, mixed 107,107 - household and similar waste from economic units, commercial units, offices, 32,185 institutions, hospitals - municipal waste not otherwise specified 1,660 - household waste collected separately (without waste from construction, demolitions) 1,734 2. Municipal services waste - Total, of which: 33,007 - street waste 28,053 - market waste 1,820 - garden, park, and green space waste 3,134 3. Construction material waste and 3,558 demolition waste Total municipal waste collected 179,251 Source: Sanitation operators Municipal waste management The municipal waste collection is performed by a private company - Rosal. In turn, Boldești-Scăeni landfill (in Ploiești Growth Pole) is administered by another private company - Vitalia. The amount of waste collected in Ploiești in 2012 was about 300 kg/person - the lowest value of the 7 growth poles in Romania. This is the result of several possible causes, such as the low level of socio-economic development, which is directly proportional to the waste generation index, incomplete collection of all the waste or differences in how waste was weighed. 207 In the other localities of Ploiești Growth Pole, collection is done by public or private operators, as follows: Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities Table 20. Sanitation operators in Ploiești Growth Pole by component localities Component locality Operator name Ownership Băicoi S.C. FLORICON SALUB S.R.L. Private Boldești-Scăeni S.C. VITALIA SERVICII PENTRU MEDIU S.R.L. Private Plopeni S.C. SERVICII EDILITARE S.R.L. Public Ariceștii Rahtivani S.C. COMPANIA ROMPREST SERVICE S.A. Private Bărcănești S.C. ITECOL TEHNICA S.R.L. Private Berceni S.C. ITECOL TEHNICA S.R.L. Private Blejoi S.C. VITALIA SERVICII PENTRU MEDIU S.R.L. Private Brazi S.C. AQUASAL UTILSERV S.R.L. Public Bucov S.C. ITECOL TEHNICA S.R.L. Private Dumbrăvești S.C. COMPANIA ROMPREST SERVICE S.A. Private Păulești S.C. GCL S.A. Public Târgșoru Vechi S.C. ECO SERVICIUL APĂ CANAL SALUBRIZARE S.R.L. Public Valea Călugărească S.C. SERVICII SALUBRITATE BUCUREȘTI S.A. Private Source: ANRSC Since 2012, selective waste collection has been introduced in Ploiești. Selective collection was done directly at source, not at the landfill, and impressive results were soon recorded. In 2013, for example, already a quarter of the household waste collected was recycled - one of the best collection rates in all the growth poles (only Cluj-Napoca had a better rate in 2013). For residential buildings, selective collection is done in two ways. City inhabitants are distributed special bags and holders for separate collection of recyclable material and organic waste, and the sanitation operator collects these bags directly from the residents. In residential buildings, waste is recycled in bags available on each floor. These bags are then collected in special containers located in different locations. Most of these containers are located near residential buildings. In the city, there are 260 selective collection points, where waste such as paper, glass, and plastic can be stored. In addition, there are 39 underground platforms, buried in the ground, only the cover being visible. The residents bring their trash bags to the buried containers, open the covers and throw the bags into the platforms that are several meters deep. Buried platforms for solid waste (left) and special containers for selective collection (right) 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I Source: World Bank. 2013. TRACE:Improving energy efficiency in Ploiești 208 Map 80. List of waste management operators and coverage 209 The selective collection rate is higher at the household level than in residential buildings. The local authority provides incentives to encourage population in residential buildings to separate recyclable waste from the organic one, offering a Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities 20% reduction in the collection tax if the minimum scale of 3.6 kg waste/person/month is reached. Since 2012, there have been several information campaigns for the population carried out in Ploiești on selective waste collection and separation of plastic bottles, cans, and paper from organic garbage. The population reacted positively to these initiatives, fact proven by the percentage of selective collection in the city. Solid waste collection fee is RON 6/ person/month. The municipal administration is taking steps to address the problem of construction waste originating from construction sites, demolitions and other related activities. Currently, there are no regulations on construction waste and no indication about their storage or about related charges. The local council wants to pass a decision requiring the constructor or construction companies to clearly specify, before beginning construction-related activities, what they intend to do with the waste resulting from construction / demolition and where they are going to store it. In the other localities in Ploiești Growth Pole, the implementation of selective waste collection is at an early stage, the relevant infrastructure being poor, as well as people’s awareness. Most municipal waste collected in Prahova county, including those at the level of Ploiești Growth Pole, are transported and landfilled at the compliant storage facility in Boldești-Scăeni city, after the former non-compliant landfills in each city were closed. Since 2001, the ecologic landfill from Boldești-Scăeni, located 15 km away from Ploiești, has been operated by a private company, Vitalia Servicii pentru Mediu - Tratarea Deșeurilor S.R.L. The company owns 15 ha of land, of which 13 ha are cells in which solid waste is landfilled and stored. The landfill has six cells; currently, three of them are full, and one is operating at half capacity. In total, the ecological landfill can store 3 million tons of garbage; up to now, there have already been deposited 1.2 million tons, the estimated service life being up to 2027. The landfill handles nearly 80% of the waste collected in Prahova county, including waste collected in Ploiești by Rosal. The ecological landfill serves 600,000 people. Approximately 130,000 tons/year are discharged here, and the storage fee is RON 59.22/ton. Vitalia landfill has the capacity to produce biogas, a project worth 2 million EUR being already implemented for an installed capacity of 0.6 MW, which will subsequently increase to 1 MW. Vitalia plans to invest several other million EUR to produce 6 to 8 MW of electric and thermal energy through a gasification process. The production of a kWh of biogas is cheaper than the production of energy from other renewable sources. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile The ecological landfill is one of the most modern and best equipped facilities of its kind in Eastern Europe. All activities of the landfill are automated and are performed using high-tech equipment. Trucks carrying the waste are weighed at the gate and the operator immediately issues documents with the date and amount of the garbage discharged. Waste dumping monitoring is computerized, allowing the company to have accurate records of the amount of landfilled garbage. I 210 Vitalia operates the ecological landfill using 6-8 trucks, including a compactor and some large machinery. Currently, there is no sorting station. Such a plant is included in the master plan on solid waste and is to be built near the landfill, with funding from SOP ENVIRONMENT 2007-2013. The landfill has a plant for leachate treatment by reverse osmosis - allowing water treatment - in which the operator has invested about 650.000 EUR, excluding VAT. Leachate treatment plant has a processing capacity of 3 m³/h and a recovery rate of 70%, the remaining 30% being re-injected. The Prahova integrated waste management system is a complex project of approximately 36 million EUR (excluding VAT), financed by the European Union through the Operational Program Environment 2007-2013. The contract for the solid waste plan was signed in 2013 and includes the following components: • closing the non-compliant storage facility in Ploiești, with an area of 31 ha, and building waste transfer stations in Bușteni/Sinaia and Urlați. • building a recyclable waste sorting station in Boldești-Scăeni, with a capacity of 45,000 tons/year; • building a mechanical and biological treatment plant for biodegradable waste in Ploiești, near the former non- compliant storage facility; • purchasing IWMS-related equipment to equip member TAUs of IDA with 2-fraction bins, containers for selective collection, composters, etc.; • procuring technical assistance services for project management, supervision, and checking of works, auditing, advertising. The system will include components that were completed previously from other funding sources, such as pre-sorting plant in Drăgănești. These works started in 2014 and will be completed during 2016-2017. Investments made under the project will be accompanied by investments from sanitation operators’ own funds, targeting mainly the purchase of collecting equipment and the rest of the bins (20-30% of the total). Once the investment is completed and the sanitation operators are designated in each area of the county by auction, the solid waste management policy will require that collection and storage charges are accessible to the population, and thus they will be established considering a maximum value. Ploiești Growth Pole is located entirely in zone II of IWMS, so that a single operator will provide sanitation services for a period of 10 years, and the contracts of each local authority with various subordinated or private operators will be terminated. By 2025, the disposal of waste collected in Prahova county will be done at the two compliant storage facilities in Boldești-Scăeni and Vălenii de Munte, operated by the private company Veolia, respectively by the Company of Public Services and Renewables, a state company subordinated to the county administration. The latter manages the other ecological landfill in the county, located in Vălenii de Munte and established in 2005. This landfill serves less than a quarter of the county population, 48,000 tons of solid waste being deposited there annually. It is equipped with an installation that produces a small amount of energy by the gasification process, but, because the mud flow is not constant, the gas concentration is not very high. The obligation to recover recyclable waste lies with with the operator managing the sorting plants. For the period 2014-2020, investments for the completion of IWMS are expected, aimed primarily at biogas recovery from the waste mechanical and biological treatment plant in Ploiești. As well, the following could be considered: implementation of the system of underground bins in urban areas, provision of new equipment, and solving the waste disposal problem after 2025, when the storage at Boldești-Scăeni will reach its maximum capacity. Another local problem is the lack of inert waste storage facilities, which could be acquired through public-private partnership. Public-private partnership (PPP) in the field of solid waste in the county of Prahova is an example that such mechanisms can work in Romania. However, there is more to be done to further improve this area. The PPP model is not working as it should, because the legal framework is deficient and contains provisions that do not clearly define the role of public and private companies and how they should interact. On the other hand, the most challenging factor is the duration of the partnership and its operating period. Banks are not willing to lend money for short-term projects, of 3-5 years, and prefer programs that are spread over a longer period of time. 211 Industrial waste management Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities Economic activities with the largest amounts of waste production in the county are the following: • gravel and sand extraction; • manufacture of products from crude oil processing; • coal mining and preparation; • electricity production; • manufacture of machinery for extraction and construction; • wood sawmilling and planing. Storage of hazardous and non-hazardous industrial waste In the county of Prahova, in 2013 there were two operating industrial waste storage facilities: • one hazardous waste storage facility, located in Ariceștii Rahtivani commune, Târgșoru Nou village, managed by S.C. Ecomaster Servicii Ecologice S.R.L., with a design capacity of 1,576,000 tons and a volume of 985,000 m3, operating in the first place with a 212,000 m3 cell; • one non-hazardous industrial waste storage facility, located in Băicoi city, managed by S.C. Vitalia Salubritate Prahova S.R.L., with a design capacity of 1,100,000 m3, operating in the first place with a 300,000 m3 cell. Waste generated from medical activities 2013 For 2013, a number of 15 hospitals reported to Prahova County Public Health Department. The amount of (infectious and stinging) medical waste generated by hospitals went up to 170 tons. The final disposal of hazardous medical waste generated by the hospitals in the county is done by incineration in authorized installations. Another alternative regarding waste treatment is the neutralization by thermal sterilization of medical hazardous waste in the health unit (own equipment), the treated waste (non-hazardous) being stored in the municipal landfill. Such medical waste treatment is performed in the facility owned by Ploiești County Emergency Hospital. The amount of hazardous medical waste collected and incinerated in 2013 went up to 537 tons. In Prahova county, two companies were authorized in terms of health and environmental protection to carry out the collection and transport of medical waste: S.C. ActisServ S.R.L. Ploiești and S.C. DezinserServ S.R.L. Ploiești. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 212 1.5.4. Heating system The heating system in Ploiești is managed by Dalkia Termo Prahova, a private company that owns 87.2% of the Dalkia Romania shares, part of French group Veolia. The remaining 12.8% of the shares are distributed equally between the local authority of Ploiești and Prahova County Council. Dalkia has been responsible for managing the heating system in the city since 2004, when the company signed a 15-year concession agreement with the two institutions mentioned above. The contract, which resulted from and is based on indicators which do not take into account the losses on the network, is valid until 2019 and may be extended after the expiry of the initial period. The company is responsible for the entire process, from production to distribution of heat through a mixed system of electricity and heat. The plant is located in Brazi, 10 km from Ploiești, and, along with the central primary network, is owned by the county administration, while the secondary network is owned by the municipality. According to the contract signed in 2004 with the local government, Dalkia has to invest 25 million EUR in network modernization and equipment to increase the efficiency of the system. By 2015, the company had already invested 27 million EUR in this regard. For example, the new gas turbine of the Brazi plant was commissioned in 2010, as part of projects worth 53 million RON aimed at increasing the efficiency of heat production. Here are the values of such investments by objectives: • RON 14 million for investment in the secondary network; • RON 16 million for investment in the primary network; • RON 2 million for investment in environmental compliance; • RON 20 million for investment in improvement; • RON 30 million for investment in security. Dalkia supplies heat and hot water for about 57,800 flats in blocks (85% of all apartments in Ploiești) through a number of 2,287 connections, and serves over 100,000 people, i.e. nearly half of the city’s population. In addition, Dalkia supplies heat for more than 30 municipal buildings and about 700 economic operators. Dalkia customer structure is as follows: 66.9% residential customers, 31.65% economic and industrial operators, and only 1.38% public buildings. The company’s industrial customers include prestigious companies, such as OMV Petrom and TIMKEN. The plant in Brazi has 2 steam turbines x 105 MW, a 50 MW steam turbine, a 25 MW + 29 MW gas turbine, a 1 MW gas engine and 2 MW steam turbine. Usually, turbines operate, on average, 9 months per year and use 600,000 m3 of natural gas for hot water production. In addition, heating units (substations) in Ploiești can produce 475 MW heat. Plants use both natural gas and coal and can use a mixed technique, given that they have the ability to simply switch from one fuel type to another. In winter, natural gas consumption is three times higher than in summer. It should be noted that Brazi plant is directly connected to TRANSGAZ distribution infrastructure and has its own plant for regulating and metering gas pressure. The length of the primary network is 62 km, of which 62% is underground and 38% is at surface. The length of the secondary network is 92 km. Most of the network was built in the 60s. So far, half of the 88 substations in the city were modernized with EBRD financing. Replacing eight kilometers of pipelines in 2004 contributed to the significant improvement of the efficiency of the system starting with that year, requiring 30% less natural gas. Before finalizing the program for increasing system efficiency, 300 m3 were needed to produce one Gcal of heat, compared to only 200 m3 currently required. It also reduced the consumption of water and electricity. From 2005 to 2010, hot water consumption decreased by 50%, from 250,000 tons/year to approximately 100,000 tons/year. Similarly, electricity consumption has reduced significantly, from 100,000 MWhe in 2005 to 60,000 MWhe in 2010. Energy savings and low fuel consumption contributed to the improvement of the heating system performance, including the boilers and turbines. For example, turbine performance in the cold weather increased from 36.8% in 2004 to 43% in 2010, while thermal power supply increased from 94.02% in 2004 to almost 100% in 2011. At present, the central heating system can lead to an efficiency of 75% when outside temperature is 0°C, and 76% when the temperature increases to 4°C. The maximum temperature of hot water is 110°C. 213 Figure 68. Price of Gcal supply and billing at the growth poles’ level in Romania in January 2015 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities 600 500 400 300 Supply-level price 200 Bill-level price 100 0 a și ra ti a ov i a șt ov oc nț eș Ia oa aș re ai ap ta oi iș Br cu Cr Pl ns -N m Bu Ti Co uj Source: ANRSC Cl In this context, the heating system of Ploiești is is attractive, succeeding to remain competitive, managing to stay competitive as compared with the trend noted in other growth poles (Cluj-Napoca, Brașov, Iași) where people disconnect from the centralized system and installing individual heating plants, which operate with natural gas. Figure 69. Number of apartments connected to the district heating system at the level of growth poles in Romania in January 2015 Apartments 90 000 80 000 70 000 60 000 50 000 40 000 30 000 20 000 10 000 0 a ra a ti și ca ov ov nț eș Ia oa aș po ai ta oi iș Br Na Cr Pl ns m - Ti Co uj Cl 1 Source: ANRSC The heat is distributed during the cold season, about five months a year, and is only provided if the temperature drops The Growth Pole’s Profile to 10°C for three consecutive nights. Hot water/heat distribution is done vertically. In this case, if a client (apartment) does not pay the bill on time (the claims recorded by the company amount to about RON 2 million/year), the whole building may be affected, including residents who paid their bills. The company may disconnect the building from the district heating network, heat and hot water supply being cut off in all apartments until the remining bills are paid. On the other hand, the implementation of horizontal distribution, in addition to the high cost of investment, raises risks of energy losses, in which case it would impose a binomial price. About 20-30% of the buildings in the city now have individual heat consumption metering systems and all the connections are metered by the company. The thermal rehabilitation of hundreds of apartments in Ploiești has contributed to maintaining a high level of comfort in old residential buildings, where, in the past, residents were suffering from cold and used to receive heat and water I service of poor quality. 214 However, despite the efforts to improve efficiency and maintain heat price at the lowest level in Romania, Ploiești heating network is facing a number of difficulties. The main problem is the heat loss due to leakage of hot water from the network. At present, technical and commercial losses in the network are estimated at 25%. However, compared to most cities in Romania, including other growth poles, such as Brașov and Cluj-Napoca, Ploiești is doing much better in this respect. Figure 70. Amount of heat (Gcal) produced at the CET limit and sold in Ploiești 800 000 700 000 600 000 2010 500 000 2011 400 000 2012 300 000 2013 200 000 2014 100 000 0 Produced Sold Source: DALKIA TERMO PRAHOVA Heat losses affect the collection of heat and hot water bills. The main losses are those in the network and are caused by the age of the pipes. Although the network has an average age of 32.3 years, a younger age compared to other systems in the country, the pipes are made of low quality materials. Although the company has invested millions of EUR in various programs to improve the efficiency of the system, the problem of network losses is still unresolved. Dalkia Termo Prahova has implemented a SCADA system, but this tool cannot identify network problems. Last evaluation of losses in the pipelines was performed in 2010. Although locally there are only about 300 official disconnections from the centralized network/year, they increase environmental risks and overcharge the bills of the other residents who remain connected to the system, due to thermal imbalances, given that the current legislation does not impose restrictions regarding the disconnection from these systems. In this context, an investment plan for the district heating network in Ploiești has been developed for 2025, targeting projects worth more than 100 million EUR for the modernization of the primary and secondary heat network. Other solutions using biomass and similar renewable resources for the production of heat and electricity could be added. 215 Map 81. Proposed investments in the district heating network of Ploiești for the period 2015-2020 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities 1 Year 2015 LEGENDĂ The Growth Pole’s Profile Year 2016 Thermal substation (modernised)=urban consumers Year 2017 Year 2018 Thermal substation (unmodernised)=urban consumers Year 2019 Thermal substations=tertiary consumers+industrial Year 2020 The sections that were not measured will enter the Thermal modules modernisation process in the 2021-2025 period. Source ANRSC I 216 1.5.5. Completed / ongoing projects During 2007-2013, works for the extension and rehabilitation of the water and wastewater (including treatment) infrastructure were started in Băicoi and Plopeni agglomerations. They amounted to more than EUR 20 million and were co-financed through SOP ENVIRONMENT 2007-2013. In addition, funds from the government and from private operators were allocated for the same purpose for the cities of Ploiești and Băicoi, but also for a part of the rural areas. Ploiești local authority has performed with its own funds works for the expansion and modernization of the water supply and sewerage network in several areas of the city, most of them being directed to the following districts: Bereasca, Mihai Bravu, Peneș Curcanul, Malu Roșu, Gh. Doja, Râfov, and Găgeni, For the period 2014-2020, the Master Plan for Water-Sewerage of Prahova county provides investments for the expansion of the related infrastructure, especially in the rural parts of the Growth Pole that lack water and sewerage networks or where such networks cover their area only partially, so that all agglomerations of over 2,000 p.e. should be connected by 2018. In this respect, the European funds will be accessed through LIOP 2014-2020, NRDP 2014-2020, but state-budget funds will also be available through programs as NLPD. In the field of integrated waste management, investments of around EUR 43 million, including EU co-financing through SOP ENVIRONMENT 2007-2013, are currently under implementation. They are targeted towards the construction of transfer stations (Boldești-Scăeni), sorting stations (Boldești-Scăeni), garbage composting plants (Boldești-Scăeni), mechanical and biological treatment plants (Ploiești), greening of the former non-compliant storage facility in Ploiești , and the purchase of equipment and vehicles for waste collection. In parallel, sanitation operators have invested in the improvement of transport and collection infrastructure and in the implementation of selective collection, and the company that owns the compliant storage facility in Boldești-Scăeni invested capital in order to use better the waste, including for energy purposes (biogas). During 2014-2020, the County Master Plan in the field of waste is aimed at additional investments supplementing the integrated system with new stations for water transfer and compaction, new storage facilities, purchase of equipment for increasing the share of waste collected selectively. Currently, an investment for the establishment of the West Municipal Park, worth over RON 50 million and co-financed from ROP 2007-2013, is under implemented. At the end of the project, the park will have an area of 50 hectares and will become a major attraction for the residents of the Growth Pole. As well, the municipal authority allocated annually from the local budget considerable amounts for planning, modernizing, and maintaining green areas, most of them being directed to to “Constantin Stere” Memorial Park from Bucov (over EUR 2 million after 2007), and Tineretului Park, “Toma Caragiu” Park, Câineni Park, etc. Moreover, significant funds from the local budgets were allocated for the development and upgrading of playgrounds (streets: Cameliei, Mărășești, Sala Sporturilor, București Blv., Dendrological Park, Cibinului Str., Mihai Bravu Str., Malu Roșu area, Modern Park, Republicii Blv., etc.). The public lighting system has undergone a comprehensive upgrading after 2000, when about 75% of the infrastructure (poles, lamps, consoles, overhead lines, flash points, etc.) were replaced with local-budget funds by the operator that received in concession the management of the system from the municipal authority. The private operator managing the municipal district heating system has invested in the last 15 years more than EUR 27 million in Brazi plant, but also in primary and secondary networks, these amounts being allocated from its own budget. Future plans aim to replace the very old network, which generates significant losses. 217 1.5.6. Conclusions - existing disparities, trends, needs, and areas of Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities intervention Public utilities The water supply and sewerage network has continuously expanded in recent years, against the background of the investments made with EU, state-budget, and local funds. The most important water network expansions were noted in Băicoi city (+26 km) and in Blejoi (21 km), Berceni (20 km), Păulești (18 km), Ariceștii Rahtivani (15 km), and Bucov (14 km) communes. Consumers in the area also enjoy quality drinking water sources, and the public-private partnership in the field of public utilities has proved to be a success to be followed in the case of Ploiești. However, the urban network is outdated and generates significant losses, besides the fact that it generates significant losses and provides a lower level of consumer satisfaction, having as well a negative impact on the environment. Moreover, some urban districts, even in Ploiești (e.g. Mitică Apostol), and its surrounding villages do not have public water supply and/or sewerage systems. In new residential areas, the infrastructure is poor, the owners sometimes being forced to bear the cost of extending utilities on their own or to seek individual solutions. Incompletely treated wastewater is discharged into the outlets, as most of the treatment plants are able to cover only the mechanical and biological stages. Moreover, because of the lack of systems for separate collection of rainwater, floods are generated or the rainwater reaches treatment plants and leads to unnecessary increases in their operating costs, ultimately borne by consumers. At present, three communes from the Growth Pole still lack a sewerage system (Berceni, Dumbrăvești, and Târgșoru Vechi), in two of them the network is limited to 1-2 km (Bărcănești, Ariceștii Rahtivani), the only satisfactory situation being in communes that received grants (Bucov) or state-budget funds (Brazi) for such investments. The Master Plan for Water and Sewerage provides investments in the areas that are not covered by public utility networks. They are co-financed through EU and national programs and aim at achieving the targets set by the EU Directives in the field by 2018. As regards waste management - waste is transported and landfilled at the compliant storage facility in Boldești-Scăeni city, after the former non-compliant landfills in each city were closed. All cities have sanitation operators, the one in Ploiești proving to be very active in implementing selective waste collection measures, the relevant infrastructure being one of the most advanced in Romania. However, the population and economic agents still have a low level of awareness regarding the importance of selective waste collection and some of the county’s integrated system links are not operational yet (transfer, sorting, individual composting, storage and recovery facilities, including construction waste, etc.), especially in rural areas and small towns. In addition, the existing storage facility will be extended or a new location must be sought for such an operation around the metropolitan area. Such investments are foreseen in the County Master Plan for Waste Management on on the 30-year horizon. 1 The local heating system is one of the most developed in Romania in terms of modern production capacities (including cogeneration), number of consumers and supply price, this being the result of a successful partnership with a private The Growth Pole’s Profile partner. However, the primary and secondary network is outdated, resulting in significant losses (up to 25% of the amount of energy produced) and additional costs, low-level services for consumers and even environmental risks. In this regard, investment is needed for the following: upgrading the network, connections, implementation of new solutions to reduce costs, in decreasing the environmental impact of thermal power generation etc. I 218 Map 82. Public utilities 219 Green spaces Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities Despite the increase of local investment, the lack of green and leisure spaces is one of the most urgent problems in Ploiești and also in other towns around it. Large residential complexes have not been provided with generous green spaces, and the existing ones are not properly planned. Also, leisure places in the area are not properly used (see the forests in Plopeni or the salt lakes in Băicoi), which could become touristic attractions for locals and visitors. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile In order to comply with the European standards, new green areas, sports and leisure spaces have to be arranged, covering at least 200 ha, and a green cadastre of the cities has to be developed in order to ensure a more effective management of these surfaces. I 220 Map 83. Green spaces. Protection forests and parks 221 I 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities 222 Annex 1.5.1 Water-Sewerage system in Prahova County Map 84. Proposal - Water Master Plan - Ploiești Growth Pole Map 85. Proposal - Sewerage Master Plan - Ploiești Growth Pole 223 Map 86. Proposal for investments in water infrastructure through ‘Large Infrastructure’ Operational Program and ongoing projects through the National Local Development Program Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities (NLDP), the National Rural Development Program (NRDP) and the Environment Fund 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 224 Map 87. Proposal for investments in sewerage infrastructure through ‘Large Infrastructure’ Operational Program and ongoing projects through the National Local Development Program (NLDP), the National Rural Development Program (NRDP) and the Environment Fund 225 I 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.5. Infrastructure and Public Utilities 226 Map 88. Prioritization of water supply projects - Ploiești Growth Pole Map 89. Prioritization of sewage projects - Ploiești Growth Pole 227 Part I: The Growth Pole’s Profile 1 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention CHAPTER 1.6. Public Services and Housing 229 1.6. Public Services and Housing Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing 1.6.1. The housing stock Residential areas (intended for both multifamily and individual habitation) and the related facilities (education, health, small trade, places of worship, etc.) take up the largest share of a city’s structure. They have usually developed along the major routes connecting the city with the new industrial areas. As regards the quality of housing conditions, two categories can be discerned: (a) houses in central and adjacent areas (ex. Centre, Traian, Ploiești Sud, Democrației, Dorobanți, Mihai Bravu, Văleni), characterized by an urban typology, where architectural layouts are generally more functional, the buildings are more generously sized and connected to all available utilities – power, water, sewage, gas, phone; (b) detached houses in the suburban neighborhoods, many with a rural character, lacking proper infrastructure and facilities (no sewage and gas, sometimes not even water), which were and are still inhabited by low- to middle-income residents (e.g. Bereasca, Bărcănești, Moțoi, Râfov, Mimiu, Pictor Rosenthal, Buda). As regards the periurban area, it has a rural character and features residential areas comprising mainly of detached houses, quite uniform in aspect and layout. In the period of rural systematization (from the 1960s up to the 1990s), there were few interventions, some low- to medium-height dwellings emerging in Bărcănești and Brazi communes. After 1990, since Ploiești lacked sufficient available free land, the drive to expand residential areas was reflected by the emerging complexes of detached houses, located in periurban areas following the extension of built-up areas of the relevant communes, mainly in norther areas, in Blejoi, Păulești, and Bucov communes. In the post-2004 period of the real estate boom, the residential complexes in the vicinity of Ploiești city have begun to shift towards multifamily rather than individual housing. The new buildings have an urban character, with a habitation quality typically superior to the existing one, and an occupancy rate of detached houses usually below 40-45%. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 230 Map 90. Number of residential buildings according to construction year and census sectors in Ploiești municipality 231 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing Source: Own diagram based on NIS, RGPL data, 2011 At the end of 2013, the housing stock of Ploiești Growth Pole amounted to 133,882 dwellings as per the NIS estimates, showing a 4.5% increase as compared with 2007, and a 0.7% increase as compared with the General Population and Housing Census data of 2011 (exhaustive data), due to the construction of new, mainly detached-type dwellings. Out of these, 90,487 (67.6% of the total) were located on the administrative territory of Ploiești municipality. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 232 Figure 71. Distribution of the housing stock by component localities in Ploiești Growth Pole in 2013 Ploiești 3% 2% Băicoi 1% 2% 3% Boldești-Scăeni 2% 2% Plopeni 2% 2% Ariceștii Rahtivani 2% Bărcănești 3% Berceni 3% Blejoi Brazi 68% 5% Bucov Dumbrăveşti Păulești Târgșoru Vechi Valea Călugărească Source: NIS, the TEMPO Online database Of the existing dwellings in Ploiești Growth Pole, 87.1% are permanent, 11.5% secondary, and 1.4% are holiday houses, located usually in more scenic areas, such as Dumbrăvești. Around 10.1% of the dwellings in Ploiești municipality are secondary homes, particularly those located in blocks of flats, many residents living actually in the surrounding rural localities, where they built or purchased more spacious homes, or in other cities or countries, where they work. Map 91. Number of unoccupied dwellings by census sectors in Ploiești municipality Source: Own diagram 233 Figure 72. Dwellings in Ploiești Growth Pole according to current status by localities 100% Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% Holiday houses 30% Secondary homes 20% Permanent homes 10% 0 ti i ii oi v ti hi i ni ni i ni le eș șt az en co ej co șt că oi ne Br rc Bl leș Vec ăi ăe lope ve iva eas Po l ă e Bu u B c ă t r h P rc B Pă oru ti- S P br h Ra lugă row t Bă rgș eș um tii ă G ld D ș C Tâ Bo ice ea Ar Val Source: NIS, the General Population and Housing Census 2011 – Final results The housing stock dynamics in the 2007-2013 period mirrors a clear suburbanization phenomenon, reflected in the increasing number of homes built in the city’s surrounding communes. Thus, while the total housing stock of Ploiești municipality increased by merely 2.3% after 2007, the growth rate in Blejoi, Târgșoru Vechi, Păulești, Bucov, and Ariceștii Rahtivani communes ranged between 10.4% and 31.9%. These localities are part of Ploiești metropolitan area and are relatively easily accessible. As well, land prices are much lower than in the inner city area, which makes them much more attractive for building housing complexes. Moreover, these areas have plenty of available land for residential expansion as compared with Poliesti city, which already has a high housing density. Figure 73. Housing stock dynamics of Ploiești Growth Pole in A total of 4,144 dwellings have been built during the 2007-2013 period the 2007-2013 period in Ploiești Growth Pole, of 2013 vs 2007 (%) which only 1,270 (30.6%) in Ploiești municipality 140 itself, and nearly 3,000 in the neighboring localities. Only 228 of these have been built from 120 public funds, being mainly ANL rental homes. 100 After 2010, the number of completed dwellings 80 dropped against the background of the global 60 economic recession and financial crisis, which 40 took a heavy toll on the real estate market. 20 0 ti coi eni eni ani ști eni joi azi ov ști ști chi că ne eș i e e c Br Bu ăve ăule Ve reas Zo loi Bă Scă lop htiv ăn erc Bl P i- P a rc B br P oru gă itan 1 t R ă de ș t ii B Dum rg ș u ăl po l l eș Bo ic Tâ a C tro le M e Ar Va The Growth Pole’s Profile Source: NIS, the TEMPO Online database I 234 Map 92. Housing stock dynamics 235 Figure 74. New home building rates by localities in the 2007-2013 period 300 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing 250 2007 200 2008 2009 150 2010 100 2011 2012 50 2013 0 i ti ni ni ni ti ni oi az i v șt i ti hi ă ico eș ăe pe iva eș ce ej co leș ec sc Bă loi Sc lo t ăn er Bl Br Bu ăve ă u V rea P P h rc B r u ti- Ra b P șo r ug ă eș ii Bă m ăl ld șt Du â rg C Bo ice T lea Ar Va Source: NIS, the TEMPO Online database Of the total dwellings in the Growth Pole, 98.5% are under private ownership, 1.2% under public ownership, and 0.3% are owned by religious orders under common or cooperative ownership schemes. Out of the total 1,596 publicly owned dwellings, 1,092 are located in Ploiești municipality, most of them consisting in rental homes for young people or social housing (the nursing homes of the Teleajen, Mihai Bravu, Râfov districts and Rafinorilor street, which provide accomodation for more than 600 people). These numbers are completely insufficient as compared with the number of applications for social housing (300, of which only 100 are priority applications) and the number of applications for ANL housing (more than 1,500), which cannot be resolved in their totality. In addition, more than 1,400 young people submitted applications for home building land in Tineretului district, while the municipality has 100 times less available lots. Projects for youth housing in partnership with ANL are currently being implemented in Cosminele Street (21 mortgaged homes) and Libertății Street (100 apartments). Moreover, there are plans for the building of a district of mortgaged homes in the town of Plopeni, a 30 apartment block in Păulești commune, and the rehabilitation of a former social housing complex in Valea Călugărească commune. As regards the number of living quarters, most of the homes in Ploiești Growth Pole have 2 and 3 rooms, particularly in Ploiești and Plopeni (around 80% of the total homes), where the prevailing homes consist in small low-comfort apartments in blocks built in the Communist period. Moreover, nearly 20% of the dwellings in Plopeni have a single room (studios), as they were built for the unmarried workers from Plopeni Mechanical Plant. However, in communes with new residential areas made up of more spacious houses and villas and in some localities with older housing stock, but with prevailing detached houses, homes with at least 4 rooms are prevalent (Blejoi, Păulești, Târgșoru Vechi, Berceni – more than 40% of the entire housing stock). Figure 75. Structure of Ploiești Growth Pole’s housing stock by localities, according to number of rooms Growth Pole Valea Călugărească 1 Ariceștii Rahtivanii Dumbrăveşti Plopeni The Growth Pole’s Profile Boldești-Scăeni 1 room Băicoi 2 rooms Târgșoru Vechi 3 rooms Păulești Bucov 4 rooms Brazi Over 4 rooms Blejoi Berceni Bărcănești Ploiești I 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Source: NIS, the General Population and Housing Census 2011 – Final results 236 The average useful floor space grew significantly in the 2007-2013 period, from 39.6 m2/home to 48.9 m2 (+23.5%). This increase was due to the building of new, more spacious dwellings (mainly new, detached houses), and to the extension and modernization of existing homes. Figure 76. Average useful floor area of dwellings in Ploiești Growth Pole, 2007-2013 60 50 2007 40 2008 2009 30 2010 20 2011 2012 10 2013 0 Useful floor areas (m2) Source: NIS, TEMPO Online database Figure 93. Average useful floor area (m2) of dwellings in Ploiești municipality, by census sectors Source: Own diagram based on NIS, RGPL data, 2011 The most spacious dwellings can be found in localities where the housing stock has been renewed recently: Păulești, Blejoi, Târgșoru Vechi (with more than 55 m2/house). On the contrary, the least spacious dwellings are found in Plopeni, where the housing stock mainly consists in multifamily housing – blocks of flats with low living standards, built during the communist period. The average area of dwellings in Ploiești municipality is 48.2 m2. 237 Figure 77. Average useful floor area of dwellings in Ploiești Growth Pole (m2) in 2013 80 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 ti i ni ni ni ti ni oi i v ti ti hi eș ico eș ej az co eș sc ă ne oi ă căe lope t iva n rce Bl Br u v u leș V ec ea Zo P l B S P h că Be B ră ă u r n ti- Ra Băr m b P șo r ug ă lit a d eș t ii Du rg ăl po l ș â C o Bo ice T lea Met r Ar Va i t eș oi Source: NIS, TEMPO Online database Pl Around 84.7% of the dwellings in Ploiești Growth Pole consist in single households, (being implicitly single-family houses), in 12.9% there aren’t any households (since they are not permanent homes), and 2.4% accommodate two or more households. Figure 78. Distribution of the housing stock in Ploiești Growth Pole according to households per housing unit Growth PoleValea Călugărească Ariceștii Rahtivanii Dumbrăveşti Plopeni Boldești-Scăeni No household Băicoi 1 household Târgșoru Vechi 2 household Păulești 3 household Bucov 4 household Brazi Blejoi Berceni Bărcănești 1 Ploiești 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Source: NIS, General Population and Housing Census 2011 – Final results The Growth Pole’s Profile As regards the building permits issued at the level of the Growth Pole, their number dropped by more than 40% after the peak 2008, against the background of the global economic and financial recession. Most of the current building permits contiune to be issued for Ploiești municipality and Bucov, Păulești and Târgșoru Vechi communes. I 238 Figura 79. Number of building permits issued at the level of Ploiești Growth Pole in the 2007-2013 period 1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Source: NIS, TEMPO Online database Out of the total dwellings in Ploiești Growth Pole, 83.4% are single-storey, 15.5% have between 1 and 4 storeys, and 1.1% have more than 4 storeys. The localities featuring more P+1 dwellings (above 20% of the total) are Blejoi and Păulești, following the development of new residential districts with villa-type buildings (P+1). In total, the Growth Pole has 3,422 blocks of flats, out of which 2,781 have no more than 4 storeys, and 641 have 5 and more storeys. They are prevalent in Ploiești (2,899 blocks of flats), Plopeni (154), Boldești-Scăeni (60), Băicoi (58), Valea Călugărească (55), Bucov (34), Bărcănești (16), Brazi (13), these localities being the most affected by the forced systematization, industrialization, and urbanization during the communist period. Figure 94. Share of single-storey buildings in Ploiești municipality by census sector, 2011 Source: Own diagram based on NIS, RGPL data, 2011 239 Blocks of flats with more than 5 stories are found in Ploiești municipality alone, where large complexes of block of flats were built during the communist period, including high-rise buildings. However, 77.5% of the city’s residential buildings are single-storey (detached houses), 10.4% are P+1 (more than 2,300 villas), and 12.1% are blocks of flats (2,899), of Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing which 2,262 3 or 4-storey blocks and 637 blocks with more than 5 storeys. Together, these blocks include more than 72,000 dwellings (80% of Ploiești municipality’s total housing stock) and should be prioritized for thermal and structural rehabilitation works, as they refer to a large number of people and dwellings, many of the latter being exposed to seismic risk (those built before 1977) and having low energy efficiency and degraded façades. Figure 80. Structure of the residential buildings in Ploiești Growth Pole by localities, according to number of storeys 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% Over 10 storeys 50% 40% 8-10 storeys 30% 5-7 storeys 20% 1-4 storeys 10% 0 Ground floor ti ti ni oi az i v ti hi i ni ni ti ni că ieș eș ce lej co leș Vec ico ăe lope eș va eas o n r B Br u u ă c v t i Pl rc ă Be B ă u B i- S P ră h r Bă P șo r șt b Ra lugă rg de um tii â l D ș Că T Bo r ice lea A Va Source: NIS, the General Population and Housing Census 2011 – Final results 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 240 With regard to the building materials of outer walls, one may notice that most of the residential buildings that are made of low-quality and hazard-vulnerable materials are found in rural localities (Dumbrăvești, Valea Călugărească, Bucov), as well as in the towns of Boldești-Scăeni and Băicoi, with a relatively old housing stock, mainly consisting in dwellings constructed in the first half of the 20th century. On the other hand, dwellings that are made of durable materials (concrete, concrete prefabricates, brick, stone) are prevalent in localities with new housing stocks built either during the communist or post-revolution period, such as Ploiești, Plopeni, Bărcănești, Blejoi, Brazi, Târgșoru Vechi, Păulești (more than 60% of the buildings). Altogether, 24.1% of the residential buildings in Ploiești Growth Pole are built with low-quality materials, this share being lower for Ploiești municipality (16.8%). Figure 81. Residential buildings in Ploiești Growth Pole according to building materials used for exterior walls, by localities 100% NA 90% Mixed materials 80% Other materials 70% 60% Adobe 50% Wood 40% Brick and stone on wooden structure 30% Brick and stone on concrete structure 20% Concrete prefabricates 10% Beton armat 0 ti ti eni joi azi ov ști chi coi eni eni ști ani că eș eș e r c e i e s loi ăn erc Bl B Bu ăul Ve Bă Scă lop răv htiv rea P rc ă B P oru t i- P b R a gă B ș eș m i lu rg ld Du ști Că Tâ Bo ice a e Ar Val Source: NIS, the General Population and Housing Census 2011 – Final results Out of the total current residential buildings of Ploiești Growth Pole, 3.1% have been built before 1919, 12.5% between 1919 and 1945, 20.7% between 1945 and 1960, 21.5% between 1961 and 1970, and 42.2% after 1970. Thus, the average age of residential buildings in this area is more than 50 years. Moreover, 65.5% of these buildings were built before the 1977 earthquake, meaning they were not designed to resist to large-magnitude earthquakes, particularly as Ploiești municipality lies in the most earthquake-prone area of Romania, next to the cities of Buzău and Focșani, which however have a newer building stock. 241 In Ploiești, more than 100 blocks of flats are built before the 1977 earthquake, most of them being located in the northern area (Cameliei and Nordului streets), southern area (Mihai Eminescuand Jianu streets) and central area (Independenței Boulevard, the west side of the Civic Center). They risk to be destroyed by the first earthquake above 7 degrees on the Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing Richter scale. Although the surveying of seismic risk buildings began 20 years ago, only 49 blocks of flats have gone through this procedure so far, 31 being included in the Ist class of seismic risk (some representing a public hazard) and 18 in the classes II-IV. Only one building of this sort has been rehabilitated under a MRDPA program. Map 95. Areas with peak land acceleration for earthquakes with ARI (average recurrence interval) = 100 years Source: UTCB 1 With the exception of Blejoi, Păulești, and Târgșoru Vechi communes, where 50% of the housing stock has been built in the last 20 years following the emergence of the sub-urbanization process, the remaining localities of Ploiești Growth The Growth Pole’s Profile Pole feature mainly detached or multifamily buildings built in the communist period. The interwar or pre-war buildings take a larger share (more than 20% of the total) in Ploiești municipality only, which has a longer urban tradition and has developed better in that period. I 242 Figure 96. Share of residential buildings constructed during communist years in Ploiești municipality by census sectors Source: Own diagram based on NIS, RGPL data, 2011 Overall, one may say that the advanced age of the Growth Pole housing stock raises living quality and safety issues and requires consolidation works, particularly for the pre-1977 buildings, whether houses or blocks of flats. Figure 82. Residential buildings in Ploiești Growth Pole by localities and construction year 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% No data 50% After 1990 40% 1971-1990 30% 1961-1970 20% 1945-1960 10% 1919-1945 0 ti ti ni oi az i v ti hi co i ni ni șt i ni că ieș eș ce lej co leș Vec ăi ăe lope iva eas Before 1919 lo ăn er B Br Bu ă u B Sc ăve t r P rc B u - P r h Bă P șo r ti m b Ra lugă rg eș Du tii Tâ o ld e ș Că B r ic l ea A Va Source: NIS, the General Population and Housing Census 2011 – Final results 243 At the 2011 census, 96.7% of the dwellings in Ploiești Growth Pole had available drinking water supply, of which 92.9% from the public network, and 3.8% from own systems. However, 6.6% of these did not have en-suite water supply – only in-building and outdoor water supply systems. Most of the dwellings without water supply were found in the communes Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing of Valea Călugărească (19.9% of the total), Dumbrăvești (17%), Bărcănești (14.7%), Târgșoru Vechi (12.5%), and Bucov (11.9%). Only 835 dwellings without water supply were recorded in Ploiești municipality, i.e. just 0.9% of the total, together with other 1,572 dwellings with in-building or outdoor water systems, and 654 dwellings with own water supply systems. The central drinking water supply system served 87,187 dwellings (96.6 of the city’s housing stock). Map 97. Number of dwellings without running water by census sectors in Ploiești municipality Source: Own diagram 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 244 On the other hand, the 2011 census further showed that 90.1% of the dwellings in Ploiești Growth Pole were connected to the sewerage network, out of which 68.8% to the public network, and 21.3% to private networks. The highest share of dwellings not connected to a sewerage system is found in the communes of Dumbrăvești (59.8%), Valea Călugărească (43%), Berceni (42.8%), Ariceștii Rahtivani (37.5%), Târgșoru Vechi (34.3%), Bucov (33.1%), and Brazi (31.4%). A total of more than 13,700 dwellings in the Growth Pole are not connected to a sewerage system. Due to the lack of central sewerage networks, private sewerage networks prevail in most of the Growth Pole localities (e.g. based on septic tanks), the only exceptions being Ploiești, Boldești-Scăeni, and Plopeni. Ploiești had a number of 2,407 dwellings without sewerage facilities, i.e. 2.7% of the total housing stock, located mainly in suburban districts (such as Mitică Popescu), plus 5,405 dwellings connected to private networks. A total of 81,235 dwellings were connected to the public sewerage network (90% of all city dwellings). Map 98. Number of dwellings not connected to sewerage systems by census sectors in Ploiești municipality Source: Own diagram Figure 83. Share of dwellings with water supply and sewerage systems by component localities of the Growth Pole in 2011 120 100 Share of dwellings with water 80 supply 60 Share of dwellings with 40 sewerage systems 20 0 ti i i oi i i hi i i i i i eș șt cen ej az ov eșt co ăen pen șt van că ol e oi ne r Bl Br uc u l Vec ăi c o ve i as h P l ă e B B l ă t e P rc B Pă oru ti- S P br Rah găr w t Bă r gș eș um tii ă lu Gro ld D ș C Tâ Bo ice ea Ar Val Source: NIS, the General Population and Housing Census 2011 – Final results 245 As regards the heating supply, 44.8% of all dwellings are connected to a centralized heating system, 25.8% have their own gas-, LPG- or solid fuel-based central heating systems, 28% use cookers, stoves or electric heating appliances, and 1.4% are not heated. In Ploiești municipality, 87.7% of dwellings have central heating, of which 68.4% are connected to the Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing central heating network, and 19.3% have their own heating systems. It has the largest share of dwellings (apartments) connected to the public central heating system of all Romanian growth poles, considering that many such systems collapsed in the years 2000. More than 10,400 city dwellings, namely detached houses, still use gas, wood, and coal stoves for heating, while 573 are not heated. As regards the other localities of the Growth Pole, with the exception of Plopeni, where more than 50% of dwellings have their own heating systems, most of them are still heated by stoves, mainly based on solid fuels such as coal, which generate a high volume of CO2 emissions. The most unfavorable situation is found in Dumbrăvești commune, the only one not connected to a gas network in the respective area. However, the share of dwellings with their own central heating systems increased significantly over the last decade, particularly in the localities surrounding Ploiești municipality, where new, modern residential districts have been built (Blejoi, Păulești, etc.). Currently, only 82.3% of the dwellings in the Growth Pole and 93.5% of the dwellings in Ploiești municipality are supplied with domestic hot water. The most disadvantaged localities in this respect are Dumbrăvești (27.3% of the total), Berceni (36.2%), Valea Călugărească (41,4%), and Bucov (47,8%), which are either lacking a central heating network or have a small share of dwellings equipped with individual heating systems. Figure 84. Structure of the housing stock in Ploiești Growth Pole by localities, according to heating system 100% 90% 80% 70% Without heating 60% 50% Other heating source (stoves) 40% Own central heating systems 30% 20% Centralized heating system 10% 0 ti ti ni oi zi v ti hi oi ni ni ti ni ă le eș eș rce Blej Bra uco leș Vec ăic căe ope veș iva asc Po loi ăn e B ă u B S l ră ht r e t h P rc B P oru i- P b Ra gă w Bă ș șt um tii ălu Gro ârg lde D ș C T Bo ice ea Ar Val Source: NIS , the General Population and Housing Census 2011 – Final results 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 246 In 2011, 98% of dwellings in Ploiești Growth Figure 85. Types of home utilities by localities 2011 Pole had a kitchen, 85.7% had a bathroom, and 87.3% had en-suite, in-building or outdoor Growth Pole flushing toilets. The best situation is found Valea Călugărească in Ploiești and Plopeni, which have a housing Ariceștii Rahtivanii stock largely made up of blocks of flats built Dwellings with Dumbrăveşti in the communist period, which, despite their flushing toilets Plopeni low comfort, are equipped with all the required Dwellings with Boldești-Scăeni bathrooms domestic fixtures and appurtenances. At the Băicoi Dwellings with other end of the spectrum there is a string of kitchens rural localities such as Dumbrăvești, Berceni, Târgșoru Vechi Valea Călugărească, Ariceștii Rahtivani, with Păulești less developed urban utilities and obsolete Bucov housing stock, typical for rural settlements. Brazi Metropolitan communes, which benefitted Blejoi from the expansion of modern residential Berceni areas (Blejoi, Păulești), witnessed a significant Bărcănești improvement in the level of domestic fixtures Ploiești as compared to the 2011 census. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Source: NIS, the General Population and Housing Census 2011 – Final results In terms of electrification, Ploiești Ploiești Growth Pole has 836 dwellings not connected to the power network, i.e. only 0.6% of the total housing stock. Most of these dwellings are found in Ploiești (296), Bucov (80), Valea Călugărească (65), Brazi and Berceni (55), Blejoi (49), and Târgșoru Vechi (43). In most cases, these were due to voluntary disconnection determined by the owners, the power supply network being developed in all these locations. However, the electricity distribution network is considered for expansion in localities with widespread newly-built residential areas, such as Blejoi or Păulești. As regards the energy efficiency of the buildings the 2011 census data shows that only 40.8% of the dwellings in Ploiești Growth Pole have been subject to thermal rehabilitation, while more than 80,000 dwellings (58.6% of the total) require such works. The extent of thermal rehabilitation is slightly larger in Ploiești municipality (44.6%), but there still are approximately 50,000 dwellings, both apartments and detached houses, which require thermal insulation and even structural rehabilitation works. Figure 86. Energy efficiency of dwellings in Ploiești Growth Pole by localities 100% 90% 80% Dwellings built of thermo-insu- 70% lating materials 60% Thermally left un-rehabilitated 50% 40% Thermally rehabilitated 30% 20% 10% 0 ti i șt cen i oi az i ov eșt i ch i i co ăen pen i i i șt van i că ol e eș ej uc ăi as h P loi ăne er Bl Br B ă ul Ve B Sc lo ă ve t i re P rc B ru i- P r h t Bă P șo șt b Ra lugă row rg de um tii â l D ș Că G T Bo r ice lea A V a Source: NIS, the General Population and Housing Census 2011 – Final results 247 In 2011-2012, nearly 50 blocks of flats have been rehabilitated in the West I and II districts, as well as Malu Roșu and North districts in Ploiești municipality through a program co-financed by MRDPA with 50% at the local level, and projects for the rehabilitation of 9 blocks are currently under assessment or implementation in the Republicii, Bănești, Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing and Sinăii areas, co-financed by the EU through the ROP 2007-2013 and based on the contributions of the associations of owners. These are complemented by several blocks of flats that have been thermally rehabilitated totally or partially on the owners’ expense. Map 99. Share of thermally rehabilitated dwellings by census sectors in Ploiești municipality in 2011 Source: Own diagram based on NIS, RGPL data, 2011 In 2011, 59.1% of the dwellings in Ploiești Growth Pole had heat-insulated joinery (PVC, aluminum or laminated wood with double glazing window), while the remaining dwellings had regular wooden joinery. The percentage of dwellings with heat-insulated joinery was higher in Ploiești municipality, i.e. 64.2%. Figure 87. Dwellings in Ploiești Growth Pole according to window joinery, by localities Growth Pole Wood joinery Heat-insulated joinery Valea Călugărească 1 Ariceștii Rahtivanii Dumbrăveşti Plopeni The Growth Pole’s Profile Boldești-Scăeni Băicoi Moreover, 12.6% of the dwellings in Târgșoru Vechi the Growth Pole were fitted with air Păulești Bucov conditioning units, this percentage being Brazi higher for Ploiești municipality (17.8%), Blejoi due to the higher number of blocks of Berceni flats built of concrete and concrete Bărcănești prefabricates, registering high levels Ploiești of thermal loss in winter and often 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% unbearable summer temperatures. I Source: NIS, the General Population and Housing Census 2011 – Final results 248 1.6.2. Education In the larger context of the wider objective of the Regional Operational Programme (ROP) to reduce economic and social development gaps between developed and least developed areas, the education and professional training component plays an important role in driving a sustainable economic growth in Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole. Furthermore, this objective is compatible with and contributes to the final objective of the Europe 2020 Strategy for smart, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth for Romania. The Romanian education sector is an integral part of the Government’s Strategy to achieve the Europe 2020 objectives and targets, which largely focus on improving educational standings and preventing school dropout. For this purpose, the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research (MECS) drafted three Education Strategies under the ex-ante conditionalities required by the European Commission (EC) for the next financial programming period 2014-2020, targeted at three specific objectives, namely: • Reduction of early school dropout rates (ESD); • Increased participation to tertiary education (TE); • Increased adult participation in lifelong learning (LL). The population decline of the last two decades demands the correlation of education policies with economic and social policies to ensure a sustainable and inclusive growth. A development strategy for 2014-2020 should envisage actions and interventions which support and drive the achievement of such targets. However, as regards the South Muntenia region, it has to be reminded that Prahova county recorded a lower rate of rural population decline between 1990-2010, i.e. -1.5%, than Ialomița and Teleorman counties, where these rates are significantly higher, namely -15% and -14%. On the other hand, Prahova county has higher rates of urban population decline (-9.5%). Moreover, some of the general findings of the analysis of demographic processes occurring in Romania and the entire South Muntenia region between 1990 and 2010 showed the short-, medium- and long-term negative impact of population decline on active population ageing, as well as on school population. In addition, the number of children born by very young or single mothers is on the increase, which leads to a higher risk of school dropout for such children (ADR South Muntenia Study, page 29). Table 21. Europe 2020 Strategy targets – current situation Europe 2020 targets Romania’s targets Romania in 2013 (%) (%) (%) Early school dropout rate below 10% 11.3 17.3 At least 40% of the population aged between 30 and 34 to complete tertiary 26.7 22.8 education At least 15% of the population aged between 25 and 34 to take part in lifelong 10 2,0 learning Source: The National Reform Programme 2014 1 http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/index_en.htm 2 http://www.edu.ro/index.php/articles/proiecte_acte_norm/c402/ 3 Regulation (EU) 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 4 RDA South Muntenia, Study on the social issues and life quality in the South Muntenia Region, pp. 31-32 249 Educational infrastructure and school population Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing The current educational infrastructure of the component localities of Ploiești Growth Pole is made up of 211 education facilities, of which 108 nursery schools (fulltime and all-day kindergartens), 71 primary and secondary schools (including special needs education), 26 high schools, 5 post-secondary schools, and a tertiary education school. 187 of these are public, i.e. 94 kindergartens, 68 primary and secondary schools, an art and vocational school, 22 high schools, a post- secondary school, and a university. Table 22. Number of public education facilities by types and localities in Ploiești Growth Pole during the school year 2013/2014 Public education facilities Secondary Locality (including Art and Post- Kinder- Primary High Universi- special vocational secondary Total gartens schools schools ties needs) schools schools schools PLOIEȘTI MUNICIPALITY 40 1 28 1 17 1 1 89 BĂICOI CITY 5 2 3 0 1 0 0 11 BOLDEȘTI-SCĂENI CITY 6 0 3 0 1 0 0 10 PLOPENI CITY 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 Ariceștii Rahtivani COMMUNE 5 0 3 0 0 0 0 8 BĂRCĂNEȘTI COMMUNE 4 0 3 0 1 0 0 8 BERCENI COMMUNE 5 2 2 0 0 0 0 9 BLEJOI COMMUNE 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 6 BRAZI COMMUNE 4 0 4 0 0 0 0 8 BUCOV COMMUNE 4 1 3 0 0 0 0 8 DUMBRĂVEŞTI COMMUNE 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 6 PĂULEŞTI COMMUNE 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 TÎRGŞORU VECHI COMMUNE 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 VALEA CĂLUGĂREASCĂ 7 1 4 0 1 0 0 13 COMMUNE TOTAL 94 8 60 1 22 1 1 187 Source: Prahova County Inspectorate, 2015 As regards the private sector, Ploiești Growth Pole has 14 kindergartens, 3 primary and secondary schools, 3 high schools, and 4 post-secondary and nursing schools. Table 23. Number of private education facilities by types and localities in Ploiești Growth Pole during the school year 2013/2014 1 Private education facilities The Growth Pole’s Profile Locality Primary and Art and Post- Kinder- High secondary vocational secondary Universities Total gartens schools schools schools schools PLOIEȘTI MUNICIPALITY 11 1 0 3 4 0 19 BĂICOI CITY 2 1 0 0 0 0 3 PĂULEȘTI COMMUNE 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 TOTAL 14 3 0 3 4 0 24 I Source: Prahova County Inspectorate, 2015 250 As regards early childhood facilities, Ploiești municipality offers 6 day care centers for 606 children, and one day care center for 12 children in Boldești-Scăeni. Table 24. Early childhood facilities in Ploiești Growth Pole during the school year 2013/2014 No. of day care No. of care Early childhood facilities No. of children No. of nurses No. of educators centers takers Ploiești municipality 6 606 17 41 44 Boldești-Scăeni 1 12 1 1 0 Total 7 618 18 42 44 Source: Prahova Directorate of Public Health, 2015 The total school population of Ploiești Growth Pole amounted to 63,849 children, pupils, and students in 2013, i.e. 19.3% of the total permanent population in the area. Out of these, 8,398 children were enrolled in kindergartens, 15,152 pupils in primary schools, 11,784 pupils in secondary schools, 17,704 pupils in high schools, 583 in vocational schools, 3,597 in post-secondary and technical schools, and 6,631 were university students. Map 100. Share of pupils and students in the total population at the level of census sectors in Ploiești municipality in 2011 Source: Own diagram based on NIS, RGPL data, 2011 As compared with 2007, the total school population decreased by 8.7%, mainly due to the steep decline of birth rates over the last two decades, and secondly to school dropout and the internal and external migration of the population, as most of the high school graduates in Ploiești enroll in Bucharest universities. This decrease has left a significant mark on vocational education (-89.7%) due to the reorientation of pupils to technical high schools, and on the number of students (-31%) against the background of low pass rates of the Baccalaureate and the competition from other universities. Significant increases occurred in the number of pupils enrolled in post-secondary schools (+221.8%), which became an appealing alternative for those unable to attend university courses, as well as in the number of primary school pupils (+24.7%), following the introduction of the Zero Grade. 251 Figure 88. School population in Ploiești Growth Pole by education level in the 2007-2013 period 25,000 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing 20,000 15,000 Children in kindergartens Pupils in primary schools 10,000 Pupils in secondary schools Pupils in high schools Pupils in technology high schools 5,000 Pupils in post-secondary schools Students 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Source: National Institute of Statistics 75.8% of the school population (48,428 children, pupils, and students) is found in Ploiești municipality, which has the highest highest volumes of school population, high schools, and faculties, which attract graduates from most of the county’s localities and even from neighboring counties. The school population decreased in most component localities in 2007-2013, including in Ploiești (-9.1%), with the only exceptions of Târgșoru Vechi (+8.1%), Păulești (+47.4%), Dumbrăvești (+7.1%), and Blejoi (+3.8%), especially due to higher birth and immigration rates (suburbanization). Still, many of the school age children in the neighboring localities commute to educational facilities in the city, which have a better education offer and higher reputation. Figure 89. School population in Ploiești Growth Pole during the 2007-2013 period by localities Valea Călugărească Târgșoru Vechi Păulești Dumbrăveşti Bucov Brazi Blejoi 2013 Berceni 2007 Bărcănești Ariceștii Rahtivanii 1 Plopeni Boldești-Scăeni The Growth Pole’s Profile Băicoi Ploiești 0% 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 Source: The National Institute of Statistics In 2012, the total number of graduates in Ploiești Growth Pole amounted to 10,321 (all education levels being considered), of which 2,751 were secondary education graduates, 5,101 high school graduates, 88 vocational school graduates, 955 post-secondary school graduates, and 1,426 university graduates, lower than in previous years (except for post- secondary schools), due to the declining school population. One may notice that only 25% of high school graduates in I this area remain to attend university studies in this city, while the others prefer post-secondary schools or universities in different cities. 252 The offer of high schools in this area, which concentrate most of the existing school population, is quite diverse, as it is shown in the table below: Table 25. Field of study, number of students, and pass rate in high schools in Ploiești Growth Pole during the school year 2013/2014 Natural Hu- Bacca- resources Enrolled ma- Scien Tech Voca High school laureate Sports Pedagogy and Services students ni- ces nical tional pass rate environ ties ment PLOIEȘTI Spiru Haret College 1,270 75% X X X Economic Virgil Madgearu 1,247 79% X X College A.I. Cuza National College 886 98% X X Jean Monnet Național 1401 98% X X X College I.L. Caragiale Național 1,179 99% X X College Mihai Viteazul Național 1,235 98% X X X College Nichita Stănescu Național 882 95% X X College Elie Radu Technical College 1,377 48% X X X X Lazăr Edeleanu Technical 1,189 52% X X X College Toma N. Socolescu 1,520 38% X X X X Technical College Carmen Sylva Art College 347 94% X 1 Mai Technical High school 781 36% X X Anghel Saligny Technical 823 10% X X X High school Transportation Technical 760 8% X High school Ludovic Mrazek Technical 477 18% X X High school Victor Slăvescu Technical Administrative and 212 88% X X Services High school Sf. Apostol Andrei Technical Services High 1137 51% X school BĂICOI C-tin Cantacuzino 403 60% X X X Technical High school BOLDEȘTI-SCĂENI Teodor Diamant Technical 486 8% X X X High school PLOPENI Gh. Lazăr Technical High 431 64% X X school BĂRCĂNEȘTI Technical Agricultural High 338 10% X X X school VALEA CĂLUGĂREASCĂ Gh. Ionescu-Sisești 547 26% X X X Agricultural College Source: The Ministry of National Education and ISJ Prahova 253 Thus, there are 10 high schools specialized in humanities (philology, social sciences), 16 in sciences (mathematics and informatics, natural sciences), 2 sports high schools (volleyball, basketball, handball), a pedagogy high school (teachers / educators), 1 vocational high school (music, visual arts), 12 technical high schools (mechanics, electronics-automation, Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing electrics, electro-mechanics, constructions-installations-civil engineering, industrial chemistry, construction materials, wood products manufacturing, textile and leather industry, media production), 7 natural resources and environment high schools (ecology and environment, food industry, agriculture), 8 services high schools (aesthetics and human hygiene, tourism and catering, economics, trade). As can be seen, around 65% of the students are enrolled in technical high schools, to the benefit of the local labor market, which mainly favors job seekers with secondary education (for the industry, services, constructions), but their Baccalaureate pass rate is very low as compared to academic high schools, i.e. 8% to 52% versus over 90%. Students who fail to pass this exam may only attend post-secondary schools instead of universities. As regards vocational education, 14 public high schools feature technical classes (electrics, electronics-automation, chemical industry, food industry, wood products manufacturing, constructions-installations-civil engineering, mechanics, textile and leather industry, tourism and catering, aesthetics, and human hygiene). The number of vocational students dropped steeply over the past two decades, as most secondary school graduates chose mainly academic high schools, thus giving rise to difficulties in ensuring sufficient numbers of secondary education graduates for the main local economic sectors (industry, constructions, services, agriculture). As regards post-secondary education, there are 10 such high schools (agriculture and food industry, tourism and catering, aesthetics and human hygiene, health and pedagogy assistance, economy, services, textiles and leather, constructions- installations and public works, informatics, transports, and environment), in addition to 5 public and private nursing schools. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 254 The main education institution in the field of higher education is the Petroleum and Gas University (PGU), established in 1948, which trains specialists for the Romanian oil and gas industry. In the last two decades, the educational offer of the university was supplemented with humanistic and economic studies, at 5 faculties. The University campus comprises around 80 seminar and lecture rooms, 140 laboratories, 9 amphitheaters, one auditorium, one library, an Internet-connected computer network, servers, one gym and sports fields, 7 student dorms with 1,600 places, one cafeteria, medical and dental offices, a student’s club, etc. According to the classification of the Ministry of National Education, the Petroleum and Gas University is a 3rd category „education-focused university”, and was granted a high level of trust by ARACIS. However, the scientific performances of the university trail significantly behind those of traditional universities, such as Bucharest, Iași, or Cluj-Napoca. Table 26. Educational offer of PGU Ploiești in the academic year 2013/2014 Ploiești Petroleum and Gas University5 No. of students6 Faculties Fields (2013/2014) Faculty of Petroleum and Gas 1. Mines, oil and gas (IF, IFR) 1,223 Engineering 2. Geological Engineering (IF) 1. Mechanical engineering (IF) 2. Electrical engineering (IF) Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical 3. Electronic engineering and telecommunications (IF) 1,640 Engineering 4. System engineering (IF, IFR) 5. Computers and information technology (IF) 6. Engineering and management (IF, ID) Faculty of Petroleum Refining and 1. Chemical Engineering (IF) 885 Petrochemistry 2. Environmental engineering (IF, IFR) 1. Business administration (IF) 2. Finances (IF) Faculty of Economic Sciences 3. Accounting (IF, ID) 2,617 4. Cybernetics, statistics, and economic informatics (IF, ID) 5. Management (IF, ID) 1. Language and Literature (IF) 2. Mathematics (IF) 3. Informatics (IF) Faculty of Letters and Sciences 1,655 4. Chemistry (IF) 5. Administrative sciences (IF) 6. Education sciences (IF) Source: Petroleum and Gas University, 2014/2015 Owing to its unique position at the national level and good external reputation, the Petroleum and Gas University attracts more than 400 foreign students each year from countries such as Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Angola, Ivory Coast, Iraq, Syria, Vietnam, Turkmenistan, etc. Moreover, student and professor exchange programs are being carried out with other European universities under the ERASMUS Program. The students of this institution take part in internships at local companies in the industry, with some receiving even employment offers before completion of their studies. The University cooperates with the private sector for research projects as well, as it owns state of the art equipment and facilities purchased under POS DRU and POS CCE 2007-2013, although the promotion of its offer of services is still not at its best. Such an approach is needed particularly against the backdrop of falling student numbers and insufficient education funding resources from the state budget. 5 http://www.upg-Ploiești.ro/facultati/index.html 6 Number of students enrolled in all education forms, Bachelor and Master degrees. Prahova County Sustainable Development Plan for 2014-2020, pp. 69-72 255 Despite the unavailability of local-level data, the school dropout rate in Prahova county fell below the regional and national average, particularly for the secondary, high school, vocational, and post-secondary education. The vocational education dropout rates remain however a matter of concern (more than 20% of the total number of students), revealing Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing the low attractiveness of such studies for graduates. The high schools with the highest dropout rates are the following: „Sf. Apostol Andrei” Technical Services High School (16 students), Toma Socolescu Technical College (12 students), Anghel Saligny Technical College (10 students), and Gh. Lazăr Technical College Plopeni (8 students). The school dropout phenomenon is more prevalent among Roma students from rural areas, who are the most exposed to the risk of education exclusion. Most of them are studying at at Toma Socolescu Technical College (25 students), Gh. Lazăr Technical College Plopeni (21 students), Lazăr Edeleanu Technical College (20 students), Transportation Technical College (15 students), Spiru Haret College (15 students), Virgil Madgearu Economic College (14 students), Sf. Apostol Andrei Technical Services High School (11 students), and Nichita Stănescu National College (12 students). Figure 90. County and regional school dropout rates by education levels during 2010-2012 Post-secondary - Prahova County Post-secondary - South Muntenia Region Post-secondary - Romania Technology high school - Prahova Technology high school - South Muntenia Region Technology high school - Romania High school - Prahova County High school - South Muntenia Region High school - Romania Secondary school - Prahova County Secondary school - South Muntenia Region Secondary school - Romania Primary school - Prahova County Primary school - South Muntenia Region Primary school - Romania 0 5 10 15 20 25 2012 2011 2010 Source: The National Institute of Statistics As regards the vocational training offer (training and retraining), this is very diverse, covering a wide range of qualifications and skills in various economic and social areas. It is provided by different vocational training providers, such as: public institutions (3), private companies (31), and specialized NGOs (14) – see the Annex for the full list of authorized providers. The public institutions with the most diverse training offer are Prahova County Employment Agency (23 occupations, free courses for the unemployed), Prahova Chamber of Commerce and Industry (29 occupations), Prahova County Chamber of Agriculture. Despite the abundant offer of training courses, the number of participants remains limited, with most participants choosing the free courses. This fact is worrying due to the significant number of local adults 1 qualified especially during the communist period for occupations that are not currently sought on the market. The Growth Pole’s Profile I 256 Social measures in the education field – social and support programs The Ministry of Education is implementing a series of measures to support and assist the pupils enrolled in the public education system, such as Cornul și Laptele (the Roll and Milk), Fructe (Fruits), Bani pentru Liceu (Money for High School), Bursa Profesională (Professional scholarship), and EURO 200. Table 27. MECS-coordinated social and support programs for pupils in 2013 Program Allocation per child Source of funds 0.7 RON/child/day primary level Ministry of Agriculture The “Roll and Milk” program 1.17 RON/child/day secondary (EU funds) level Ministry of Agriculture The Fruits program 0.37 RON/child/day/fruits (EU funds) The “Money for High school” program7 150 RON/month/pupil MECS budget The Professional Scholarship program (support for all pupils from vocational and technical 200 RON/month/pupil MECS budget education)8 Source: MECS In Ploiești Growth pole, around 27,000 pupils benefit from the „Roll and milk” and „Fruits” programs, and 237 pupils from the „Money for High school” program. Table 28. Number of beneficiaries of the “Money for High School” Program by localities in the school year 2013/2014 Locality No. of beneficiaries9 Ariceștii Rahtivani 16 Băicoi 10 Bărcănești 13 Berceni 6 Boldești-Scăeni 25 Brazi 2 Bucov 11 Ploiești 110 Plopeni 15 Păulești 1 Târgșoru Vechi 17 Valea Călugărească 11 Total 237 Source: MECS The EURO 200 program10 is intended to support the purchasing of personal computers by means of social grants. The social grant amounts to the equivalent in RON of EUR 200 for one computer. This program is targeted at pupils and/ or students in the public or private education sector aged up to 26 years old, living in families with a monthly gross income of no more than RON 1,500 per family member. The number of individual recipients of this grant for 2013/2014 is shown in the table below. 7 GD 1488/2004 approving the criteria and amount of the financial support granted to pupils under the „Money for High School” National Social protection program 8 GD 1062/2012 on governmental subsidies related to costs incurred by vocational training students 9 http://banideliceu.edu.ro/ 10 This program is regulated under Law 269 of June 2004 257 Table 29. Number of beneficiaries of ”EURO 200” Social Program by localities in the school year 2013/2014 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing Locality School Beneficiaries Transportation Technical High school 3 Sfântul Apostol Andrei Technical Services High school 1 Candiano Popescu Secondary school 11 Municipiul Ploiești The Ioan Grigorescu Secondary school 2 Lazăr Edeleanu Technical College 1 Virgil Madgearu Economic College 1 Berceni Secondary school 5 Dumbrăvești Secondary school 4 Secondary school (Strejnicu) 2 Târgșoru Vechi Secondary school (Târgșoru Vechi) 1 Valea Călugărească Ion Ionescu secondary school 2 Total 33 Source: MECS The program titled „A second chance” is intended for anyone who failed to graduate primary or secondary education and is more than 4 years older than the school age for the respective grade. Such classes are organized in the schools of Ploiești Growth Pole as follows: - Secondary school no. 13, Ploiești – 1 class of 32 pupils; - Toma Caragiu Secondary school, Ploiești – 9 classes of 201 pupils; - Special Vocational School, Plopeni – 2 classes of 17 pupils. Map 101. The share of 7-9 year-olds not enrolled in an education institution at the level of census sectors in Ploiești municipality in 2011 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I Source: Own diagram based on NIS, RGPL data, 2011 258 Commuting to school is frequent in Ploiești Growth Pole. The educational facilities in Ploiești municipality attract 6,726 children and pupils from other localities, some from significant distances (30-50 km), most of them choosing the high schools in Ploiești, as most of the rural localities and small towns either do not have such facilities, or their current education offer is limited. The number of commuting children and pupils is less than 500 in other localities of Ploiești Growth Pole, more significant numbers being only reported for the communes of Valea Călugărească and Bărcănești, respectively the towns of Boldești-Scăeni and Plopeni, with high schools that attract pupils from neighboring localities. School mini-buses have been purchased under a MRDPA program in 2014, the communes such as Brazi, Berceni, Târgșoru Vechi, Ariceștii Rahtivani, Valea Călugărească being among the beneficiaries. However, many pupils still travel to city schools with public transport means or their parents’ vehicles, a fact that requires further investments in the expansion and modernization of connecting roads and public transportation for fast and safe travel. Figure 91. Number of commuting children and pupils by component localities Number of commuting children and pupils 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 ti i i i ă oi i ti az i i șt i ni eș en en ico sc ej ch eș en iva loi Scă lop Bă rea Bl Ve ăv Br erc ăne t P i- P u r B rc h t gă șo r b Ra eș lu m Bă tii o ld Că ârg Du ș B lea T ice Va Ar Source: ISJ Prahova The total numbers of the teaching staff working in educational facilities of Ploiești Growth Pole was 3,712 in 2013 (2,700 in Ploiești municipality), of which 492 in the pre-school education, 637 in primary education, 922 in secondary education, 1,274 in high schools, 84 in post-secondary education, and 303 in higher education.There is a 11.6% drop in the number of teaching staff as compared with 2007, higher than the drop in school population (of approx. 9%), which indicates that the number of students per teacher increased slightly from 16.9 to 17.5. One reason is the migration of teaching staff to other fields or cities/countries following the low wage rates, which make teaching unattractive for young graduates. Thus, many educational facilities have to resort to less qualified teaching staff or even substitute teachers, a situation particularly prevalent in rural areas. 259 In 2013, the educational infrastructure of Ploiești Growth Pole included the following: • 1,511 classrooms, amphitheaters and school offices (1,027 in Ploiești municipality), of which 772 in general schools, 642 in high schools, 36 in post-secondary schools, and 61 in the university; Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing • 396 school laboratories (294 in Ploiești municipality), of which 123 in general schools, 154 in high schools, 15 in post- secondary schools, and 104 in the university; • 78 gyms (47 in Ploiești municipality), of which 50 in general schools, 27 in high schools, and one in the university; • 137 school workshops (94 in Ploiești municipality), of which 2 in general schools, 133 in high schools, and 2 in the university; • 74 sports fields (44 in the Ploiești municipality), of which 52 for general schools, 20 for high schools and 2 for the university; • 5,082 personal computers for educational activities (3,742 in Ploiești municipality), of which 1,733 in general schools, 2,047 in high schools, 120 in post-secondary schools, and 822 in the university. As compared with 2007, there was a 13.7% increase in the number of school laboratories, 18.2% in the number of gyms, 7.2% in the number of sports fields, and 44.7% in the number of personal computers, due to investments in some educational facilities from various sources (the local, county, and state budget, European grants, loans, etc.). However, the number of classrooms and school offices decreased by 4% following the closing or restructuring of some educational facilities due to the decreasing school population (Ariceștii Rahtivani, Valea Călugărească, etc.), while school workshops decreased by 16.5% following the decline of the technical and vocational education, a fact which threatens the practical training of the pupils and lowers their prospects for integration on the labor market. Against this background, the average number of pupils per classroom dropped from 45.2 in 2007 to 43 in 2013, a trend which will continue in the future and calls for a restructuring of the school infrastructure. This will also require an appropriate change of function for redundant educational facilities, especially in rural areas, such as the creation of after-school or social non- residential centers for children and adults, vocational training centers, etc. On the other hand, with a demand exceeding by far the available places, the increased number of pre-school children has put a lot of pressure on the kindergartens (and particularly all-day kindergartens) in the central area of Ploiești. Figure 92. - Number of teaching staff by education levels in 2007 and 2013 1,800 1,600 1,400 1,200 1,000 800 2007 600 2013 1 400 The Growth Pole’s Profile 200 0 ol ar y ar y ol na l ar y ity ho ho io rs -s c rim ond sc t ond ve re P c gh ca ec i P se Hi Vo -s Un er ost w P Lo Source: NIS, the TEMPO Online database I 260 Map 102. Number of commuting children and pupils 261 Figure 93. Educational infrastructure dynamics in Ploiești Growth Pole in the 2007-2013 period 6,000 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing 5,000 4,000 3,000 2007 2,000 2013 1,000 0 Classrooms Science School Gyms Sport fields PCs laboratories workshops Source: NIS, the TEMPO Online database Despite the positive trends of the past years, the school sports infrastructure remains poor, with only one sports field, respectively one gym for more than 800 pupils, which hinders the performance of sports classes and and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle among young people. Moreover, in some localities (such as Dumbrăvești), there are no sports facilities attached to schools or the existent ones are unsuitable (improvised), this being the case at Toma Socolescu Technical College, Gh. Ionescu Șișești Agricultural College (in Valea Călugărească), and Carmen Sylva Art School. In addition, the facilities of school laboratories, including computer laboratories, are generally obsolete and overused. The data made available by the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research shows that 7 education facilities from the Growth Pole are not earthquake-resistant (those of Băicoi, Ariceștii Rahtivani, and Valea Călugărească), and 15 have overcrowded classrooms (less than 2 m2/pupil: Băicoi, Bărcănești, Bucov, Plopeni, Târgșoru Vechi), 24 have inadequately furnished classrooms (Băicoi, Bărcănești, Brazi, Bucov, Dărmănești, Valea Călugărească, Plopeni), 33 are not fire-safe (Băicoi, Ariceștii Rahtivani, Bărcănești, Berceni, Târgșoru Vechi, Valea Călugărească), 35 do not have airtight doors and windows (Băicoi, Ariceștii Rahtivani, Plopeni, Bărcănești, Berceni, etc.). Similar issues were found in educational facilities from Ploiești municipality (see the Annex on the situation of educational infrastructure by specific educational facilities): • 30 educational facilities are not fire-safe; • 51 do not have airtight roofs and windows; • 7 cannot maintain a constant indoor temperature; • 9 work in buildings which are not earthquake-resistant; 1 • 21 have overcrowded classrooms; • 3 do not provide appropriate temperature and lighting; The Growth Pole’s Profile • 21 are inadequately furnished; • 30 have classrooms which prevent active learning; • 45 are not fitted with air conditioning and ventilation units; • 66 do not have soundproof classrooms; • 25 have no or inappropriate library premises; • 17 have no or inappropriate teachers’ rooms; • 27 have no computer laboratories; • 26 have no study rooms; I 262 • 30 have no cafeterias or restaurants; • 11 work in overcrowded buildings; • 11 are connected to central heating systems; • 7 have no heat-insulated joinery; • 32 have no fully insulated walls; • 17 have no access facilities for the disabled; • 10 have no science laboratories; • 20 have no gyms; • 7 have no sports fields. This calls for additional investments in the development and modernization of educational infrastructure for quality services in optimum conditions. 263 1.6.3. Health and medical services Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing The health system11 is currently facing a negative balance between the birth rate, death rate, and external migration, also reflected in the all-time low regional and local birth rate in southern areas – except Bucharest-Ilfov – while the traditional gap between rural and urban areas was erased in 2011. For the past 10 years, the conjectural index of fertility has been stable at around 1.3 children/woman in Romania, versus 1.56 children/woman in EU27. In this context, the National Health Strategy 2014-2020 established the following health priorities for the 2014-2020 period: • A system for basic community assistance services targeted at vulnerable groups; • Increased efficiency and diversity of primary medical assistance services; • Increased quality and efficiency of ambulatory care services; • Setting up a network of medical assistance providers. The life expectancy of the population in Prahova county increased by almost 2 years in the 2007-2013 period, up to 75.05 years, i.e. above the national and regional average, thanks to improved access to new treatment techniques and medicines and a drop in infant mortality. It was also noted that women have a significantly higher life expectancy than men (78.66 years vs. 71.44 years), and urban population lives on average 1.5 years more than rural population (75.73 years vs. 74.3 years). In spite of this, the difference up to EU-28 average life expectancy remains at around 5 years. Figure 94. Population life expectancy during 2007-2013 Life expectancy of the population (years) Romania South Muntenia Region Prahova 75.05 74.74 74.57 74.52 74.21 74.26 73.98 74.02 73.96 73.85 73.77 73.47 73.49 73.33 73.14 73.03 73.07 73.14 72.97 72.61 72.5 1 2007 Source: NIS, TEMPO Online database 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 The Growth Pole’s Profile Cardiovascular diseases remain the main cause of death at county level, accounting for around 60% of total deaths, followed by cancer (18%), digestive system diseases (6.4%), and respiratory system diseases (5.7%). Despite the medical progress and related improvement of life expectancy, the population morbidity rate is on an upward trend due to demographic ageing, unhealthy lifestyle, insufficient prevention measures, etc., which puts additional pressure on the county’s medical system, particularly in light of its restructuration and shortage of staff. I 11 The National Health Strategy 2014-2020, available at http://www.ms.ro/documente/Anexa%201%20-%20Strategia%20Nationala%20de%20 Sanatate_886_1761.pdf 264 Figure 95. Main causes of deaths in Prahova County in the 2007-2013 period Other causes Injuries, whether unintentional or intentional Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities Conditions that have their origin in the perinatal period Pregnancy, birth and postpartum Genito-urinary and congenital diseases Diseases of the digestive system 2013 Diseases of the respiratory system 2007 Diseases of the circulatory system Diseases of the nervous system Mental and behavioural disorders Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases Tumors Infectious and parasitic diseases 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 Source: NIS, TEMPO Online database The health infrastructure of Ploiești Growth Pole is more developed in Ploiești municipality and includes the following types of facilities: Table 30. Current medical infrastructure of Ploiești Growth Pole in 2013 Type of medical facility Total facilities Public Private Hospitals 12 7 5 Specialized outpatient care facilities 2 1 1 Hospital outpatient care facilities 5 5 0 Clinics 1 1 0 Health centers 1 0 1 Mental health centers 2 2 0 Medical-social facilities 1 1 0 Diagnosis and treatment centers 1 1 0 General medicine practices 45 1 44 School medical offices 63 63 0 Student medical offices 1 1 0 Family medicine practices 164 113 51 Dental practices 237 1 236 Civil dental associations 5 0 5 Specialized practices 194 8 186 Pharmacies 185 10 175 Pharmaceutical points 15 2 13 Pharmaceutical warehouses 9 0 9 Nurseries 7 7 0 Medical laboratories 74 29 45 Dental technology 118 0 118 Transfusion centers 1 1 0 Other types of medical practices 5 0 5 Source: NIS, TEMPO Online database 265 The public sector witnessed some degree of restructuring as compared to 2007, including by the closing down and consolidation of hospital care facilities and the development of the private medical sector, and by establishing new hospitals, clinics, family medicine, and dental practices, laboratories and pharmacies. Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing Significant gaps are also noted between the complex range of public and private medical services available in Ploiești municipality (emergency county hospital, specialty hospitals, many practices and laboratories) and the basic services provided in neighboring localities (family medicine practices, pharmacies). Other hospital facilities are available in the towns of Băicoi, Boldești-Scăeni, and Plopeni, the last two also featuring private facilities. The total number of hospital beds reached 2,248 in 2008, of which 2,122 in the public sector and 126 in the private sector. The number of beds in the public sector decreased by 9% as compared to 2007, but was almost entirely offset by the emergence of private hospital facilities. Out of the total hospital beds, 2,026 (90% of the total) were located in Ploiești municipality, followed by Băicoi (130), Plopeni (54), and Boldești-Scăeni (38). Overall, the total admissions in the hospitals of Ploiești municipality (except the CF General Hospital) amounted to 74,285, 19.6% less than in 2007, against the background of the growing emphasis on ambulatory care. Table 31. Number of beds and specializations of hospital facilities in Ploiești Growth Pole in 2014 Locality Facility Sections / Departments Admissions No. of beds General surgery, Neonatology, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Vascular surgery, Plastic, and reconstructive surgery and Ploiești Emergency Burn unit, Internal medicine, County Hospital: Nephrology, Diabetes mellitus, - North branch Nutrition and metabolic diseases, - Buna Vestire branch Orthopedics and Traumatology, 45,204 1,160 - Boldescu branch Cardiology, Neurosurgery, ATI, - Oborului branch Neurology, Pediatrics, UPU SMURD, - Republicii branch Gastroenterology, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, Dermatology and venereal diseases, Urology, ORL, Pulmonology, Ploiești Infectious diseases, Maxillofacial surgery, Oncology Pediatrics Hospital Pediatrics, Pediatric surgery and 5,621 135 Ploiești orthopedics Internal Medicine, General surgery, ATI, CFR General Hospital Physical rehabilitation and Balneology, 155 Ploiești Nephrology, Psychiatry Internal Medicine, Oncology, Ploiești Municipal Rheumatology, Physical rehabilitation 9,330 267 Hospital and Balneology, Hematology, Cardiology, Radiotherapy Ploiești Obstetrics and Obstetrics -Gynecology, Neonatology, 1 11,936 300 Gynecology Hospital ATI Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Rehabilitation, Physical medicine and Băicoi Băicoi City Hospital 130 The Growth Pole’s Profile balneology, Pediatrics General surgery, ATI Private facility Sections / Departments No. of beds Ploiești S.C. Spital Lotus S.R.L Obstetrics/Gynecology 34 S.C. Dentirad Hospital Internal medicine, Medical 34 S.R.L rehabilitation Plopeni Physical rehabilitation and balneology, S.C. Darius Medical Neuromotor rehabilitation, Palliative 20 Center S.R.L care Neuromotor rehabilitation, Palliative Boldești-Scăeni S.C. Bestmed S.R.L 38 care I Source: NIS, 2013; Prahova County Sustainable Development Plan 2014-2020, 2015 266 Map 103. Number of beds/unit 267 Ploiești Emergency County Hospital is the only hospital on a 60 km radius providing 24/7 medical assistance, with permanent laboratory and imaging investigations for multiple-trauma cases. The unit serves 97% of the population in Prahova county, i.e. more than 762,900 inhabitants, as well as the population of neighboring counties, such as Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing Dâmbovița (0.8%), Buzău (0.5%), Bucharest (0.4%), Ialomița (0.2%). The hospital has 1,150 beds and 10 unique wards at county level: plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery and burn unit; nephrology; diabetes mellitus, nutrition and metabolic diseases; cardiology; neurosurgery; neurology; gastroenterology; ophthalmology; urology; ORL, 7 unique wards at county level: vascular surgery; coronary intensive care; interventional cardiology; toxicology; endocrinology; dermatology and venereal diseases; oral and maxillofacial surgery. The main indicators achieved in 2013 are presented in the table below. Table 32. Main activity indicators of Prahova Emergency County hospital Indicators Achieved Hospital discharges 51,261 Bed use index 340.20 Average hospitalization period 7.07 1 Bed occupancy ratio (%) Inpatient mortality ratio 93.21 3% The Growth Pole’s Profile Source: Prahova Emergency County Hospital Report, 2014 Moreover, the Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and CFR General Hospitals are the only specialized medical units with specialized county coverage. Ploiești Growth Pole does not have any category I or II medical units, which are usually found in academic centers (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași), but only category III (Emergency County Hospital), category IV (Municipal Hospital, General CF Hospital, Băicoi municipal hospital), and category V (Pediatrics Hospital, Obstetrics Gynecology Hospital) units, which provide less comprehensive medical services. For this reason, a significant number of local patients who require more complex consultations and interventions will opt for the university clinics in Bucharest. I 268 The local medical infrastructure is generally overused and obsolete, despite some investments (for instance, in 2014 alone, Prahova County Council allocated 10 mil. Euro for investments in the three hospitals under its management, plus 6.5 mil. lei for equipment in 2015) in the rehabilitation of facilities and endowment with modern medical equipment in recent years. Thus, the Pediatrics Hospital is housed in inadequate premises, a situation which will be addressed by the reconversion and furnishing of a new building donated by OMV Petrom, with an area in excess of 14,000 m2. Moreover, Buna Vestire branch of the Emergency County Hospital, which currently serves the dermatology, gastroenterology, internal and endocrinology wards, was found in an advanced state of disrepair and was proposed for closing by the Ministry of Health in 2013. The Municipal Hospital and the Obstetrics-Gynecology Hospital are however in a better shape, as they benefitted from significant rehabilitation, modernization and endowment funds from the local and county budgets and the BEI, as well as the Medical-Social facility of Boldești-Scăeni, which received funding from the Ministry of Labor. Furthermore, the Emergency County Hospital, the Municipal Hospital and the Băicoi Hospital received grants for the implementation of integrated IT systems. The former Plopeni Hospital, closed down by decision of the Ministry of Health in April 2011, was reopened as a private clinic a month later. All the hospital facilities and hospital- based outpatient units in the area require new quality equipment. As regards the medical staff of Ploiești Growth Pole, it included 694 doctors, 313 dentists, 330 pharmacists and 3,237 medium-level staff. As compared to 2007, the number of doctors increased by 12%, dentists by 87%, pharmacists by 52%, and medium-level staff by 33%, which can be attributed to the development of private medical services, as public units are faced with acute staffing shortages due to migration to private hospitals or other medical centers in the country and abroad. For instance, Ploiești Emergency Ward employs only 10 of the 24 doctors needed to consult more than 250 patients per day. Similar situations occur with ATI, cardiology, neurology, nutrition diseases, etc. specialists. The low interest of doctors for the public health sector relates to low wages and inadequate working conditions. Figure 96. Medical staff evolution numbers in Ploiești Growth Pole by types and sectors in the 2007-2013 period 3,000 2007 2,500 2008 2,000 2009 2010 1,500 2011 1,000 2012 2013 500 0 or or or or or or or or ct ct ct ct ct ct ct ct se se se se se se se se ic te ic te ic te ic te ubl iva ubl iva ubl iva ubl iva -p r -p r -p r -p r s -p ts -p s -p -p or s s ist s aff aff ct ct or tis ist ac ist st st Do o De n ent m ac vel el D D ar ar m -le v Ph -le Ph ium iu m Source: NIS, TEMPO Online database ed ed M M The emergency pre-hospital care in Prahova county is provided by the County Ambulance Service, which cooperates with the first aid teams of of Șerban Cantacuzino Inspectorate for Emergency Situations Prahova, and with all the inpatient units of the public and private medical care network of Prahova. The County Ambulance Service includes a hub station in Ploiești and a substation in Băicoi. The response to major emergencies has improved in the urban environment since 2010, especially following the development of SMURD services. There are approximately 120,000 calls to the County Ambulance Service per year (second place nationwide after Bucharest), but the staffing shortage is 75% for doctors and 37% for ambulance staff and nurses. 269 As compared to other Romanian growth poles, Ploiești municipality has the fewest hospital beds and doctors, despite the large population served (more than 700,000 inhabitants), trailing behind traditional university medical centers in particular, which also have category I and II hospitals (Bucharest, Iași, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Craiova). Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing Figure 97. Medical infrastructure and staff in Romania’s Growth Poles 3,000 2,500 2007 2,000 2008 1,500 2009 1,000 2010 2011 500 2012 0 2013 or or or or or or or or ct ct ct ct ct ct ct ct se se se se se se se se ic te ic te ic te ic te u bl iva ubl iva ubl iva ubl iva -p r -p r -p r -p r s -p ts -p s -p -p or s s ist s aff aff ct ct or tis ist ac ist st st Do o De n ent m ac vel el D D ar ar m -le v Ph -le Ph ium iu m ed ed M M Source: NIS, TEMPO Online database Furthermore, life expectancy of the population in Ploiești is around 0.7 times lower than in Cluj-Napoca, București, and Brașov, and is above the values registered in Constanța, Craiova, and Timișoara. 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 270 6.4. Social assistance and services The social assistance policies and strategies for the welfare of children, families, single persons, the elderly, the disabled, and any other persons in need at county level are implemented by Prahova General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection (DGASPC), a public institution with legal personality subordinated to Prahova County Council. Its organizational structure includes specialized services / offices / departments, consisting in social assistance units designed to provide welfare housing for children in difficulty and disabled adults, as well as alternative welfare services. According to the 2013 Activity Report of this institution, there are 9 children welfare units and 10 adult welfare units. At the end of 2013, 36,498 persons were registered at the Social Welfare Service for disabled persons (children and adults). The value of the benefits paid to these people amounted to 118,133 thousand lei, i.e. 64.07% of the DGASPC Prahova budget. As of May 2013, DGASPC Prahova included a Committee for the disabled, an advisory body tasked with assessing the needs of disabled persons in Prahova county and proposing to the relevant institutions measures to improve their life conditions. Table 33. Social welfare units subordinated to DGASPC Prahova and located in Ploiești Growth Pole Locality Unit Capacity Total users ‘SF. ANDREI’ PLOIEȘTI COMMUNITY SERVICES Care center for disabled children 75 75 Day care center for disabled children 132 63 Ploiești Counselling and support service for children and 171 parents Maternal care center 5 ‘CIREȘARII’ EMERGENCY RECEPTION CENTRE 20 18 ‘RAZĂ DE SOARE’ COMMUNITY SERVICE COMPLEX Care center 28 24 Băicoi Counselling and social assistance center 51 Care and assistance center for disabled adults 103 81 Plopeni Care center 60 62 Nedelea neuropsychiatric recovery and rehabilitation Ariceștii Rahtivani 135 135 center for adults with disabilities Total 553 685 Source: DGASPC Prahova Activity Report, 2013 The second major provider of social services in the Growth Pole is the Administration of Community Services - Ploiești, subordinated to the Local Council. It has the following substructures: Social Welfare Service; Service for Protection of Persons at Risk (including Personal Caregivers); Social Benefits Service; Legal and Supervisory Service; Gas, Wood and Electricity Heating Subsidies Service; Thermal Heating Subsidies Service; Food Preparation and Distribution Centre (Community kitchen); Social Emergency Centre for the Homeless; Preschool Children Day care Centre; Citizen Information and Pensioner Entertainment Centers (4); School Medical Offices; Sanitary Mediator’s Department. The Community Kitchen serves around 1,200 people, the Social Emergency Centre for Homeless accommodates up to 50 people, and the Preschool Children Day Care Centre cares for 25 children. 271 I 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing 272 Map 104. Social assistance units The institution’s local-level records for 2014 were the following: 599 persons receiving guaranteed minimum income, 1,396 persons receiving benefits for severe disability, 433 allowances for personal caregivers of severely disabled persons, 21,000 households receiving municipal heating subsidies (16,000 apartments and 5000 houses), and more than 15,000 people being granted food aid under the PEAD Program, of which more than 9,500 disabled persons (mostly with neuropsychological, somatic, physical, and visual impairment), 3,500 pensioners with income under 400 lei/month, 2,000 unemployed persons, 500 recipients of the guaranteed minimum income. In total, they account for around 7% of the city’s permanent population. The number of people receiving social benefits dropped since 2007 due to more restrictive eligibility conditions. The Community Services Administration - Ploiești has concluded partnerships with a series of public institutions (the Boldești-Scăeni Medical-Social Assistance Unit, the Probation Service attached to Prahova Tribunal, Prahova Prefecture, DGASPC Prahova, Prahova Territorial Labor Inspectorate, Prahova Public Health Authority, Prahova County School Inspectorate, County Police Inspectorate), but also with non-profit social organizations (Vasarley Life Care Association for homeless people; St. Nicolae Barbu Establishment Association for homeless people; Princess Margareta of Romania Foundation for dependent elderly; Youth’s Future Association for young people at social risk; the National Association of the Hearing-impaired – Prahova branch – for persons with hearing impairment; Concordia Humanitarian Organization – Ariceștii Rahtivani branch – children at risk of abuse; Constantin and Elena Foundation – social kitchen). As regards the allocations for social benefits and services in Ploiești municipality, they amounted to approximately 20 mil. Euro in 2013, with the largest shares being allotted to public transportation subsidies for pensioners, pupils, veterans, and students (34.7 mil. lei), municipal subsidies for heating (23 mil. lei), and social assistance subsidies for the disabled (17.4 mil. lei), while the rest were oriented towards the following: social kitchen, preschool children day care center, guaranteed minimum income, newlyweds, school medical offices, nurseries, social welfare for nursing homes, scholarships. Other public social services providers in Ploiești Growth pole include: • All town halls with departments providing primary public social assistance services, such as: assessment of social needs, information and counselling, social assistance for children, families, single persons, the elderly, the disabled, and all persons in need, which are tasked with resolving the community social problems in these fields; • Ploiești penitentiary; • Târgșoru Vechi women’s penitentiary. Besides public institutions, there is a series of private organizations and associations accredited as social services providers by the Ministry of Labor, Family, Social Protection, and the Elderly: • National Association of the Hearing Impaired – Ploiești Branch; • Constantin and Elena social kitchen – Ploiești; • Association for the Support of Disabled Children – Ploiești branch; • Romanian Association of the Blind – Ploiești Branch; • Compassion & Care Association – Ploiești; • Marcel Samaritan Foundation – Plopeni. Despite the existence of these social associations and the conclusion of partnerships with relevant public authorities, the contribution of NGOs to the provision of social services remains low, notwithstanding their significant potential to increase the range of social services they provide and the number of their beneficiaries. 273 Map 105. Share of people supported by the State and other organizations by census sectors in Ploiești municipality in 2011 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing Source: Own diagram based on NIS, RGPL data, 2011 1.6.5. Ongoing/completed projects In 2007-2013, the local budget covered the following investments in the educational infrastructure: • Indoor heating systems and installation of central heating units at Radu Stanian Secondary School, Kindergarten no. 7, Ienăchiță Văcărescu Secondary School, Florin Comișel Secondary School, Kindergarten no. 38, School no. 13, School no. 19, Kindergarten no. 4, Ion Creangă Secondary School, Jean Monnet High School; • Roof restoration at Mihai Viteazul National College; • Fencing restoration at Grigore Moisil Secondary School; • Installation of surveillance equipment in 41 educational facilities; • Joinery replacement at I.L. Caragiale National College; • Modernization of 12 school sports fields; 1 • Current repair works at more than 70 educational facilities; • Consolidation works at Petrol Teleajen School Group, Nichita Stănescu National College, Andrei Mureșanu Secondary School, and Rareș Vodă Secondary School; The Growth Pole’s Profile • Construction of a gym at Nicolae Bălcescu Secondary School; • Purchasing of beds for all-day kindergartens; • Construction of two new kindergartens on Bobâlna and Mărășești streets; • Technical and urban utilities works at the gym of Grigore Moisil Secondary School and the St. Vineri Secondary School; • Construction of a school campus at Virgil Madgearu Economic College (initially funded from the state budget, but currently abandoned). Following these investments, all the educational facilities of the municipality have been thermally rehabilitated through a supplier loan, most of them providing heating from their own heating units, and the rest being connected to the central urban heating system. I The following educational infrastructure investments are expected for the 2014-2020 period: construction of new 274 kindergartens (20, Petrolului Blv; 29, Strung Alley, Poștei Street) – initiated by the Ministry of Education, then suspended; cosnstruction of new nurseries; rehabilitation of some colleges; construction of an auditorium at the Art High school; construction of outbuilding at Al. I. Cuza College; completion of the campus at Virgil Madgearu Economic College, including provision of furnishing and equipment for laboratories, workshops and classrooms, etc. According to the Sustainable Development Plan for 2014-2020 of Prahova county, investments, capital repairs, rehabilitations, modernizations of buildings, operating theatres, technical-sanitary facilities, and purchases of medical equipment and devices have been carried out for all the medical facilities under the authority of Prahova County Council, namely: Ploiești Emergency County Hospital, Ploiești Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, and Ploiești Pediatrics Hospital, mainly funded by Prahova County Council. The Mental Health Center of Ploiești municipality has been built with an external grant in 2010, and the project for the modernization of the Obstetrics and Neonatology wards has already begun. The Environment Fund Administration funded the project „Solar energy for water heating at county medical facilities under the public ownership of Prahova county, consisting in the installation of 2 solar systems at Boldescu ward of Ploiești Emergency County Hospital. Ploiești Emergency County Hospital (leader), in partnership with Ploiești Pediatrics Hospital and Băicoi City Hospital have started the project “Development of the medical information system through e-health services for the benefit of the residents of Prahova county” under the PA3 (Information and communication technology for the private and public sectors) of the SOP IEC 2007-2013, aimed at increasing economic competitiveness and promoting cooperation between hospitals and citizens/the external environment, as well as improving and fully utilize the IT&C potential and applications in hospitals through the implementation of e-health systems, services and applications. A similar project has also been implemented by Ploiești Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. The Oncology ward of the Municipal Hospital has been consolidated and revamped with funding from the local budget and the MRDPA, and the sanitary facilities, waterproofing, coverings, and laboratory fixtures have also been installed or repaired. The Schuller Hospital building has been previously restored under a World Bank grant. Moreover, the Infectious Disease Hospital building has been rehabilitated, the kitchen was modernized and sanitized, the outdoor water supply network has been replaced, the inpatient wing, the adult ward, the chlorination station, outer plastering, and the heating systems have been repaired. In addition, reconversion and renovation works are currently carried out at the former PETROM headquarters, which was donated to the municipality to host the Pediatrics Hospital, an investment in excess of 20 mil. Euro to be funded from the local budget and loans. Moreover, one of the strategic objectives set out under the Integrated Development Plan for 2014-2025 of Ploiești Growth Pole is the development of health infrastructure through the provision of professional medical services in modern and well-equipped premises. As regards the social services infrastructure, in 2007-2013, Prahova County Council and Ploiești municipality Hall accessed European funds for the following objectives: • Liliești Băicoi Care and Assistance Centre – PHARE 2004-2006; • Rehabilitation / modernization and appropriate furnishing of C.S.C. Raza de Soare, Băicoi – POR, PA1; • Rehabilitation / modernization and appropriate furnishing of the Neuropsychiatric recovery and rehabilitation center for adults with disabilities Nedelea (Ariceștii Rahtivani commune) – ROP, PA1; • Rehabilitation / modernization and appropriate furnishing of the Liliești Băicoi Care and Assistance Centre – ROP, PA1; • Rehabilitation / modernization and appropriate furnishing of Cireșarii Emergency Reception Centre – ROP, PA1; • Conversion of military barracks into a nursing home in Ploiești – ROP, PA3. Moreover, investments have been made in the construction of social housing as of 2007 (Libertății district), which was however suspended following a dispute with the construction company. The building of “buffer” (temporary) social housing is a priority for the municipality in the 2014-2020 period. 275 I 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing 276 areas Map 106. Housing 1.6.6. Conclusions - existing disparities, trends, needs, and intervention The housing stock dynamics in the 2007-2013 period mirrors a clear suburbanization phenomenon reflected in the increasing number of dwellings built in the city’s surrounding communes. Thus, while the total housing stock of Ploiești municipality increased by merely 2.3% after 2007, the growth rate in Blejoi, Târgșoru Vechi, Păulești, Bucov, and Ariceștii Rahtivani communes ranged between 10.4% and 31.9%. These localities are part of Ploiești metropolitan area and are relatively easily accessible, while land prices are much lower than in the inner city area, which makes them much more attractive for building housing complexes. Moreover, these areas have plenty of available land for residential expansion as compared with Ploiești municipality, which already has a high housing density. A number of 54,021 dwellings have rehabilitated in this period. Currently, more than 40% of dwellings in Ploiești municipality, Plopeni town and Blejoi, Păulești, and Brazi communes are thermally rehabilitated. As regards available utilities, there is a significant share of dwellings without water supply and sewerage networks, particularly in Berceni, Dumbrăvești, and Valea Călugărească communes, where more than 40% of dwellings do not have access to sewerage facilities. In Valea Călugărească commune, 20% of dwellings do not have access to drinking water. 277 I 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing 278 Map 107. Education The educational infrastructure of Ploiești Growth Pole is comprehensive and covers all education levels, from primary schools to postgraduate education, in both public and private facilities, with the latter on an increasing trend in recent years. The steep decrease of the birth rate, internal and external migration of the population, the migration of high school graduates to other university centers, and the existence of some cases of school dropouts determined the reduction of school population by almost 9% in the 2007-2013 period alone, a trend which is expected to continue. However, an increase of enrolment in preschool education and post-secondary schools has been noted, the latter being an alternative for pupils who failed to pass the Baccalaureate. The offers of high schools in Ploiești Growth pole are diverse, consisting in fields such as sciences, humanities, vocational and sports, technical and services. Technical high schools attract the most pupils, especially from neighboring localities, but their Baccalaureate promotion rate is very low (sometimes below 10%), raising doubts on the schools’ capacity to ensure sufficient numbers of secondary education graduates in the future. Petroleum and Gas University of Ploiești has a tradition of nearly 70 years in higher education and a unique profile in national context, offering Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral degrees at 5 faculties. In spite of this, the number of students dropped significantly in the past years due to the increasing attractiveness of other national (Bucharest) or international university centers, so that only 25% of the city’s high school graduates choose to continue their studies locally. The ongoing vocational training offer is diverse at local level and covers a wide range of occupations for secondary or higher education graduates, being provided by public institutions, NGOs, and private companies. However, with the exception of free courses for a few categories, the number of participants to ongoing professional training activities remains low, which in turn hampers the vocational retraining process, while many companies prefer to provide in-house, job-specific training for new employees. The school dropout rate remains below the regional and national average, but is still significant among vocational school students, students from rural areas and Roma families, who are the most exposed to the risk of education exclusion. School age commuters are highly prevalent, competing in numbers with adult commuters. Nearly 7,000 children and pupils from all across Prahova county, but especially in a maximum 30 km radius, do their studies in Ploiești municipality, being attracted by the diverse and superior quality education provided by local educational facilities. Although school buses are available, many prefer to use public transport means or travel in their families’ cars, a further reason to continue investments for the stimulation of metropolitan-wide mobility. The local educational infrastructure has been improving in the past years thanks to investments from many funding sources, including EU funds, but most educational facilities are still faced with major deficiencies related to inappropriate conditions and poor energy efficiency of buildings, furnishings, school equipment and materials in classrooms and laboratories, the inadequate sports infrastructure, etc. Future investments in the educational infrastructure should however take into account the grim demographic outlook and the educational achievements up to now, which will determine the closing down or restructuring of certain local educational facilities. 279 I 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing 280 Map 108. Health and social services Life expectancy of the population in Ploiești area increased from 2007, but remains below the European average and even that of other Romanian growth poles, the causes being, among others, the high rates of cardiovascular and oncologic diseases due to little consideration for prevention or healthy lifestyle. These deficiencies exert significant pressures on the local medical facilities, which often fail to cope with the demand. The network of public medical facilities is complex and includes single specialization hospitals at county level, serving more than 700,000 residents. However, the deficient health infrastructure and staff shortages constrain many patients to travel to Bucharest for more complex investigations and interventions. Moreover, the private sector is rapidly growing and provides some paid services of a better quality for patients. Admissions in local hospitals dropped by around 20% since 2007, against the background of patient reorientation to outpatient care services and the restructuring of the public health network. However, the hospital-based outpatient care facilities have limited capacity and lack appropriate, state of the art medical equipment. Moreover, some hospitals are housed in buildings unfit for quality medical services (Buna Vestire ward or the Pediatrics Hospital). Besides, Ploiești municipality is one of the few growth poles lacking category I and II medical facilities that providing high quality and diverse health services. The public sector is faced with chronic understaffing due to the internal and external migration of specialists, professionals, including to the private sector, or the unattractive working conditions and wages. The same situation occurs at the County Ambulance Service, which faces increasing difficulties in managing the high numbers of requests with severely understaffed personnel. The local infrastructure of social services is complex, the most significant suppliers being the specialized departments within city halls and the County Council. Nevertheless, the scope of social services and beneficiaries needs to be extended, with emphasis on the non-residential component, taking specifically into account the increased number of people at risk of social exclusion (such as dependent elderly, homeless people, children with parents working abroad, people with disabilities, etc.). The number of social benefits recipients has decreased as compared with 2007 due to more restrictive eligibility conditions, but more than 7% of the city’s population meets the criteria for social welfare payments (unemployed, people with disabilities, recipients of the minimum guaranteed income, low-income pensioners, etc.), for whom the municipality earmarks around 20 mil. Euro from the local budget each year. The involvement of NGOs in the provision of social services remains low as compared with other growth poles, despite the conclusion of partnerships between relevant public institutions and such organizations. 281 Annex 1.6.1 Vocational training providers in in Ploiești Growth Pole12 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing Public institutions PRAHOVA COUNTY EMPLOYMENT AGENCY PRAHOVA CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE PRAHOVA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY Private companies - vocational training providers S.C. ACQUISITION CAREER MANAGEMENT S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. AEVUM ECO CONSULT S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. AGI CONSULTING S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. ALEDAV OSOSCHI S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. ALFA EUROCURS INVEST S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. ANDRAG EXPO S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. CENTRUL DE CONSULTANTA și STUDII EUROPENE S.R.L. S.C. CENTRUL DE PREGATIRE și FORMARE PROFESIONALA INTERNATIONAL S.R.L. S.C. CENTRUL DOXIS S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. CENTRUL ZONAL DE FORMARE PROFESIONALA A ADULTILOR S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. DOMA TRAINING S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. DOTIS TRAINING S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. DRAGMA CONSULTING S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. ELGA TRAINING & CONSULTING S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. ENOMIS CONSULTING S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. FAXMEDIA CONSULTING S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. FORM - EXPERT S.R.L. S.C. FORM EXPERT HR CONSULTING SERV S.R.L. S.C. FORMAT ORIZONT S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. FORMAT SAPIENS S.R.L. Ploiești 1 S.C. HSEQ CONSULTING S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. MEDA CONSULTING S.R.L. Ploiești The Growth Pole’s Profile S.C. MODULE QUALITY CONSULTING S.R.L. Boldești-Scăeni S.C. ONE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT & CONSULTING S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. PLURI CONSULTANTS ROMANIA S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. RESUM CONSULTING S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. TEAMNET INTERNATIONAL S.A. Ploiești S.C. TREMOT DOBRE și FIII S.R.L. Băicoi I 12 282 The National Authority for Qualifications. National Register of Adult Vocational Training Providers (RNFFPA), available at http://www.anc.edu.ro S.C. TRES BELLE MADEMOISELE S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. UNIAS EDUCATION & CONSULTING CENTER S.R.L. Ploiești S.C. WONDER EDUCATION CENTER S.R.L. BREAZA NGOs – vocational training providers REGIONAL CENTRE FOR EQUALITY ASSOCIATION SACRED ROMANIA ASSOCIATION APOLLO RESOURCE CENTRE ASSOCIATION BREEDING APICULTURE FARMS ASSOCIATION AMUS FRANCE ROUMANIE MUTUAL ASSOCIATION ROMANIAN TRAINING AND RETRAINING COUNSELLING ASSOCIATION Ploiești SUD FORTUNA Ploiești HUMAN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION INITATIVE AND CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION A.S.T.R.U ASSOCIATION FOR HUMAN RESOURCES SUPPORT AND TRAINING EDUCATION, SUPPORT, AND TRAINING CENTRE Bușteni INDUSTRY PERSONNEL TRAINING CENTRE PRE-UNIVERSITY EDUCATION FOUNDATION OF THE CRAFTS ASSOCIATION SPIRU HARET, Ploiești branch HUMANITAS NATIONAL FOUNDATION ROMANIA, Ploiești branch HUMAN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION – Ploiești branch Source: The National Authority for Qualifications 283 I 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing 1 7 2 4 3 6 5 9 8 10 Nr. 284 school) BĂICOI BĂICOI BĂICOI School FULLTIME FULLTIME (preschool, high school, CONSTANTIN CANTACUZINO ȚINTEA BĂICOI DÂMBU, BĂICOI SCHOOL, BĂICOI SCHOOL, BĂICOI TECHNICAL HIGH TECHNICAL HIGH TECHNICAL HIGH ANGHEL SALIGNY LUDOVIC MRAZEK SCHOOL, PLOIEȘTI SCHOOL, PLOIEȘTI PRIMARY SCHOOL, DUMITRU GHENOIU LILIEȘTI SECONDARY SECONDARY SCHOOL SECONDARY SCHOOL, KINDERGARTEN, BĂICOI FULLTIME AND ALL-DAY post-secondary, technical KINDERGARTEN, ȚINTEA, KINDERGARTEN, LILIEȘTI, Road distance between 300 m 50 m 200 m 400 m 5km 5 km 5 km 500 m 4 km 7 km school and city center Access to public No No Yes Yes transportation Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Type of school 320 150 m 600 m 2,000 353 m2 1,050 m2 1,050 m2 2,800 m2 5,236 4,800 m2 Total indoor area (m2) 162 40 125 496 63 162 162 825 477 823 No. of enrolled students 5.00 2.00 5.00 19.00 5.00 10.00 10.00 34.00 21.00 35.00 No. of classes (groups) Annex 1.6.2. 7.00 2.00 5.00 32.00 4.00 11.00 11.00 52.00 24.00 51.00 Teaching staff Ploiești Growth Pole Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Permanent power supply No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Fire security Airtight roofs and No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No windows Earthquake resistant No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes buildings Overcrowded classes None None None Half None None None None None None (less than 2 m2/pupil) Appropriate furnishing All All All Most All All All All Most All Current state of primary and secondary school infrastructure in (single desks) Individual Central Central Individual Central Central Central Central Individual Central Heating system 11 17 21 14 13 16 19 12 18 15 24 23 22 20 Nr. DAY DAY BĂICOI BĂICOI School PLOPENI PLOPENI BUȘTENI BUȘTENI BUȘTENI BUȘTENI BUȘTENI BUȘTENI BUȘTENI BUȘTENI FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME ION KALINDERU KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, POIANA ȚAPULUI, NESTOR URECHIA SCHOOL, PLOPENI CEZAR PETRESCU CEZAR PETRESCU GHEORGHE LAZĂR COLLEGE, BUȘTENI REGINA ELISABETA FRUNZA DE STEJAR’ FRAM URSUL POLAR FULLTIME AND FULL- FULLTIME AND FULL- CAROL I SECONDARY TECHNICAL COLLEGE, KINDERGARTEN NO. 4, KINDERGARTEN NO. 3, KINDERGARTEN NO. 5, SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, KINDERGARTEN, TUFENI, KINDERGARTEN, DÂMBU, Road distance between 1 km 1 km 200m 0,5 km 2 km 3 km 3 km 1 km 1 km 1 km 100 m 150 m 2.5 km 4.5 km school and city center Access to public No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Nu No No Yes No No transportation Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Type of school 1,884 2,422 4,305 193 217 149 1,064 281 125 882 3257,83 2536 m2 60 50 Total indoor area (m2) 196 532 482 19 21 41 161 81 41 143 298 319 20 40 No. of enrolled students 8.00 23.00 20.00 1.00 1.00 2.00 8.00 4.00 2.00 9.00 13.00 15.00 1.00 2.00 No. of classes (groups) 10.00 30.00 35.00 1.00 1.00 2.00 19.00 7.00 2.00 19.00 24.00 32.00 1.00 2.00 Teaching staff Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Permanent power supply No No Yes No No No No No No No No No No No Fire security Airtight roofs and No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No No windows Earthquake resistant Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No buildings Overcrowded classes None Some None None None None None None None None None Most None None (less than 2 m2/pupil) Appropriate furnishing All All All All All All All All All All All All All All (single desks) Individual Individual Central Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Heating system 285 I 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing 31 27 37 32 34 26 33 25 36 35 29 28 38 30 Nr. 286 BRAZI BĂICOI School BERCENI FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME TĂTĂRANI TĂTĂRANI, ROMÂNEȘTI ROMÂNEȘTI, BĂRCĂNEȘTI BĂRCĂNEȘTI BĂRCĂNEȘTI BĂRCĂNEȘTI BĂTEȘTI, BRAZI BĂTEȘTI, BRAZI DUMITRU HERA KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, GHEORGHE LAZĂR BERCENI (preschool) BERCENI (preschool) ARICEȘTII RAHTIVANI KINDERGARTEN NO. 1, ARICESTII RAHTIVANI, KINDERGARTEN NO. 2, SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, 2 km 2 km 1 km 100 m 400 m 6.9 km 6.9 km 11.2 km 7.2 Km 11.2 km 7.2 Km 500 m SECONDARY SCHOOL, 1 km Road distance between school and city center Access to public No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No transportation Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Type of school 150 2,000 2,400 83 44 1,040 1,050 700 1,400 100 1,100 Total indoor area (m2) 48 177 157 44 20 372 48 138 59 80 188 231 78 318 No. of enrolled students 2.00 9.00 9.00 2.00 1.00 16.00 2.00 9.00 3.00 3.00 9.00 11.00 3.00 16.00 No. of classes (groups) 2.00 10.00 12.00 2.00 1.00 25.00 2.00 10.00 3.00 3.00 9.00 9.00 3.00 18.00 Teaching staff Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Permanent power supply Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No No No Fire security Airtight roofs and Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No No No windows Earthquake resistant Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No buildings Overcrowded classes None None None None None None All All All All All All None None (less than 2 m2/pupil) Appropriate furnishing All Most Most All All All None Some None None Some Some All All (single desks) Individual Individual Individual Central Central Central Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Heating system 41 51 47 42 45 44 43 46 49 39 48 40 50 Nr. DAY BRAZI BUCOV School FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME secondary) MIHAI VODĂ DUMBRĂVEȘTI DUMBRĂVEȘTI ANTONIE VODĂ POPEȘTI, BRAZI POPEȘTI, BRAZI PLEAȘA, BUCOV PLEAȘA, BUCOV KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, NEGOIEȘTI, BRAZI PROFESOR OPREA MIHAI’ SECONDARY CONSTANTIN STERE SCHOOL, NEGOIEȘTI, FULLTIME AND FULL- KINDERGARTEN NO. 1, KINDERGARTEN NO. 2, SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, KINDERGARTEN, BRAZI KINDERGARTEN, BUCOV PLOPENI, DUMBRĂVEȘTI PLEAȘA, BUCOV (primary, Road distance between 10 5 10 3 km 0,5 km 0.5 km 300 m 200 m 300 m 200 m 1km school and city center Access to public Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Nu Nu Nu Nu Yes Yes No transportation Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Type of school 118 750 1,058 176 174 1447,97 1300 mp 1498 mp 300 mp 300 mp 700 mp 700 m p 500 Total indoor area (m2) 20 177 155 38 67 309 148 406 44 38 187 173 60 No. of enrolled students 1.00 9.00 8.00 2.00 3.00 14.00 6.00 18.00 2.00 2.00 8.00 9.00 3.00 No. of classes (groups) 1.00 12.00 7.00 2.00 3.00 23.00 8.00 25.00 2.00 2.00 9.00 10.00 4.00 Teaching staff Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Permanent power supply Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Fire security Airtight roofs and Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Nu Nu Nu Nu Nu Nu Yes windows Earthquake resistant Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes buildings Overcrowded classes None None Some Some Some Some None Some None None None None None (less than 2 m2/pupil) Appropriate furnishing None Some Some Some Some Some All Most All All All All All (single desks) Individual Individual Individual Central Central Central Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Heating system 287 I 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing 61 57 52 62 64 63 54 53 56 55 59 58 60 Nr. 288 School PLOPENI, PĂULEȘTI PĂULEȘTI PĂULEȘTI PĂULEȘTI FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME STREJNICU, SOCOLESCU SECONDARY ION IONESCU SFÂRLEANCA, ARHITECT T.T. DUMBRĂVEȘTI DUMBRĂVEȘTI DUMBRĂVEȘTI KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, CĂLUGĂREASCĂ CĂLUGĂREASCĂ CĂLUGĂREASCĂ COLLEGE, VALEA NICOVANI, VALEA NICOVANI, VALEA SCHOOL, GĂGENI, TÂRGȘORU VECHI GĂGENI, PĂULEȘTI VLAD MUȘETESCU MĂLĂIEȘTII DE JOS, GHEORGHE IONESCU SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, VALEA CĂLUGĂREASCĂ ȘIȘEȘTI’ AGRICULTURAL Road distance between 3 3 1 1,9 km 500 m 300 m 100 10 300 m 1000 m 35 40 10 school and city center Access to public Yes No Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes transportation Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Type of school 665 567 1,043 3389 MP 200 mp 330 mp 250 mp 280 mp 550 mp 748 mp 65 85 352 Total indoor area (m2) 100 189 424 699 175 36 23 62 127 196 17 14 55 No. of enrolled students 9 6 17 29 7 2.00 1.00 2.00 9.00 9.00 1.00 1.00 3.00 No. of classes (groups) 6.00 10.00 22.00 47.00 7.00 2.00 1.00 2.00 18.00 18.00 1.00 1.00 3.00 Teaching staff Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Permanent power supply Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Fire security Airtight roofs and Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes windows Earthquake resistant No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes buildings Overcrowded classes None None None None Most None None None None None None None None (less than 2 m2/pupil) Appropriate furnishing All All All Most All All All All All All None None None (single desks) Individual Individual Individual Individual Individual Central Central Central Central Central Individual Individual Individual Heating system 71 72 67 74 73 75 70 66 65 69 68 Nr. School BUSTENI FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME KINDERGARTEN, PANTAZI, VALEA KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, PANTAZI, VALEA KINDERGARTEN, DARVARI, VALEA CĂLUGĂREASCĂ CĂLUGĂREASCĂ CĂLUGĂREASCĂ CĂLUGĂREASCĂ CĂLUGĂREASCĂ CĂLUGĂREASCĂ CĂLUGĂREASCĂ CĂLUGĂREASCĂ RACHIERI, VALEA NICOVANI, VALEA NICOVANI, VALEA DÎRVARI VILLAGE, SCHOOL, PLOPENI PRIMARY SCHOOL, REGINA ELISABETA VOINICEL FULLTIME LUMINITA FULLTIME CĂSUTA FERMECATĂ SPECIAL VOCATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, PRICHINDEL FULLTIME KINDERGARTEN, VALEA KINDERGARTEN, VALEA VALEA CĂLUGĂREASCĂ Road distance between 700 m 3 km 2 7 7 7 7 3 Km 50m 500m 500m school and city center Access to public Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No transportation Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Type of school 1016 mp 1,064 100 50 250 200 760 119,82sqm 286,50mp 320m 515mp Total indoor area (m2) Source: MECS – SIIIR (Romanian education IT integrated system), 2015 109 161 40 34 55 17 207 56 46 25 56 No. of enrolled students 10 8 2 2 3 1 9 2 2 1 2 No. of classes (groups) 21.00 19.00 2.00 2.00 3.00 3.00 16.00 2.00 2.00 1.00 4.00 Teaching staff Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Permanent power supply Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No Fire security Airtight roofs and Yes Yes No No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes windows Earthquake resistant Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes buildings Overcrowded classes None None None None None None None None None None None (less than 2 m2/pupil) Appropriate furnishing Some All All All All Most Most All All All All (single desks) Central Individual Individual Central Individual Central Central Individual Individual Individual Individual Heating system 289 I 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing 1 7 2 4 3 6 5 9 8 290 No. FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME ION CREANGĂ Preschool Unit KINDERGARTEN PLOIEȘTI (preschool) KINDERGARTEN NO. 7 KINDERGARTEN NO. 6 KINDERGARTEN NO. 6 KINDERGARTEN NO. 6 KINDERGARTEN NO.11 KINDERGARTEN NO. 51 KINDERGARTEN NO. 26 KINDERGARTEN NO. 41, 1500 m. 3 km 3,5 km 1000 m 500 m 4000 m 5 km 3 km Distance between school and city center Yes No Yes Yes No Yes No Yes No Access to public transportation Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Type of school 723 mp 300 560 mp 110 786 189 Total indoor area (m2) 34 109 39 50 33 51 128 18 60 No. of enrolled students 2 6 2 2 2 2 6 1 3 No. of classes (groups) 2 6 2 2 2 2 6 1 3 Teaching staff Annex 1.6.3. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Electricity Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Fire security Yes Yes Yes No No No No No Insulated roofs and windows Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Constant temperature in buildings Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Direct yard access Current state of Ploiești preschool infrastructure Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Earthquake resistant buildings All All All All All All All All All Appropriate furnishing for students None None All All All None None All All Heating, ventilation, air conditioning None Most All None Most None None None All Soundproofed classrooms 11 17 21 14 13 16 19 12 18 15 10 22 20 No. DAY NO. 21 NO. 23 FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULL-DAY FULL-DAY FULL-DAY FULL-DAY (Preschool) Preschool Unit SCUFIȚA ROȘIE KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN NICHITA STĂNESCU PLOIEȘTI (Preschool) SFINȚII ARHANGHELI KINDERGARTEN NO. 4 KINDERGARTEN NO. 8 KINDERGARTEN NO. 14 KINDERGARTEN NO. 10 KINDERGARTEN NO. 43 KINDERGARTEN NO. 20 KINDERGARTEN NO. 50 KINDERGARTEN NO. 28, MIHAIL ȘI GAVRIIL FULL- 5 minutes 10 minutes 2.5 km 2.3 km 3km 3 km 2 km 9,3 km 3,3 km 5 km 1 km Distance between school and city center No No No No Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Access to public transportation Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Type of school 310 1,947 673 774 1,124mp 850 105 876 208 Total indoor area (m2) 52 44 250 146 220 190 230 205 1 120 49 56 62 No. of enrolled students 2 2 8 6 8 6 8 8 1 5 2 2 3 No. of classes (groups) 2 2 16 6 16 12 14 18 1 5 2 2 3 Teaching staff Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Electricity Yes Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Fire security Yes Yes No No No Yes No No No Yes Insulated roofs and windows Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Constant temperature in buildings Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Direct yard access Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Earthquake resistant buildings All All All None None All All All All All All Appropriate furnishing for students Most Most Half All All Most Some None None All None Heating, ventilation, air conditioning Half None Most None None All All None None All None Soundproofed classrooms 291 I 1 The Growth Pole’s Profile Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.6. Public Services and Housing 31 27 24 23 292 32 34 26 33 25 36 35 29 28 30 No. NO. 33 NO. 35 NO. 38 NO. 40 NO. 30 NO. 30 FULLTIME FULLTIME FULLTIME FULL-DAY FULL-DAY FULL-DAY CHEIȚA DE Preschool Unit AUR FULLTIME AND FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN SF.MUCENIC MINA CRAI NOU FULLTIME CRAI NOU FULLTIME KINDERGARTEN NO. 3 KINDERGARTEN NO. 5 SF. STELIAN FULLTIME KINDERGARTEN NO. 24 ALL-DAY KINDERGARTEN ALL-DAY KINDERGARTEN ALL-DAY KINDERGARTEN ALL-DAY KINDERGARTEN 10 20 min 20 min 3 km 500 m 500 m 3,5 km 0.5 km 0.2 km 0.7 km 3 km 0.5 km 0.2 km 0.7 km Distance between school and city center minutes Yes No Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No Access to public transportation Private Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Type of school 540 1,900 606 270 m2 720mp 774 118,27 255,51 537,65 284mp 118,27 255,51 537,65 Total indoor area (m2) 80 208 300 55 220 310 37 50 101 52 37 50 101 40 No. of enrolled students 4 9 8 2 8 10 2 2 3 2 2 2 3 2 No. of classes (groups) 4 19 16 2 15 20 2 2 6 2 2 2 6 2 Teaching staff Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Electricity Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No No Yes No No No Yes Fire security Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No No No Yes Insulated roofs and windows Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Constant temperature in buildings Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Direct yard access Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Earthquake resistant buildings All All All All All All All All All All All All All All Appropriate furnishing for students None None Some None Half All Half Half Half Half Half Half Half None Heating, ventilation, air conditioning None None None None None All None None None None None None None None Soundproofed classrooms 37 39 38 40 No. FULLTIME FULLTIME FULL-DAY Preschool Unit STEP-BY-STEP KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN LICURICI FULL-DAY CĂSUȚA CU POVEȘTI CĂSUȚA CU POVEȘTI DUMBRAVA MINUNATĂ 4 km 4 km 3.2 km 30 min Distance between school and city center No Yes No Access to public transportation Public Public Public Private Type of school 2,089 1,400 943 250 Total indoor area (m2) 300 233 325 48 No. of enrolled students Source: MECS – SIIIR (Romanian education IT integrated system), 2015 10 8 12 2 No. of classes (groups) 16 17 20 2 Teaching staff Yes Yes Yes Yes Electricity Yes Yes Yes Yes Fire security No No No Yes Insulated roofs and windows Yes Yes Yes Yes Constant temperature in buildings Yes Yes Yes Yes Direct yard access Yes Yes Yes Yes Earthquake resistant buildings All All All All Appropriate furnishing for students All None None Heating, ventilation, air conditioning None All None None Soundproofed classrooms 293 Part I: The Growth Pole’s Profile 1 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention CHAPTER 1.7. Culture and Leisure 295 1.7. Culture and Leisure 1.7.1. Protected Areas and Historical Monuments Ploiești Growth Pole has the lowest number of historical monuments and cultural units of all growth poles. Annex III Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.7. Culture and Leisure to Law no. 5/2000, which lists the administrative-territorial units having a high concentration of built heritage with national-interest cultural value, identifies the following: the Ploiești municipality (due to the Hagi Prodan House and the Central Halls / Halele Centrale), Târgșoru Vechi commune (due to the archaeological reserve of Târgșor, and “La Mănăstire” medieval vestiges), and Bărcănești commune (due to its mansion). Of these, the Central Halls are a symbol of Ploiești, serving as the city’s main commercial building since 1935. Plans are already in place to consolidate the building and maintain its initial destination, as well as to better integrate it into the central area and to improve accessibility. The List of Historical Monuments (2010) has 193 headings in total, broken down by localities and monument categories, according to the table below. The detailed list of headings is included in Annex 1.7.1. Table 34. Number of historical monuments per categories and localities Călugărească Dumbrăvești Growth Pole Bărcănești Rahtivani Boldești- Târgșoru Ariceștii Păulești Berceni Ploiești Ploiești Plopeni Scăeni Bucov Valea Blejoi Vechi Brazi I. Archaeological 52 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 5 1 5 13 1 81 monuments II. Architectural 78 3 0 2 7 3 3 2 5 0 0 3 0 108 monuments III. Public forum 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 monuments IV. Memorials and funerary 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 8 monuments Monuments of national interest 32 1 0 2 7 3 2 2 3 1 0 12 0 65 (A) Monuments of 108 4 1 2 1 0 1 1 9 0 5 5 1 138 local interest (B) TOTAL 140 5 1 4 8 3 3 3 12 1 5 1 1 193 Source: Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, List of Historical Monuments (2010) As we can see, only 65 monuments are of national interest (category A), mostly located in Ploiești municipality (32) 1 and in Târgșoru Vechi commune (12). The prevalence and the local level of archaeological and architectural attractions is also noticeable. The Growth Pole’s Profile Some of the public, civil and industrial constructions of Ploiești municipality that make up the built fund have survived disasters and, together with the buildings erected over the past ten years, they make up a patchwork of styles that are, however, easy to identify on site. For example, the central area has not a unitary aspect in terms of the built fund and goes through various stages of architectural styles, from neoclassicism and neo-gothicism, through communist-era specific style to the contemporary glass and metal construction pattern. This is the reason why the conservation status of the built fund is so diverse, from buildings and monuments in a poor condition to restored monuments and new buildings. The most visible architectural image, however, is the one given by the overall interventions carried out from 1950 to 1965 and later in 1980, which is I common to all Romanian cities that underwent urban restructuring stages. 296 Map 109. Distribution of monuments in the Growth Pole 297 The representative public and private buildings dating back to the late 19th century and the early 20th century belong to styles of western influence: neoclassic, neo-gothic, or baroque, but also to the neo-Romanian style, influenced by Brâncoveanu style, with the architect Toma N. Socolescu as an important representative. Most of these buildings are located in the central area of the city, along and adjoining the Republicii boulevard (former Calea Câmpinei) and the Independenței Boulevard (as a matter of fact, the latter makes up an important area of protected architectural works), and around streets such as: Mihai Bravu, Romană, Stadionului, Constanței, Armoniei, Basarabi, Bobâlna, Decebal, Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.7. Culture and Leisure Democrației, Gheorghe Doja (former Oilor), etc. This area overlaps for the most part with the historical one. The buildings have various purposes -- dwelling houses, offices of current banks or companies, churches and public institutions: Hagi Ivan Prodan Merchant’s House (built in 1785 in neo-Romanian style, with decorations of neoclassical inspiration on the side façades), Avram Ergas Mamaciu House (built in 1870 in neo-gothic style), N. Pârvulescu House (today Dental Clinic No. 1, built in 1870 in neo-gothic style), Tiseanu House (built in the mid-19th century in neoclassical style), N. Simache Clock Museum (former Elefterescu House, built in 1890 and rebuilt in 1930 in neo-gothic style), the County Museum of History and Archaelogy, Sf. Petru și Pavel School (the first middle school in Ploiești, built from 1865 to 1867 in neoclassical style), Palace of Culture (former Palace of Justice, built in 1920 in neoclassical style), I. L. Caragiale Memorial Museum (former Dobrescu house, built in 1712 in Romanian style), the Bell Tower of Sf. Ioan Botezătorul Cathedral, built from 1916 to 1948, Sf. Vineri (Holy Friday) Church (built from 1875 to 1880 in gothic style, with Russian style spires). As regards religious buildings, the most remarkable churches in terms of architectural quality are the following: Sf. Voievozi, Sf. Ioan, Sf. Nicolae Vechi, Biserica Domnească, Sf. Vineri, Maica Precista. These churches are relatively well preserved; however, their interior paintings are often in a poor condition. According to Prahova County Directorate for Culture and National Heritage, valuable buildings are subject to much pressure / aggression, which consists in the destruction and/or modification of the initial appearance (inadequately colored façades, exterior cladding with inappropriate materials, placing various facilities on façades), erection of new buildings with inappropriate scale in the monuments’ protection area. The heritage buildings serving as headquarters of public institutions (such as Hagi Prodan House, Dobrescu House, Palace of Culture, the Clock Museum, etc.), which have received investments for consolidation purposes in recent years, are relatively well preserved, whereas most of the private buildings that are used as dwellings are in a poor condition. Such buildings require consolidation of their structural frames, sanitation and repair of their façades. The movable cultural heritage – including almost 1,000 assets of an extraordinary historical, archaeological, historical- documentary, artistic, ethnographic, scientific, and technical value – are classified into Treasury and Fund and are concentrated in the museums located in the area (e.g. Ion Ionescu-Quintus County Museum of Art, County Museum of History and Archaeology), and in Nicolae Iorga County Library, which has a rare collection of books. The list is completed by other several hundreds of thousands of movable cultural assets of lesser importance, which are in the possession of institutions or natural persons. The local archaeological heritage mainly consists of the reserve of public interest from Târgșoru Vechi. Covering approximately 17 ha and showing evidence of life from the Paleolithic to the 19th century, the reserve is one of the most 1 important sites of this type in Muntenia. The Roman Camp and Baths in Mălăiești (Dumbrăvești commune), where very well preserved Roman baths and a fortification system were brought to light, represent another heritage site of high tourist potential, for which restoration and capitalization efforts have already been initiated. The works proposed for The Growth Pole’s Profile this site are the following: conservation and restoration of the Roman camp and baths, creation of an archaeological center, construction of an info point, a site museum, a visitor center, and a souvenir shop. The intangible heritage of Ploiești Growth Pole consists of its cultural institutions of national, county, and local importance. In 2013, the list of cultural facilities in Ploiești Growth Pole included the following: • 12 museums, museum collections and sections, of which 9 are located in Ploiești municipality: County Museum of History and Archaeology, County Natural Science Museum, Ion Ionescu Quintus County Museum of Art, Nicolae Simache Clock Museum, National Oil Museum, I.L. Caragiale Memorial Museum, Paul Constantinescu Memorial Museum, Merchant’s House (Hagi Prodan) Museum, Nichita Stănescu Memorial Museum. Two are located located in Bucov I commune (Constantin and Ion Stere Memorial Museum, the Zoo) and one in Valea Călugărească commune (Crama 1777 298 Museum, dedicated to ethnography and inaugurated in 2013). Târgșoru Vechi Archaeological Reserve, open to visitors during the summer, and the museum collection of Ghighiu Orthodox Monastery (Bărcănești) also fall into this category. These museums attracted over 194,000 visitors in 2013, a 79% increase compared to 2007. Such dynamics are almost exclusively due to the Memorial Museum and the Zoo in Bucov, which attracted over 80,000 visitors following a vast program of investments in the area, meant to modernize and diversify the entertainment facilities. Rehabilitation works were also carried out at the Clock Museum in Ploiești, the only museum of this type in Romania, which has approximately 4,000 items to display. • 125 libraries, of which 11 are public, 20 specialized, and 94 belong to secondary and higher education institutions. The number of libraries in the Growth Pole has fallen by 10 as compared to 2007, due to the closing down of some educational establishments and communal libraries, such as the libraries in Bărcănești, Berceni, Blejoi, and Păulești. Overall, the 125 functional libraries have over 2.39 million books (of which 1.93 million books in Ploiești municipality), and the number of active readers in 2013 was 57,616, which accounts for approximately 17% of the Growth Pole’s population. This number has decreased year by year, mainly due to the decline in the school population (who constitutes the major part of the readers), but also to the growing use of online information media to the detriment of written culture. In another respect, the libraries’ book stock is generally old and the premises are inappropriately equipped and therefore unattractive to readers. The most important institution of this type in the Growth Pole is Nicolae Iorga County Library - Ploiești, which was established in 1921 and operates in a single facility. It has over 502,000 books and periodicals, of which approximately 300,000 are annually borrowed or consulted, and the number of subscribed readers in 2013 amounted to 13,722. The library has one lending section, one copies section, one documentary (rare book) section, one multimedia section, one rotunda, one catalogues’ room, one community internet center – the BIBLIONET network, and one reading room of approximately 90 seats. The library annually organizes over 50 cultural events (seminars, summer schools, book launches, symposiums, etc.), as well as IT initiation courses. • 4 cinemas: ‘Premiera’ Cinema (former ‘Patria’, administered by RomâniaFilm), City Cinema, City AFI Cinema, and Twins Club, the last three being private units located inside shopping centers. With 12 auditoria (of which 7 are 3D) and 2,087 seats, Cinema City is the largest and most modern cinema, followed by City AFI Cinema, with 6 auditoria (of which 5 are 3D) and 1,273 seats. Twins Cinema has 85 seats in one 3D auditorium in the central area, and ‘Premiera’ Cinema, upgraded in 2011, has one 3D auditorium of 800 seats. As a result of such investments, the number of seats in Ploiești auditoria was 2,638 in 2013 (a 206% increase versus 2007), the number of screenings reached 23,422 (a 28-fold increase), and the audience increased to 427,000 people (43-fold); • 5 performing arts institutions, including the subordinate sections thereof – Toma Caragiu Theatre, with the Variety Theatre and Puppet Theatre sections, and Paul Constantinescu Philarmonic, including the Symphony Orchestra and the Folk Orchestra. In 2013, these institutions organized 354 performances and concerts, 34.4% less than in 2007. The two institutions have 540 seats in their auditoria (of which 250 are dedicated to theatre), the number being in decline as compared to 2007, which can be explained by the restitution of the former building of the ‘Ciufulici’ Children’s Theatre. As the puppet section has no space of its own, it currently organizes performances in the premises of Cercul Militar (the Military Circle) or Toma Caragiu Theatre. Works are being carried out to rehabilitate and equip a building which could house the puppet section. The total audience of the cultural institutions in the municipality reached 44,852 people in 2013, which is 29.1% less than in 2007. The decline might be due to people’s diminished interest in culture and to the challenges faced by the sector’s institutions (scarcity of staff and job capping, low level of remuneration, improper equipment, etc.), which resulted in a decreased number of performances. However, the theatre and the philharmonic are involved in the organization of cultural events with significant international standing, such such as: Toma Caragiu Theatre Festival, Hot Jazz Summit Festival, or ‘Zilele Muzicale’ (Musical Days) Festival of Paul Constantinescu Philharmonic. 299 • other cultural institutions – the Palace of Culture, a newly rehabilitated monumental building, erected in the French neoclassical style in the interwar years, which is home for the County Natural Science Museum, “Muzeul Omului” (The Human Being Museum) Permanent Exhibition, People’s School of Art, Nicolae Iorga County Library, etc. The Culture House of Trade Unions, erected during the communist era, includes: one auditorium of approximately 600 seats, one conference room of 200 seats, one sports hall, rooms that can be used by debating groups and musical bands, one library, and one lobby. It hosts various public and cultural meetings, symposiums, conferences, shows (including the Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.7. Culture and Leisure performances of ‘Chindia’ Folk Troupe that is subordinated to the House), literary circles, etc. I. L. Caragiale Culture House, subordinated to the municipality, hosts Prahova Folk Troupe and Dimitrie Gusti People’s University, which organize various lectures, conference and debate series, including ‘Atitudini’ (Attitudes) art circle, with a moonlight soiree and its own publication. The Students’ Culture House hosts several musical bands, dance troupes, and theatrical companies, as well as circles dedicated to students, in areas such as: science, arts, training and vocational education, aesthetics, design, documentation, literature. Furthermore, each urban and rural locality around the municipality has culture houses and/or culture centers, but their cultural offer is relatively poor as compared to the city of Ploiești, since many of such institutions have improper infrastructure and equipment, and the staff is insufficient. Figure 98. Cultural consumption at the level of Ploiești Growth Pole between 2007 and 2013 450000 400000 350000 300000 250000 200000 150000 100000 50000 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Museum visitors Active readers in libraries People in audience in performing arts People in audience in cinemas Source: National Institute of Statistics, TEMPO Online database The non-governmental sector in the culture area is rather poorly represented locally, unlike other cities of similar size. The associations with a relevant activity in the field, including Momentum, Paul Constatinescu 2009, the Hellenic Union 1 of Romania – Prahova Hellenic Community, etc., organize various cultural events locally and on an annual basis. The local media includes: local newspapers (Republicanul, Prahova, Altphel, etc.), online publications (Phon, Max Media, The Growth Pole’s Profile Incomod PH, Jurnalul Prahovean, Observatorul Prahovean, Gazeta de Prahova, Prahova Business, etc.), local TV and radio channels (Radio Prahova, Radio SOS, Radio WylFm, Antena 1 Ploiești, Alpha TV Ploiești, Prahova TV, VP-TV, PRO-TV Ploiești, etc.). I 300 1.7.2. Cultural Events and Activities The report on the cultural vitality of Romanian cities (Centre for Research and Consultancy on Culture, 2010) analyzes and ranks 46 Romanian cities based on a cultural vitality index, calculated as an average of 6 indicators: (1) cultural sector infrastructure, (2) specialized human resources, (3) budget allocations to culture, (4) participation in cultural activities, (5) creative economy, (6) non-profit sector. Ploiești municipality ranks 18, below all the other municipalities belonging to growth poles, and also below other county seat municipalities in the South Muntenia region, such as Târgoviște and Pitești. The largest gaps identified by the authors of the study in the local cultural sector are related to the scarcity of staff and the insufficient activity of the relevant NGOs, whereas better outputs were found in terms of volume of local budget allocations to culture and people’s interest in culture. The study also notes the poor development of cultural and creative industries relative to the local economy, their share of the local GDP being around 50 times lower compared to other growth poles in the country, such as Cluj-Napoca. Figure 99. Cultural vitality index in the Romanian growth poles Cultural vitality index 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 ca a și a a ov ti po ar Ia an ț ov aș eș a ișo st rai Br loi -N m n C P luj Ti Co C Source: Centre for Research and Consultancy on Culture, 2010 The cultural sector’s better results in other growth poles as compared to Ploiești is due to the broader social and economic background thereof. This could be explained, inter alia, by the following: the proximity between Ploiești municipality and the capital city, which polarizes the cultural life in the southern part of Romania; the number of students and young people (one of the most important categories of culture consumers), which is much lower than in traditional university centers (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași); the lower number of people having attended a higher education institution; the local “brain-drain” phenomenon; the people’s low purchasing power, etc. A full list of the cultural events organized in 2014 in Ploiești Growth Pole is included in Annex 1.7.2. 301 1.7.3. Youth and Sports The sports infrastructure in Ploiești Growth Pole includes stadiums, public and private sports halls, and sports grounds. Ilie Oană stadium, the largest sports facility at the Growth Pole’s level, was completely rebuilt between 2009 and 2011. It has two stands and two terraces of over 15,000 seats (all covered), natural grass pitch, nocturnal lighting system, and electronic scoreboards. Astra (Columbia) Stadium is the second arena in terms of size, with a capacity of 10,000 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.7. Culture and Leisure seats that are partially covered and distributed into 2 stands, a nocturnal lighting system, an electronic scoreboard, and natural grass. Other local type-approved stadiums are ‘Chimia’ Brazi (2,500 seats), ‘Conpet’ Strejnic-Ploiești (2,000 seats), ‘Gheorghe Silaev’ Plopeni (9,000 seats), ‘Dorobanțul’ Ploiești (1,500 seats), ‘Petrotrans’ Ploiești (500 seats), ‘Metalul’ Băicoi (2,000 seats), ‘Vega’ Ploiești (5,000 seats), ‘Prahova’ Ploiești (4,000 seats), etc. Because of their basic and obsolete infrastructure (developed during the communist era), these stadiums can only host local or county-level competitions. Olimpia Sports Hall, erected during the communist era, has 3,500 seats and hosts basketball, volleyball, tennis, and handball trainings and competitions. It was modernized and expanded in the last years (2010-2013) with state-budget funds. A new stand was built, seats were replaced, the outdoor spaces were refurbished, etc. Vega Olympic Swimming Pool was built in the 1960s and has 6 lanes. Over 400 students of the municipality schools exercise there. The building is vulnerable to earthquakes and requires consolidation and modernization, as only sanitation works have been carried out so far. Ploiești Racecourse is the only harness racing arena in Romania and has a tradition of over 50 years. As the racecourse was in an extremely poor condition, it has been demolished and works have been started for the construction of a modern arena of over 1,300 seats. Such works benefit from European co-financing. Leonard Doroftei Multi-functional Sports Hall, inaugurated in 2003, can host trainings in handball, volley, gymnastics, chess, karate, mini football, basketball, tennis, and contact sports. Oil and Gas University has its own sports complex, with a sports hall, handball courts, mini football pitches etc. In addition, there are 74 sports grounds belonging to educational units (44 in Ploiești), and 78 sports halls (47 in Ploiești), some of which are available not only to the students of the respective schools and high schools, but also to the general public, but in exchange for a fee. A growing number of private football pitches and tennis courts, covered and provided with a nocturnal lighting system, as well as swimming pools and fitness-aerobics rooms are also available locally, the interest in amateur sports being on the increase. As regards the sports activity, the following clubs constantly obtained good results in internal and international competitions: • ’Petrolul’ Sports Club – with athletics, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, karate, swimming, wresting, skating, bowling, ham radio, chess, fencing, table tennis sections; • Municipal Sports Club (CSM) – with handball, athletics, boxing, football, gymnastics, judo, karate, swimming, skating, chess, volleyball sections; • School Sports Club (CSS) – with tennis and basketball sections; 1 • ’Conpet’ Sports Club – with boxing, cycling, karate, football, bowling, chess sections; • ’Petrom’ Sports Club – with athletics, basketball, boxing, football, judo, karate, karting, scrabble, yachting sections; • Asesoft University Sports Club – basketball club. The Growth Pole’s Profile Despite the good results and the local authorities’ involvement in supporting sports activities, the interest in performance sports has declined among children and youth as compared to the communist era. However, recent years have seen a tendency of returning to such sports, due to people’s increasing orientation towards a healthier lifestyle. Exercise and training facilities are, with some exceptions, insufficient and inappropriately equipped (the swimming facilities, for example). In the field of youth, Prahova County Directorate for Youth and Sports organized, in 2013, 9 events on civic engagement, volunteering, culture, sports and tourism, and mobility, in collaboration with the following relevant NGOs: ‘Viitorul Tinerilor’ I (The Future of the Youth) Association, ‘Tinerii Voluntari’ (Young Volunteers) Association, National Union of People with HIV-AIDS, ‘Tineri VIP’ (VIP Youth) Association, The National Association for Youth and Community Initiative, etc. 302 Associations of this type were also set up by certain educational institutions (e.g. the youth associations in the Nichita Stănescu High School, the Pedagogical High School, Mihai Viteazul High School, I.L. Caragiale High School, Economic High School, AIESEC association). Prahova County Council also supports the “Youth Forum – Prahova” initiative, now at its second edition. Despite such initiatives, the number of events dedicated to young people and their leisure, information and socializing possibilities are relatively limited as compared with other growth poles, where the relevant associations are much more visible (e.g. Cluj-Napoca, which is the 2015 European Youth Capital, or Brașov, which hosted the 2013 European Youth Olympic Winter Festival). 1.7.4. Completed / ongoing projects The projects that were carried out or are in progress during 2007-2013 programming period in the areas of heritage, culture, youth, and sports include: • Rebuilding the Ploiești Racecourse – an investment estimated at RON 60 million, co-financed from ROP 2007-2013; • Extension and modernization of Olimpia Sports Hall – an approx. RON 20 million investment, made with funds from the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration / the National Investment Company; • Modernization of Ilie Oană Stadium – an approx. EUR 20 million investments, made with funds from the local budget; • Consolidation and restoration of the Palace of Culture – an approx. RON 10 million investment, carried out with funds from the Local Council’s budget; • Rehabilitation and equipping of the building that will host the Children’s Section of Toma Caragiu Theatre – an approx. RON 3 million investment, made with funds from the local budget and sponsorships; • Modernization and equipping of ‘Premiera’ Cinema – an approx. EUR 300,000 investment, made with funds from RADEF ( România Film” Autonomous Regie of Film Distribution and Exploitation); • Restoration and consolidation of Nicolae Simache Clock Museum – an approx. RON 8 million investment, co-financed from ROP 2007-2013; • Inauguration of Constantin and Ion Stere Memorial Museum in Bucov and of Crama 1777 (Winery 1777) in Valea Călugărească; • Modernization of the Zoo – an approx. EUR 2.5 million investment, made with funds from the Ministry of Environment and the local budget; • Consolidation and extension of the concert hall and balcony of Paul Constantinescu Philharmonic. 303 1.7.5. Conclusions – existing disparities, tendencies, needs, and areas of intervention Culture and leisure Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.7. Culture and Leisure The concentration of historical monuments of national or local importance in Ploiești is lower than in other Romanian growth poles. However, the almost 200 existing monuments that belong to different styles and ages could be included in tourist circuits. Unfortunately, many of the valuable buildings, particularly those owned by private persons, are in a very poor condition and are subject to permanent aggressive actions, requiring urgent restoration, consolidation, and protection measures, especially since some of them are vulnerable to earthquakes. Ploiești-Prahova area has a movable and intangible cultural heritage that is very rich and that visitors are insufficiently acquainted with. Measures to capitalize such heritage are required, for instance by an enhanced promotion of the tourism circuits that have already been designed at the local level (The Wine Road, The Princes’ Road, The Fruit Road, etc.). The Growth Pole has a diverse range of museums (history, archaeology, natural science, art museums, etc.), some of them being of national importance (the National Oil Museum), whereas others are unique in the country (Nicolae Simache Clock Museum). Although many of such museums are located in appropriate buildings, some of which have been recently rehabilitated (the Palace of Culture, the Clock Museum), further investments are required for the museums’ modernization, equipping and promotion, including online. The libraries in the Growth Pole are facing a dwindling interest in written culture, due to the growing use of online media and to a decline in school population, which entails a decrease in the number of active readers. The libraries generally have an obsolete infrastructure and book stock, which makes them unattractive to young readers. Therefore modernization works are required, along with diversification of provided services (e.g. Internet access and multi-media facilities), organization of events meant to promote the libraries’ activity and to increase public awareness in that respect etc. Although the Ploiești municipality has famous performing arts institutions, the shows and audiences have constantly declined in number in recent years due to the scarcity of staff and the lack of appropriate equipment that affect such institutions. For example, the Children’s Section of Toma Caragiu Theatre had no space of its own in the past 5 years. Although the number of cultural events is on the increase and some of them even carry high international standing (the Theatre Festival, the Jazz Festival, etc.), they are not included in a coherent calendar that covers all the categories of consumers and seasons of the year, and their scale is not large enough to trigger tourism. The cultural infrastructure in small towns and adjoining rural localities is poor; cultural events are only organized sporadically, for which reason the population’s access to culture is much lower than in Ploiești municipality. 1 The cultural vitality of Ploiești municipality is much lower than in all the other growth poles, due to the population’s social and economic structure and to the fact that Bucharest monopolizes the cultural life in the southern area of the country. The most significant weaknesses are the scarcity of specialized staff and the poor development of the creative The Growth Pole’s Profile and cultural industries, as well as of the activity carried out by relevant NGOs. The local sports infrastructure has become more diverse and has been upgraded in recent years, as a result of public and private investments. The obsolete facilities that still exist and prevent the development of performance sports (e.g. the lack of modern training pools) have contributed to an increased interest in amateur sports. Just like for cultural infrastructure, the sports infrastructure and activity in the Growth Pole’s localities are much less developed than in the municipality. The sports clubs in the municipality, which cover most of the branches in the field and are financially supported by I private investors and by the local authorities, have obtained very good results in international and national competitions, the most visible performances being achieved in football and basketball. 304 Map 110. Cultural facilities and historic monuments 305 ANNEX 1.7.1. List of Historical Monuments (2010) in Ploiești Growth Pole No. LMI code Name Locality Address Dating from Archaeological site in 1 PH-I-s-B-16113 PLOIEȘTI municipality Bloc 122, Nord neighborhood Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.7. Culture and Leisure Ploiești, "Bloc 122" spot PH-I- sec. VI - VII p. 2 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Bloc 122, Nord neighborhood m-B-16113.01 Chr. PH-I- 3 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Bloc 122, Nord neighborhood Latène m-B-16113.02 PH-I- Bronze Age, 4 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Bloc 122, Nord neighborhood m-B-16113.03 cultura Tei Neolitic, Cultura PH-I- 5 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Bloc 122, Nord neighborhood Boian, faza m-B-16113.04 Bolintineanu "Cuptoarelor street - Zăvoiului sec. IV - VII p. 6 PH-I-s-B-16114 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality street” Chr. Archaeological site in Stelian Marinescu lot, on 7 PH-I-s-B-16115 Ploiești, "Lotul Stelian PLOIEȘTI municipality the right of Dâmbului creek, Marinescu" spot Pielari neighborhood Stelian Marinescu lot, on PH-I- 8 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality the right of Dâmbului creek, sec. V - VII p. Chr. m-B-16115.01 Pielari neighborhood Stelian Marinescu lot, on PH-I- 9 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality the right of Dâmbului creek, sec. IV - V p. Chr. m-B-16115.02 Pielari neighborhood Stelian Marinescu lot, on PH-I- 10 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality the right of Dâmbului creek, Latène m-B-16115.03 Pielari neighborhood Stelian Marinescu lot, on PH-I- 11 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality the right of Dâmbului creek, Bronze Age m-B-16115.04 Pielari neighborhood Stelian Marinescu lot, on PH-I- 12 Necropolis PLOIEȘTI municipality the right of Dâmbului creek, Bronze Age m-B-16115.05 Pielari neighborhood East of Vinalcool (today S. C. 13 PH-I-m-B-16117 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Cramele Prahova S.A.), Polux sec. V - VII p. Chr. neighborhood, Găgeni barrier On the West bank of Dâmbu 14 PH-I-s-B-16118 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality sec. V - VII p. Chr. creek, Polux neighborhood On the West bank of Dâmbu 15 PH-I-s-B-16119 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality sec. V - VII p. Chr. creek, Polux neighborhood 16 PH-I-s-B-16120 Tumuli PLOIEȘTI municipality “Punct termic”, Minerva street Hallstatt Civic Center, East of "Mercur" 17 PH-I-s-A-16121 Open-air market PLOIEȘTI municipality sec. XVII 1 store Democraţiei street, Toma Caragiu street 10, Settlement The Growth Pole’s Profile 18 PH-I-s-B-16127 PLOIEȘTI municipality Gh. Lazăr street, The Prahova sec. XVII – XVIII (open-air market) County Museum of History and Archeology “Bădeşti street” 19 PH-I-s-B-16122 archaeological site, PLOIEȘTI municipality Bădeşti Street Ploieşti PH-I- 20 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Bădeşti Street sec. II - III p. Chr. m-B-16122.01 PH-I- 21 Necropolis PLOIEȘTI municipality Bădeşti Street sec. II - III p. Chr. m-B-16122.02 22 PH-I-s-B-16123 Castrum PLOIEȘTI municipality Bădeşti Street sec. II p. Chr. I 23 306 PH-I-s-B-16124 Settlement municipiul PLOIEŞTI Bădeşti Street sec. IX - X No. LMI code Name Locality Address Dating from Archaeological site in 24 PH-I-s-B-16125 Ploiești, "Str. Cornăţel" municipiul PLOIEŞTI Cornăţel Street spot PH-I- 25 Settlement municipiul PLOIEŞTI Cornăţel Street sec. V - VII p. Chr. m-B-16125.01 PH-I- 4th - 5th century 26 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Cornățel Street m-B-16125.02 AC PH-I- 27 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Cornățel Street Latène m-B-16125.03 PH-I- 28 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Cornățel Street The Bronze Age m-B-16125.04 3rd - 5th century 29 PH-I-s-B-16126 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Cuptoarelor Street AC Domnișori Street, 200 m 30 PH-I-s-B-16128 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality north-east of Gara de Vest Epipalaeolithic (the West Station) Archaeological site in The junction of Lucernei 31 PH-I-s-B-16129 Ploiești, "Str. Lucernei" PLOIEȘTI municipality Street with Trifoiului Street (Lucernei Street) spot PH-I- The junction of Lucernei 8th - 10th 32 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality m-B-16129.01 Street with Trifoiului Street century PH-I- The junction of Lucernei 6th - 7th century 33 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality m-B-16129.02 Street with Trifoiului Street AC PH-I- The junction of Lucernei 34 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Bronze Age m-B-16129.03 Street with Trifoiului Street 35 PH-I-s-B-16130 Defensive ditch PLOIEȘTI municipality Luminișului Street 2nd century AC 16th - 17th 36 PH-I-s-A-16131 Borough PLOIEȘTI municipality Matei Basarab Street century Mihai Bravu Street "Sf. 16th - 17th 37 PH-I-s-B-16132 Necropolis PLOIEȘTI municipality Nicolae” Vechi (St Nicholas century Old) Church Mircea cel Bătrân Street, 2nd - 3rd century 38 PH-I-s-B-16133 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Dorobanți Neighborhood AC Mircea cel Bătrân Street, 16th - 18th 39 PH-I-s-B-16134 Borough PLOIEȘTI municipality Dorobanți Neighborhood century Mureșanu Andrei Street, Cina 3rd - 1st century 40 PH-I-s-B-16135 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Neighborhood BC Petuniei Neighborhood – Bronze Age, Tei 41 PH-I-s-B-16136 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Elementary School 30 culture 42 PH-I-s-B-16137 Necropolis PLOIEȘTI municipality Pielari Street Early Bronze Age Râpelor Street Malu Roșu 43 PH-I-s-B-16139 Limes PLOIEȘTI municipality 4th century AC Neighborhood Archaeological site in 44 PH-I-m-B-16141 Ploiești, "Rozmarin Str." PLOIEȘTI municipality Rozmarin Street (Rozmarin Street) spot PH-I- 11th - 12th 45 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Rozmarin Street m-B-16141.01 century PH-I- 46 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Rozmarin Street 4th century AC m-B-16141.02 PH-I- 47 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Rozmarin Street Hallstatt m-B-16141.03 PH-I- 48 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Rozmarin Street Bronze Age m-B-16141.04 PH-I- 49 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Rozmarin Street Eneolithic m-B-16141.05 Eneolithic, The junction of Troienelor 50 PH-I-s-B-16142 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Gumelnița Street with Măgurii Street culture 307 No. LMI code Name Locality Address Dating from 6th - 7th century 51 PH-I-s-B-16138 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Vuia Traian Street AC 52 PH-I-s-B-16143 Settlement PLOIEȘTI municipality Zorelelor Street 2nd century AC PH-II- 53 George Papp House PLOIEȘTI municipality Armoniei 1 Street 1880 m-B-16232 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.7. Culture and Leisure "Maica Prescista” PH-II- 54 (Immaculate Mother of PLOIEȘTI municipality Armoniei 3 Street 1820 m-A-16233 God) Church late 18th century PH-II- 55 Kogălniceanu House PLOIEȘTI municipality Armoniei 12 Street - early 19th m-A-16234 century PH-II- Enache Cantacuzino 56 PLOIEȘTI municipality 4 Bagdazar, doctor Street 1831 m-B-16235 House Constantin Ion și Maria Căpitănescu PH-II- (Constantin Ion and 57 PLOIEȘTI municipality 8 Bagdazar, doctor Street late 19th century m-B-16236 Maria Căpitănescu) House, today the National Oil Museum PH-II- House, today company 58 PLOIEȘTI municipality 16 Basarabilor Street 1900 m-B-16237 office Cizmaru Ileana PH-II- și Oprescu Ioana 59 PLOIEȘTI municipality 18 Basarabilor Street 1905 m-A-16238 (Cizmaru Ileana and Oprescu Ioana) House Composer Paul PH-II- 60 Constantinescu’s PLOIEȘTI municipality 15 Bălcescu Nicolae Street 1873 m-A-16239 house Manolescu PH-II- House, today the 61 PLOIEȘTI municipality 19 Bălcescu Nicolae Street late 19th century m-B-16240 headquarters of S.C. IPIP S.A. Mănciulescu House, PH-II- 62 today "Prestij" PLOIEȘTI municipality 1 Bobâlna Street late 19th century m-B-16241 Restaurant PH-II- Narcis Dăscălescu 63 PLOIEȘTI municipality 4 Bobâlna Street 1895 m-B-16242 House Maxillofacial Section PH-II- 64 of “Boldescu" County PLOIEȘTI municipality 1 Boldescu Street 1831 m-B-16243 Hospital PH-II- 65 Amira House PLOIEȘTI municipality 36 Buna Vestire Street mid-19th century m-B-16244 PH-II- early 19th 66 Jilescu House PLOIEȘTI municipality 5 Caragiale Ion Luca Street m-B-16245 century "Sf. Petru și Pavel" 1 PH-II- (Sts Peter and Paul) School, the first Middle 67 School in Ploiești, PLOIEȘTI municipality 10 Caragiu Toma Street 1865 m-A-16246 today the County The Growth Pole’s Profile Museum of History and Archaeology The Palace of Justice, PH-II- 68 today the Palace of PLOIEȘTI municipality 1 Călin Cătălin, erou Street 1920 m-A-16247 Culture PH-II- Manole Șerbănescu second half of 69 PLOIEȘTI municipality 3 Constanței Street m-B-16248 House the 19th century Octavian și Mihai Bellu PH-II- 70 (Octavian and Mihai PLOIEȘTI municipality 6 Constanței Street 1875 m-B-16249 Bellu) House PH-II- Marcu Mihalache I 71 PLOIEȘTI municipality 9 Constanței Street 1886 m-B-16250 House 308 No. LMI code Name Locality Address Dating from Av. Marinela Păunescu PH-II- 72 (Lawyer Marinela PLOIEȘTI municipality 12 Constanței Street 1889 m-B-16251 Păunescu) House PH-II- Ilie Lumânăraru House 73 PLOIEȘTI municipality 16 Coșbuc George Street 1830 - 1840 m-A-16252 with a shop PH-II- 74 Dr. Ion Popescu House PLOIEȘTI municipality 9 Decebal Street 1905 m-A-16253 Gheorghe și Margareta PH-II- Teodorescu (Gheorghe 75 PLOIEȘTI municipality 25 Decebal Street 1900 m-B-16254 and Margareta Teodorescu) House PH-II- Hagi Ivan Prodan 76 PLOIEȘTI municipality 2 Democrației Street 1785 m-A-16255 Merchant’s House House, today the headquarters of PH-II- 77 Ploiești Local Centre PLOIEȘTI municipality 17 Democrației Street late 19th century m-B-16256 of "Spiru Haret" University House, today the headquarters PH-II- 78 of "Alexandra" PLOIEȘTI municipality 19 Democrației Street 1890 m-B-16257 Humanitarian Organization PH-II- 79 Viorel Voiculescu House PLOIEȘTI municipality 23 Democrației Street late 19th century m-B-16258 PH-II- Romulus Filipescu 80 PLOIEȘTI municipality 24 Democrației Street late 19th century m-B-16259 House The Commerce PH-II- Academy, today 81 PLOIEȘTI municipality 98 Doja Gheorghe Street 1926 - 1936 m-A-16260 "I. L. Caragiale” National College Bell tower of "Sf. Ioan Botezătorul” (St. John PH-II- 82 the Baptist) Church PLOIEȘTI municipality 1 Piața Eroilor (Eroilor Square) 1923 - 1939 m-A-16261 - Monument to the Heroes of 1916-1918 Former winery (cellar, late 19th century PH-II- 83 entrance and staircase PLOIEȘTI municipality 2 Aleea Gladiolelor – early 20th m-B-20206 to the floor) century Dr. I. Cloaje House, PH-II- 84 today Bulevard PLOIEȘTI municipality 25 Golești Street late 19th century m-B-16263 Restaurant Hârlea Dragomira și Iliescu Roxana (Hârlea PH-II- Dragomira and Iliescu 1 Hasdeu Petriceicu Bogdan early 20th 85 PLOIEȘTI municipality m-A-16264 Roxana) House, Street century today "Star" Hotel- Restaurant PH-II- Radu Constantin 86 PLOIEȘTI municipality 7 Iașiului Street 1850 m-B-16265 House "Centrul istoric" Independenței Blvd., 18th century PH-II- 87 (Historical Centre) PLOIEȘTI municipality delimitation according to the - early 20th s-B-16266 urban site approved General Urban Plan century Ghiță Ionescu House, PH-II- today "Ion Ionescu- 88 PLOIEȘTI municipality 1 Independenței Blvd. 1885 m-A-16267 Quintus" County Museum of Art PH-II- Dr. Constantin Vasiliu 89 PLOIEȘTI municipality 3 Independenței Blvd. 1900 m-B-16268 House Bell tower of "Sf. PH-II- 90 Gheorghe" - Vechi (St PLOIEȘTI municipality 4 Independenței Blvd. 1831 - 1832 m-A-16269 George - Old) Church 309 No. LMI code Name Locality Address Dating from Matache Ștefănescu PH-II- 91 house, today bank PLOIEȘTI municipality 5 Independenței Blvd. 1900 m-B-16270 office "Sf. Petru și Pavel” (Sts Peter and Paul) High PH-II- School, today "Mihai Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.7. Culture and Leisure 92 PLOIEȘTI municipality 8 Independenței Blvd. 1875 m-B-16271 Viteazul” National College – the north side Alexandru Radovici PH-II- House, today 93 PLOIEȘTI municipality 14 Independenței Blvd. late 19th century m-B-16272 HIPOCRAT 2000 Healthcare Clinic Radu Stanian House, PH-II- 94 later Constantinescu PLOIEȘTI municipality 15 Independenței Blvd. 1850, 1930 m-A-16273 Bordeni House C.G. Angelini House, today Ploiești Local PH-II- 95 Finance and Estate PLOIEȘTI municipality 16 Independenței Blvd. late 19th century m-B-16274 Management Public Department Scarlat Sc. Orăscu House, today Children’s PH-II- late 19th century, 96 Medical Office of PLOIEȘTI municipality 18 Independenței Blvd. m-A-16275 rebuilt in 1920 Ploiești Paediatric Hospital Toma Rucăreanu PH-II- House, later Provian 97 PLOIEȘTI municipality 19 Independenței Blvd. late 19th century m-B-16276 house, today "Mon Jardin" Restaurant Grigore Scorțeanu, Dimitrie Sfetescu House, later the PH-II- headquarters of 98 PLOIEȘTI municipality 21 Independenței Blvd. late 19th century m-B-16277 "Concordia" Oil Company, today Ploiești City Hall Administrative Office Ghiță Stoenescu PH-II- House, today the 99 PLOIEȘTI municipality 27 Independenței Blvd. 1900 - 1910 m-A-16278 headquarters of Alfa Medical Centre clinic Gheorghe Iosifescu PH-II- 100 House, today PLOIEȘTI municipality 28 Independenței Blvd. 1935 m-A-16279 "VigoHotel" The National Bank, PH-II- early 20th 101 today a branch office PLOIEȘTI municipality 1 Ionescu Tache Street m-B-16280 century 1 102 PH-II- of B.C.R. House, today "Vienna PLOIEȘTI municipality 3 Ipătescu Ana Street late 19th century m-B-16281 Cafe" Restaurant The Growth Pole’s Profile Avram Ergas Mamaciu House, today "Ciufulici" PH-II- 103 Children’s Theatre PLOIEȘTI municipality 52 Kogălniceanu Mihail Street 1869 - 1870 m-A-16282 – section of "Toma Caragiu" Theatre C.C. Dobrescu House, late 18th century PH-II- 104 today "I.L. Caragiale" PLOIEȘTI municipality 1 Kutuzov Street - early 19th m-A-16283 Memorial Museum century Fiscal Administration’s PH-II- early 20th 105 office, today Prahova PLOIEȘTI municipality 6 Lazăr Gheorghe Street m-A-16284 century County Court I PH-II- first half of 19th 106 Inn, later a dwelling PLOIEȘTI municipality 10 Maniu Iuliu Street m-B-16285 century 310 No. LMI code Name Locality Address Dating from House, today the PH-II- headquarters of early 20th 107 PLOIEȘTI municipality 8 Maramureș Street m-B-16286 Prahova National century Roads Section House, former bank PH-II- early 20th 108 office, today Angelo PLOIEȘTI municipality 9 Maramureș Street m-B-16287 century D'oro Hotel "Sf. Apostoli Petru și 1639, Pavel” – Domnească PH-II- transformed in 109 (Holy Apostles Peter PLOIEȘTI municipality 63 Matei Basarab Street m-A-16288 the late 19th and Paul - Princiary) century Church late 16th century, Complex of "Sf. PH-II- late 17th century 110 Nicolae" – Vechi (St PLOIEȘTI municipality 105 Mihai Bravu Street a-B-16289 - early 18th Nicholas - Old) Church century "Sf. Nicolae" – Vechi late 16th century, PH-II- 111 (St Nicholas – Old) PLOIEȘTI municipality 105 Mihai Bravu Street rebuilt from 1983 m-B-16289.01 Church to 1990 late 17th PH-II- Foundations of 112 PLOIEȘTI municipality 105 Mihai Bravu Street century- early m-B-16289.02 outbuildings 18th century late 17th PH-II- Foundations of the bell 113 PLOIEȘTI municipality 105 Mihai Bravu Street century- early m-B-16289.03 tower 18th century Tulea House, today PH-II- the headquarters of 114 PLOIEȘTI municipality 4-6 Poștei Street 1853 m-B-16290 Community Social Service Administration N. Pârvulescu House, PH-II- 115 today private doctor’s PLOIEȘTI municipality 35 Romană Street 1870 m-B-16291 practices Dr. Dan Georgescu PH-II- 116 House, today company PLOIEȘTI municipality 41 Romană Street 1850 m-B-16292 offices PH-II- second half of 117 Tiseanu House PLOIEȘTI municipality 43 Romană Street m-B-16293 19th century PH-II- 118 House with a shop PLOIEȘTI municipality 46-48 Romană Street mid-19th century m-B-16294 PH-II- Maria Dumitrescu 119 PLOIEȘTI municipality 1 Simache Nicolae Street 1830 m-A-16295 House Luca Elefterescu PH-II- House, today "Nicolae 1890, rebuilt in 120 PLOIEȘTI municipality 1 Simache Nicolae Street m-A-16296 Simache" Clock 1930 Museum PH-II- Marcela Pătârlăgeanu early 20th 121 PLOIEȘTI municipality 2 Simache Nicolae Street m-B-16297 House century Istrate Negulescu House, today the PH-II- headquarters of a second half of 122 PLOIEȘTI municipality 1 Stadionului Street m-B-16298 department of the 19th century Ministry of National Defence. PH-II- second half of 123 Cantilli House PLOIEȘTI municipality 3 Stadionului Street, 3A m-B-16298 19th century PH-II- Mareș Șerbănescu 124 PLOIEȘTI municipality 14 Stadionului Street 1847 m-B-16300 House The House of Prahova PH-II- 125 Schoolteachers, today PLOIEȘTI municipality 8 Ștefan cel Mare Street 1925 m-B-16301 company offices 311 No. LMI code Name Locality Address Dating from "Sf. Voievozi" (Saint Princes) Church having "Sf.Arhangheli Mihail și Gavriil" (Holy 1820 - 1827, PH-II- 126 Archangels Michael PLOIEȘTI municipality 23 Ștefan cel Mare Street rebuilt from 1929 m-B-16302 and Gabriel) and "Sf. to 1931 Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.7. Culture and Leisure Antonie cel Mare" (Saint Anthony the Great) dedication days PH-II- first half of 19th 127 Cacip House PLOIEȘTI municipality 4 Ulierului Street m-B-16303 century PH-II- early 19th 128 Petre Ulieru House PLOIEȘTI municipality 7 Ulierului Street m-B-16304 century School of Arts and Crafts, today the PH-II- 129 Directorate for the PLOIEȘTI municipality 32 Văleni Street 1886 m-A-16306 Public and Private Domain Administration PH-II- 130 Central Halls PLOIEȘTI municipality 8 Zola Emile Street 1930 - 1935 m-A-16306 Piața 1 Decembrie 1918 (1 PH-III- Independence War 131 PLOIEȘTI municipality Decembrie 1918 Square) Gara 1897 m-A-16863 Soldiers Memorial de sud (Southern Station) PH-III- First World War 2 Eroilor Street, inside 132 PLOIEȘTI municipality 1957 m-B-16864 Heroes Memorial Bolovani cemetery Independenței Blvd., in the PH-III- Bust of writer Ion Luca 133 PLOIEȘTI municipality park located in front of "Mihai 1952 m-B-16865 Caragiale Viteazul" National College Independenței Blvd., in the PH-III- "Maternitate” 134 PLOIEȘTI municipality green space on the eastern 1960 m-A-16866 (Motherhood) Statue side of the boulevard Bust of Radu Stanian The junction between PH-III- 135 (former mayor of PLOIEȘTI municipality Independenței Blvd. and 1900 m-B-16867 Ploiești) Bobâlna Street 2 Republicii Blvd. to the north PH-III- side of the park located in 136 Statue of Liberty PLOIEȘTI municipality 1881 m-A-16868 front of the Administrative Palace 10 Trei Ierarhi Street, inside PH-III- Bust of Prince 137 PLOIEȘTI municipality the courtyard of Al.I. Cuza 1959 m-B-16869 Alexandru Ioan Cuza High School 14 Brezeanu Constantin PH-IV- Bust of architect 138 PLOIEȘTI municipality Street, inside Viișoara 1923 m-A-16878 Alexandru M. Zagoritz cemetery 10 Caragiu Toma Street, in Cross commemorating the Lapidary Section of the 1 139 PH-IV- m-B-16877 the defeat of Pedestrian Mercenaries’ Uprising PLOIEȘTI municipality County Museum of History and Archaeology; transferred from Valea Urloii locality, 1655 Urlați town The Growth Pole’s Profile PH-IV- The house where writer 140 PLOIEȘTI municipality 10 Ștefan cel Mare Street late 19th century m-B-16879 I. A. Bassarabescu lived Ruins of "Sf. Arhangheli Mihail PH-II- 141 și Gavriil” (Holy BOLDEȘTI-SCĂENI town 58A Unirii Street 1812 m-B-16362 Archangels Michael and Gabriel) Church PH-II- SECIU locality; Boldești- 142 Rusescu House 67 1826 m-A-16624 Scăeni town PH-II- "Sf. Treime” (Holy SECIU locality; Boldești- 18th century, 143 375 m-B-16625 Trinity) Church Scăeni town rebuilt in 1802 I 312 No. LMI code Name Locality Address Dating from PH-III- Theodor Diamant Scăeni neighborhood , in front 144 BOLDEȘTI-SCĂENI town 1977 m-B-16870 Memorial of the station 3 Primăverii street, inside PH-IV- the courtyard of "Adormirea 145 Stone memorial cross BOLDEȘTI-SCĂENI town 1710 m-B-16885 Maicii Domnului” (Dormition of the Mother of God) Church PH-I- Poiana "La Cetate” ("La 6th - 5th century 146 Fortress PLOPENI town s-B-16200 Cetate” Glade ("Cetatea Fetii") BC BUDA village; ARICEȘTII 147 PH-I-s-B-16159 Tumuli La Movilă Latène RAHTIVANI commune "Sf. Ilie", "Sf. Nicolae” ARICEȘTII RAHTIVANI PH-II- 148 (St Ilie, St Nicholas) village; ARICEȘTII 587 1777 m-A-16312 Church RAHTIVANI commune "Sf. Voievozi” (Saint TÂRGȘORU NOU village; 1857, destroyed PH-II- Princes) church of 149 ARICEȘTII RAHTIVANI 121 in 1940, rebuilt in m-A-16772 former Târgșoru Nou commune 1942 monastery PH-IV- NEDELEA village; ARICEȘTII 47, in the courtyard of the 150 Stone memorial cross 19th century m-B-16912 RAHTIVANI commune Vocational School On the premises belonging to Late Hallstatt, ROMÂNEȘTI village; 151 PH-I-s-B-16205 Incineration necropolis the former CAP (Agricultural Ferigile - Bârsești BĂRCĂNEȘTI commune Production Cooperative ) culture PH-II- GHIGHIU village; 1817, 1856 - 152 Ghighiu Monastery 1A a-A-16504 BĂRCĂNEȘTI commune 1866 "Izvorul Tămăduirii” PH-II- GHIGHIU village; commune 153 (Healing Fountain) Big 1A 1866 m-A-16504.01 BĂRCĂNEȘTI Church "Învierea Sfântului PH-II- Lazăr” (Resurrection of GHIGHIU village; 154 1A 1817 m-A-16504.02 Saint Lazarus) Small BĂRCĂNEȘTI commune Church PH-II- Hermitages (the south GHIGHIU village; 155 1A 1856 m-A-16504.03 and west sides) BĂRCĂNEȘTI commune PH-II- GHIGHIU village; 156 Bell tower 1A 1856 m-A-16504.04 BĂRCĂNEȘTI commune PH-II- GHIGHIU village; 157 Surrounding wall 1A 1856 m-A-16504.05 BĂRCĂNEȘTI commune PH-II- Ruins of Brâncoveanu- TĂTĂRANI village; 18th - 19th 158 NN m-A-16771 Mavrocordat mansion BĂRCĂNEȘTI commune century Complex of "Sf. Nicolae”, "Sf. Eustație PH-II- CORLĂTEȘTI village; 169 Plachida” (St Nicholas, NN 1792 a-A-16439 BERCENI commune St Eustace Placidus) Church “Sf. Nicolae”, "Sf. PH-II- Eustație Plachida” (St CORLĂTEȘTI village; 160 NN 1792 m-A-16439.01 Nicholas, St Eustace BERCENI commune Placidus) Church PH-II- CORLĂTEȘTI village; 161 Bell tower NN 1792 m-A-16439.02 BERCENI commune PH-II- Constantin BLEJOI village; BLEJOI 162 16 1909 m-B-16358 Comăneanu Villa commune "Sf. Nicolae", "Adormirea Maicii Domnului" (St PH-II- BLEJOI village; BLEJOI 163 Nicholas, Dormition 449 A 18th century m-A-16359 commune of the Mother of God) Wooden Church (inside the cemetery) 313 No. LMI code Name Locality Address Dating from in the open field, east of "Sf. Dumitru" (Saint Demetrius) PH-II- Ruins of "Sf. Visarion” PLOIEȘTIORI village; BLEJOI Church, near Cantilli mansion, 17th – 18th 164 m-B-16571 (St Visarion) Church commune premises belonging to the century former CAP (Agricultural Production Cooperative ) Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.7. Culture and Leisure Cantonul CFR 50 A (50 BĂTEȘTI village; BRAZI 5th - 7th century 165 PH-I-s-B-16150 Settlement A Shed of the Romanian commune AC Railways Company) PH-II- BRAZII DE SUS village; first half of 19th 166 Nicolau mansion 1 Orhideelor Street m-A-16364 BRAZI commune century 79A Haiducilor Street, inside PH-II- "Sf. Treime” (Holy STEJARU village; BRAZI 167 the cemetery, transferred 18th century m-A-16757 Trinity) Church” commune from Misleanca forest BUCOV village; BUCOV 9th - 10th 168 PH-I-s-B-16158 Settlement La Tioca, Rotari commune century CHIȚORANI village; BUCOV 169 PH-I-s-B-16168 Settlement "Ferma 11” (11 Farm) commune PH-I- CHIȚORANI village; BUCOV 5th - 7th century 170 Settlement "Ferma 11” (11 Farm) m-B-16168.01 commune AC PH-I- CHIȚORANI village; BUCOV 171 Settlement "Ferma 11” (11 Farm) Latène m-B-16168.02 commune PH-I- CHIȚORANI village; BUCOV 172 Settlement "Ferma 11” (11 Farm) Bronze Age m-B-16168.03 commune Constantin Stere PH-II- House, today the BUCOV village; BUCOV In the "Constantin Stere" 173 1900 m-B-16377 headquarters of a commune Amusement Park -Bucov cultural foundation Complex of "Sf. PH-II- CHIȚORANI village; BUCOV 174 Stelian” (St Stylianos) NN 1797 a-A-16414 commune Church PH-II- "Sf. Stelian” (St CHIȚORANI village; BUCOV 175 NN 1797 m-A-16414.01 Stylianos) church commune PH-II- CHIȚORANI village; BUCOV 1797, rebuilt in 176 Bell tower NN m-B-16414.02 commune the 19th century "Sf. Nicolae” (St PH-II- VALEA ORLEI village; BUCOV 177 Nicholas) Wooden NN 17th century m-A-16820 commune Church PH-IV- (Roadside) memorial CHIȚORANI village; BUCOV In Valea Orlei, opposite 178 1709 m-B-16894 cross commune Grațiela Țintea house PH-IV- CHIȚORANI village; BUCOV Inside the old cemetery of "Sf. 179 Grave cross 1843 m-B-16895 commune Stelian" (St Stylianos) Church PH-I- The Roman Camp in SFÂRLEANCA village; 180 La Cetate 101 - 118 AC s-A-16208 Mălăiești DUMBRĂVEȘTI commune The archaeological site PĂULEȘTI village; PĂULEȘTI 1 181 PH-I-s-B-16198 PH-I- in Păulești commune PĂULEȘTI village; PĂULEȘTI Holiday Camp 5th - 7th century 182 Settlement Holiday Camp m-B-16198.01 commune AC The Growth Pole’s Profile PH-I- PĂULEȘTI village; PĂULEȘTI 4th - 5th century 183 Settlement Holiday Camp m-B-16198.02 commune AC PH-I- PĂULEȘTI village; PĂULEȘTI 184 Settlement Holiday Camp Hallstatt m-B-16198.03 commune PH-I- PĂULEȘTI village; PĂULEȘTI 185 Settlement Holiday Camp Neolithic m-B-16198.04 commune The archaeological site TÂRGȘORU VECHI village; 186 PH-I-s-A-16216 1 "La Mănăstire” in Târgșoru Vechi TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune PH-I- TÂRGȘORU VECHI village; 15th – 17th 187 Settlement 1 "La Mănăstire” m-A-16216.01 TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune century I 314 No. LMI code Name Locality Address Dating from PH-I- TÂRGȘORU VECHI village; 5th - 7th century 188 Settlement 1 "La Mănăstire” m-A-16216.02 TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune AC PH-I- TÂRGȘORU VECHI village; 189 Necropolis 1 "La Mănăstire” 4th century AC m-A-16216.03 TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune PH-I- TÂRGȘORU VECHI village; 190 Settlement 1 "La Mănăstire” 2nd century AC m-A-16216.04 TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune PH-I- TÂRGȘORU VECHI village; 2nd - 3rd century 191 Necropolis 1 "La Mănăstire” m-A-16216.05 TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune AC Late Hallstatt, PH-I- TÂRGȘORU VECHI village; 192 Settlement 1 "La Mănăstire” Ferigile - Bârsești m-A-16216.06 TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune culture PH-I- TÂRGȘORU VECHI village; 193 Settlement 1 "La Mănăstire” Latène m-A-16216.07 TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune PH-I- TÂRGȘORU VECHI village; Bronze Age, Tei 194 Settlement 1 "La Mănăstire” m-A-16216.08 TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune culture PH-I- TÂRGȘORU VECHIvillage; Neolithic, Boian 195 Settlement 1 "La Mănăstire” m-A-16216.09 TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune culture Early Neolithic, PH-I- TÂRGȘORU VECHI village; 196 Settlement 1 "La Mănăstire” Starčevo – Criș m-A-16216.10 TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune culture Eneolithic, PH-I- TÂRGȘORU VECHI village; 197 Settlement 1 "La Mănăstire” Gumelnița m-A-16216.11 TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune culture TÂRGȘORU VECHI village; 540 B "La fosta moară”, 500 Bronze Age, Tei 198 PH-I-s-B-16215 Settlement TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune m west of the mill culture "Sf. Arhangheli Mihail și Gavriil" și "Sf. Ierarh Nicolae" (Holy 1669-1672, Archangels Michael PH-II- TÂRGȘORU VECHI village; 1 inside Târgșor archaeological rebuilt on ruins 199 and Gabriel and Holy m-B-16773 TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune site from 1997 to Hierarch Nicholas) 2001 Church of Prince Antonie’s Turnu Monastery PH-II- Ruins of Biserica Albă TÂRGȘORU VECHI village; 1 inside Târgșor archaeological 200 1570 m-B-16774 (the White Church) TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune site Ruins of the church PH-II- of Mihnea Turcitul- TÂRGȘORU VECHI village; 1 inside Târgșor archaeological 201 late 16th century m-B-16775 Biserica Roșie (the Red TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune site Church) The two inscriptions PH-IV- STĂNCEȘTI village; 16th century, 202 over the old church’s 380 in the new church m-B-16934 TÂRGȘORU VECHI commune 1720 entrance VALEA CĂLUGĂREASCĂ Inside the orchard of Valea 203 PH-I-s-B-16226 Settlement village; VALEA Călugărească Agricultural Hallstatt CĂLUGĂREASCĂ commune Vocational School 315 ANNEX 1.7.2. List of cultural events organized in Ploiești Growth Pole (2014) MUNICIPALITIES • 15 January - Prahova County Culture Centre – “Mythos” Drama Centre: Dacă treci râul Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.7. Culture and Leisure Selenei (If You Cross Selena’s River). Mihai Eminescu commemorative evening • 28 February - Prahova County Culture Centre– “Mythos” Drama Centre: Tinerețea lui Don Quijote (The Youth of Don Quixote). Show of readings from the work of Marin Sorescu • 9 March - Prahova County Culture Centre– “Mythos” Drama Centre : 19 trandafiri (Nineteen roses) - Fiction or Mythology? The Mircea Eliade Case • 15-20 March - Ploiești School of Arts - Recitals, concerts, dance and theatre performances, exhibitions organized by the students of Ploiești School of Arts • 21-31 March - Prahova County Culture Centre – “Mythos” Drama Centre: Nichita la Echinocțiu (Nichita on the Equinox) Festival of Arts, 9th edition. Drama and dance shows, film galas, concerts and recitals, fine art and photography exhibitions, book and magazine launches, colloquia, creative and performing arts workshops • 12 May - Prahova County Culture Centre –”Mythos” Drama Centre: The First Major Choreography Revolution in Modern times: Martha Graham Ploiești • June – Recitals, concerts, dance and theatre performances, exhibitions organized by the students of the Ploiești School of Arts • 18-23 August, Prahova County Culture Centre– “Mythos” Drama Centre: Open-air summer season of the ˮMythos” Drama Centre (theatre performances, film screenings, recitals, creative and performing arts workshops) • 22 September, Prahova County Culture Centre – “Mythos” Drama Centre: Opening of the Fall Season of the “Mythos” Drama Centre • 21 October, Prahova County Culture Centre – “Mythos” Drama Centre: Myth, Mythical, Mythology – Session of communications, reports and documents • 5 November - Ploiești, Prahova County Culture Centre – Orion Parlour: Opening of the Prahova Folk Art Exhibition • 13 December - Prahova County Culture Centre – “Mythos” Drama Centre: Poetul ca și soldatul (The Poet, Like the Soldier). Nichita Stănescu commemorative evening • 15 - 21 December - Recitals, concerts, dance and theatre performances, exhibitions organized by the students of the Ploiești School of Arts TOWNS • 15 January - Mihai Eminescu (164th anniversary of the writer’s birth). Narrations, book exhibitions, poetry recitation, literature and music shows • 24 January – Unification of Romanian Principalities – cultural and arts events • 31 January - Ion Luca Caragiale (162nd anniversary of the writer’s birth). Narrations, readings, performances • 3 March, Ion Creangă (177th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 31 March, Nichita Stănescu (81st anniversary of the writer’s birth). Narrations, book exhibitions, performances, poetry recitation, poetry contests • Easter, as Seen by Children. Exhibition of drawings and decorated eggs • The Library – a Fountain of Knowledge. Educational partnership: readings, poetry recitation, art activities 1 BĂICOI • 1 June, International Children’s Day. Complex events, shows, contests, exhibitions • 1-7 June – Theatre performances for kids • July – Local Talents. Exhibition of paintings and graphic arts by local artists The Growth Pole’s Profile • August - Let Us Know Each Other, Love Each Other and Respect Our Town. Photography exhibition • 20-26 September - Educație și comunicare prin teatru (Education and Communication through Theatre). Theatre for the Young and the Elderly. • October - Being Responsive to the Community’s Cultural Values and Spiritual Meanings. Meeting with the people of culture in the locality; Autumn in Băicoi. Show, folk songs and dances • 29, 30 November – The Childhood’s Dance. Competition • November - Culorile prieteniei (The Colors of Friendship) National Painting Contest, 5th edition • 17-31 December - Concerts of Romanian Christmas songs and traditions I 316 • 15 January- National Culture Day. Complex events – Culture House, Library • 24 January - Unification of the Romanian Principalities – cultural and arts events • 15 February – Lived History. Meeting with war veterans • 13 April – Palm Sunday and Easter Traditions • 9 May - Lucian Blaga (119th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 21 May – World Day of Culture • 24 May - Teodor Diamant and the phalanstery in Scăeni. Symposium Boldești-Scăeni • 5 June – The Town’s Day. Complex event. Folk shows with the participation of the folk dance troupes in Leova town (Republic of Moldova) • 1-30 July – Painting camp in Seciu • 14 August - Dormition of the Mother of God. Music show with the local bands’ participation • 1 October – Painting exhibition • 19, 20 October – Autumn Festival, 6th edition. Complex event: exhibition, folk show, fair • 31 March - Nichita Stănescu (81st anniversary of the writer’s birth). Narrations, book exhibitions, shows, poetry recitation, poetry contests • 9 May – Independence Day of Romania, Europe Day • 1 June - International Children’s Day. Complex events, shows, contests, exhibitions • 1 June – Frunza de stejar (The Oak Leaf). Contest-festival for children • 15 August – National festival – Folk music contest PLOPENI • 15-17 August – The Town’s Days. Complex Events • 18-28 August - ˮVintilă Făcăianu” International Painting Camp; ˮNicolae Kruch” International Sculpture Camp; Vara în culori (Summer in Colors) Children’s Painting Camp • 20 September - ProMuzica International Choral Music Festival • 10-25 December - Festival of Customs, Christmas Songs and Traditions • 17-31 December - Concerts of Romanian Christmas songs and traditions COMMUNES/villages ARICEŞTII RAHTIVANI BĂRCĂNEŞTI • 24 January - Unification of Romanian Principalities - cultural and arts events • 9 May - Independence Day of Romania, Europe Day BERCENI • 1 June - International Children’s Day. Complex events, shows, contests, exhibitions Cartier Dîmbu • 5 September - The Locality’s Day Cătunu Corlăteşti • 27 November - Nicolae Iorga (74th anniversary of the historian’s death) Moara Nouă • 17-31 December – Concerts of Romanian Christmas songs and traditions • 26 December – Snowflakes Carnival • 15 January- Mihai Eminescu (164th anniversary of the writer’s birth). Narrations, book exhibitions, poetry recitation, literature – music shows • 24 January - Unification of Romanian Principalities – cultural and arts events • 6 February – Fiu al satului (Son of the Village) Festival BLEJOI • March - Radu Tudoran – 60th anniversary of the publication of the Toate pânzele sus Ploieştiori novel Tînţăreni • May – Festival of Flowers. The Commune’s Days • 1 June, International Children’s Day. Complex events, shows, contests, exhibitions • 17 November – Autumn flowers. Painting exhibition 317 • 20 January- Ion Podoleanu (85th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 23 January- Alexandru Odobescu (180th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 24 January - Unification of Romanian Principalities – cultural and arts events • 28 January- Victor Eftimiu (125th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 12 February - Otilia Cazimir (120th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 20 February - Eugen Barbu (90th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 1-7 March - ˮIon Creangă” Days • 14 March - Alexandru Macedonski (160th anniversary of the writer’s birth) Analysis of Development Needs and Areas of Intervention Chapter 1.7. Culture and Leisure • 17 March - Alecu Russo (195th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 7 April - Grigore Adam (100th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 10 April - Maria Banuș (100th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 14 April - Octav Pancu (85th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 20, 21 April – The Joy of the Resurrection. Exhibition of decorated eggs, drawings and greeting cards • 25 April - Camil Petrescu (120th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 1 May – International Workers’ Day. Sporting activities, music, dance, shows • 9 May - Independence Day of Romania, Europe Day • 17 May – International Day of Sport • 30 May - Vasile Alecsandri. Dumbrava roșie (The Red Grove) – 140th anniversary of the BRAZI poem’s publication Brazii de Sus • 1 June - International Children’s Day. Complex events, shows, contests, exhibitions Băteşti • 5 (18) June – Alexandru Raicu (100th anniversary of the writer’s birth) Brazii de Jos • 12 (19) June - George Călinescu (115th anniversary of the writer’s birth) Negoieşti • 2 July - Emil Gârleanu (100th anniversary of the writer’s death); Popeşti • 25 July - Cezar Baltag (75th anniversary of the poet’s birth) Stejaru • 30 July - Alexandru O. Păstorel Teodoreanu (120th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 11 August - Panait Istrati (130th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 15 August – The Locality’s Day. Village rural shows; Constantin Brâncoveanu (300th anniversary of the Prince’s death) • 22 August - Elena Damian (90th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 8 September – International Literacy Day • 12 September - Ana Lupan (92th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 26 September - Mihail Sadoveanu. Viața lui Ștefan cel Mare (The Life of Stephen the Great). 80th anniversary of the book’s publication • 2 October - Gheorghe Marin (85th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 5 October – World Teachers’ Day • 17 October - Ion Slavici. ˮMara” – 120th anniversary of the novel’s publication • 6 November - Alexandru Mitru (100th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 14 November - Iulia Hasdeu (145th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 25 November - Ionel Pop (125th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 27 November - Nina Cassian (90th anniversary of the writer’s birth) • 25 December - Vine, vine Moș Crăciun! (Look, Santa’s Coming) Concert of traditional Christmas songs and folk show with the participation of the ˮMlădițele Brazilor” band • 15 January - Mihai Eminescu (164th anniversary of the writer’s birth). Narrations, book BUCOV exhibitions, poetry recitation, literature – music shows Bighiliu • 24 January - Unification of Romanian Principalities - cultural and arts events Chiţorani • 5 April - Când înfloresc castanii (When Chestnuts Are in Bloom). Dance contest Pleaşa • 9 May - Independence Day of Romania, Europe Day Valea Orlei • 13 September –The Commune’s Day. Complex event 1 DUMBRĂVEŞTI PĂULEŞTI • 6 January - Baptism of the Horses. House Race The Growth Pole’s Profile • 17 April – The Sacred Light. Art show TâRGŞORU VECHI • 1 June - International Children’s Day. Complex events, shows, contests, exhibitions Strejnic Stănceşti • 27 November - Nicolae Iorga (74th anniversary of the historian’s death) Zahanaua • 22 December – The Magic of Christmas. Art show and drawings exhibition: Winter on Our Street I 318 VALEA CĂLUGĂREASCĂ • 24 January - Unification of Romanian Principalities - cultural and arts events Arva • 31 January- Ion Luca Caragiale (162th anniversary of the writer’s birth). Narrations, Coslegi readings, shows Dîrvari Pantazi • 9 May - Independence Day of Romania, Europe Day Rachieri • 26-28 September – Feast of the Wine, 13th edition. Complex art event Radila • 21 December - (auditorium of the ˮGheorghe Ionescu Sisești” Agricultural College). Schiau Valea Largă Primim colindătorii (Carol Singers Are Welcome). Preserving Romanian Customs Valea Mantei Valea Nicovani Valea Poienii Valea Popii Valea Ursoi Vîrfurile 319 Part I: The Growth Pole’s Profile 2 Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations 321 Part I: The Growth Pole’s Profile 2 Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs 323 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs 2.1.1. The pyramid of development needs The territorial diagnosis is based on the sectors of the current situation analysis, carried out in the previous chapter, underpinning the development needs, as identified by the citizens and by the private sector, based on Abraham Maslow’s pyramid model that has been used in the social sciences for over 70 years. Figure 100. Citizens’ Pyramid of Needs Figure 101. Private Sector’s Pyramid of Needs Quality Clusters of Life Effective and Effective and Efficient Administration Efficient Administration Climate Change Climate Change Social Inclusion Social Inclusion Connectivity Connectivity (roads, highways, airports, rail, etc.) (roads, highways, airports, rail, etc.) Housing and Basic Infrastructure Land, Office space, and Basic Infrastructure (water, wastewater, sanitation, etc.) (electricity, gas, water, etc.) Opportunities Qualified Labor Force (jobs, markets, education, healthcare, etc.) Population Dynamics Zoning of the Territory / Spatial Development The citizens’ pyramid of needs A city’s citizens are without a doubt its main constituent group. Citizens elect the mayor and the local council, and local authorities are directly responsible to them. The citizens’ needs can largely be clustered in the following five categories: opportunities; housing and basic infrastructure; connectivity; effective and efficient administration; quality of life. 1. Opportunities. The main attractions of cities are the opportunities they offer in terms of jobs, education, healthcare, and access to larger markets. Consequently, the development strategies have to identify ways to sustain economic development, attract the private sector, and generate business opportunities and jobs for people – both from outside and from within the city. 2 2. Housing and basic infrastructure. One of the basic conditions for a city’s offer is to meet the demands for housing and basic services (public utilities) in order to allow housing markets to function properly. The Growth Pole’s Profile 3. Connectivity. Good connectivity means that people will have easier access to more opportunities in the area (e.g. it will be easier for them to find another job), while companies will have easier access to a larger labour pool and to larger markets. 4. Effective and efficient administration. In their desire to get to work without a hassle, have clean streets and good quality services, be able to obtain licenses and permits easily, citizens require an efficient public administration, which responds to local needs effectively and keeps open communication channels, while engaging citizens in the process of decision-making. 5. Quality of life. When the conditions at the bottom of the pyramid are met, the aspects relating to the quality of life are crucial aspects that determine citizens’ decisions to settle in a city or another. These aspects imply attractive public I spaces, good urban design, beautiful buildings, a thriving cultural life, entertainment opportunities, etc. 324 The private sector’s pyramid of needs The private sector is a city’s source of economic dynamism, and an active local economy acts as a magnet for people. For the local authorities it is therefore important to identify ways to address some of the key needs of the private sector. These can be grouped in the following categories: qualified workforce; land and basic infrastructure; connectivity; effective and efficient administration; clusters. 1. Qualified workforce. The key source of a company’s productivity lies in its people. It is people who think and design products and services, it is people who produce these products and services, and it is people who ultimately market and sell them. Thus, when a company decides where to locate, or when an entrepreneur decides where to start a business, the availability of qualified workforce is one of the first things they take into consideration. 2. Land, Office Space, and Basic Infrastructure. Every business requires a place from which to operate. Some companies simply rent or purchase an existent office space, while others require a new plot of land on which to develop their facilities. It is therefore important for local authorities to have a good grasp of the availability of office space (i.e. vacancy rates) and land parcels in the areas they administrate (e.g. brownfields or greenfields). 3. Connectivity. Connectivity is paramount to the private sector; it supports the access to workforce and to internal and external markets. Easy access to a qualified labor pool implies well-developed local and regional infrastructure, which allows easy commuting. Easy access to markets requires a modernized highway network, good airport, rail, and naval infrastructure, as well as the availability of a proper ICT (information and communication) infrastructure. 4. Effective and Efficient Administration. Private companies require both public policies and public infrastructure to function effectively. Some require that construction permits be made available on time, some may require a road connection to the major road infrastructure in the area, and others may require appropriate tax policies. 5. Clusters. As counterintuitive as it may sound, private companies need other companies in the same sector to be effective. The co-location of similar companies enables easier flow of ideas, seamless access to qualified workforce, and higher productivity driven by local competition. Cross-cutting issues In both pyramids, all these city development sectors have a spatial dimension, relating to the zoning of the territory, and a demographic dimension, influencing the population dynamics. In addition to these basic components of a city’s pyramid of needs, there are a number of cross-cutting issues that should be taken into consideration in the process of decision-making at the city level – social inclusion and climate change. a. The spatial dimension. As public or private investments take place on a plot of land, they influence the spatial development of the territory. Therefore, this dimension covers aspects such as the supply and demand of land, the advantages related to settling there, functional zoning and territorial expansion, which are critical for the development of cities, as well as for the cooperation between administrative units in the growth pole and the protection of the resources and natural heritage, etc. b. The demographic dimension. The residents of a city across all age, gender, occupation, etc. groups are the essential condition of its existence. The way they evolve – naturally or as a result of the implementation of development-related decisions – is crucial for the future of the city. This dimension is reflected in the evolution and dynamics of the population, as well as in the way people are attracted or not by the city, based on the response to the needs identified in the two pyramids. c. Social inclusion. Regardless of how developed a city is, it will always have to deal with social inclusion issues – i.e. there will always be a part of the local population that will be directly or indirectly discriminated. Actively promoting social inclusion not only helps achieve social desiderates, but it is also a critical tool for achieving economic goals. d. Climate change. The more cities develop, the more they tend to pollute. In fact, cities are responsible for around 70% of global greenhouse gases emissions. Local authorities should therefore think their projects through the lens of climate change, assessing whether those projects help address climate change issues or whether they make them worse. 325 2.1.2. Sectoral diagnosis Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs Consequently, the territorial diagnosis examines all these issues in light of the conclusions of the previous chapter, focusing on the problems in the respective areas, as well as on the impact that the projects implemented during 2007-2014 may have on development trends, while making recommendations for their further consideration in the formulation process of the strategy. Map 111. Spatial development and zoning of the territory 2 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 326 1. Ploieşti – Prahova Growth Pole is the largest urban agglomeration in the South Muntenia Region, consisting of a network of urban and rural territorial-administrative units (TAUs): three cities, one municipality, and 10 communes. 2. The growth pole territory is mainly rural, measuring 445.79 km2, compared to 163.25 km2 (urban territory). In terms of property type, 79.9% of the land is privately owned and 20.1% is in public ownership. 3. The territory covered by the town planning documentation is as follows: • 70.4% agricultural land, most of it being arable land (54.4%), and the rest mainly pastures and hayfields (9.7%), vineyards (3.6%), and orchards (2.6%); • Forests (9.1%); • Waters (2.2%); • Constructions (13.1%); • Means of communication (4.2%); • Degraded and unproductive land (0.9%). 4. Ploieşti Growth Pole comprises several territorial-administrative units with a varied functional profile, determined by: • Agriculture, with added value from viticulture and fruit growing (the east-northeast area of the growth pole); • Road freight transport and pipeline transport; • Production and manufacturing activities involving mainly electronic and electric equipment for automobiles, mining equipment, clothing; • Trade and services – particularly engineering and consulting, financial services, operational in the central (mainly urban) area of the growth pole. 1. The reduction of the agricultural land area by 3.9% following the expansion of urban / rural build-up areas 2. Uncontrolled urban development usually on land with no public infrastructure, leading to additional environmental costs and public utilities operating costs Key issues 3. The existence of polluted industrial land / brownfield sites as a result of the reduction of activities on industrial platforms 4. Scarcity of green spaces and recreational zones The construction of dwellings on vacant land in Ploieşti municipality, Păuleşti, and Blejoi communes with private financing The development of industrial parks included in the 2007-2013 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) with private financing: Relevant projects over • “Ploieşti West Park” Industrial Park the 2007-2014 period • W.D.P. Development Ro. SRL Industrial Park (a branch of Warehouse De Paw) Drafting the General Urban Plans for the component TAUs and the Local Urban Plans for land development / function changes and urban regulations 1. Increase in the number of requests for changing land functionality (through Zonal Urban Plans concerning changes of destination for municipal investments, lots for housing, accessibility, etc.) 2. Concentration of investments in areas with high accessibility by road and railway to Development trends industrial parks and shopping centers 3. Development in coordination with Bucharest-Ilfov region, by competing and cooperating with Bucharest and the locations available in Ilfov county 1. The recovery of polluted territories as a result of oil extraction and processing activities by decontaminating and converting them into construction land and green areas 2. Enlarging the surface of green zones and leisure zones Strategy 3. Protecting agricultural land, forests, and green areas against uncontrolled expansion recommendations of built-up areas through specific urban regulations 4. Developing logistics hubs in the south and east of the growth pole, thus ensuring the connectivity with the Corridors IV and IX in the European network TEN-T 327 I 2 The Growth Pole’s Profile Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs 328 Map 112. Demographic dynamics 1. The growth pole has 327,309 inhabitants. The average density is 539 inhabitants/km2. Between 2002 and 2011, the population of Ploieşti municipality dropped by 9.7% and the population of the Growth Pole by 7.5%, both due to the negative natural growth and high levels of migration towards EU countries and Bucharest city. 2. Following a phenomenon of suburbanization, Păuleşti, Blejoi, Târgşoru Vechi, Bucov, and Bărcăneşti communes have recorded positive values due to the migration of the population from Ploieşti and Plopeni towards these areas. 3. The structure of the population by age indicates an increasingly pronounced phenomenon of demographic aging. The degree of dependence of the population by age, expressed as a ratio between the elderly (over 60) and the young people aged up to 15 years, is 156%. 4. In Băicoi, Ploieşti, Păuleşti, and Dumbrăveşti, there is an increase in the share of old-aged population, which accounts for about a third of the total population in the growth pole. 1. The negative demographic dynamics / constant process of reduction and aging of Key issues the population • Projects on increasing the growth pole’s accessibility, included in the 2007-2013 IDP Relevant projects over the • Projects aiming at creating jobs through the development of industrial parks 2007-2014 period 1. Increase in the population density, up to 700 inhabitants/km in the north / north- west of the growth pole (in a positive development scenario) 2. Further attraction of a significant proportion of young people towards Prahova Development trends County, in particular from the rural areas 3. Increase in the share of people aged over 65 due to lower birth rates 1. Developing and improving healthcare and social services 2. Initiating and implementing active measures to increase competitiveness at the level of the workforce, largely depending on the capacity of the private sector and the Strategy Oil and Gas University of Ploieşti to train specialists and to do research / development recommendations 3. Stimulating investments in infrastructure and transport in order to support labor mobility 329 Map 113. Economic structure Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs 2 The Growth Pole’s Profile 1. The economic profile of the growth pole is dominated by the following industries: electronics, electric power and equipment, services, and constructions. The effects of the economic crisis affected the construction and manufacturing industries, while in agriculture, energy, information and communications the number of companies has increased. 2. 64.6% of the active companies in Prahova County are found in Ploiești Growth Pole. The market structure comprises microenterprises (88.9%), SMEs (10.7%), and large companies (0.4%). Over the 2007-2013 period, the total of direct I foreign investments was of EUR 470 million (capital contributions, amounts reinvested from the profit). 330 3. Locally, the business support infrastructure is well developed (the industrial parks area and the jobs created there place the pole on the first position). The 8 authorized industrial parks (4 publicly owned and 4 privately owned) have attracted investments of over EUR 500 million and have created 10,000 jobs. 4. Ploieşti Growth Pole has important competitive advantages in the energy and extractive industries, as well as average competitive advantages in the manufacturing industry (petrochemistry, machinery and equipment, food and beverages), and transport and logistics. 1. A decrease by 13.9% in the number of active companies in Ploieşti Growth Pole in the 2007-2013 period, due to the economic crisis 2. Reduced entrepreneurial development (number of enterprises/1,000 inhabitants) 3. The local economy is dominated by companies with foreign capital and a large part Key issues of the local economy is dependent on the oil market 4. The lack of functional business networks, supply chains, and innovative clusters 5. A decline in the local RDI sector, due to the underfunding of this field Projects for the development of business infrastructure – services and production through public and private investments, such as: • The multipurpose business center “Lumina Verde” • The Business Excellence Center for Young Entrepreneurs • The industrial parks managed by the County Council’s companies in Ploieşti, Plopeni, Brazi, Bărcăneşti • “Ploieşti West Park” Industrial Park • W.D.P. Development Ro. SRL Industrial Park (a branch of Warehouse De Paw) • The modernization of Petrobrazi Refinery and the construction of Brazi Thermal Relevant projects over the Power Plant (OMV Petrom) 2007-2014 period Projects focusing on the RDI sector (implemented by the Oil and Gas University of Ploieşti): • Competitiveness pole to increase economic productivity through innovative use of virtual reality, in order to provide services for the essential infrastructures –CREVIS • Information technology for image promotion and management of information from graduates and businesses in order to adapt the management policy to socio-economic requirements • A regional center for determining performance and monitoring the technical condition of the tubular material used in the oil industry 1. The development of sectors with a potential for smart economic specialization, such as the oil and gas extraction and processing industry, the automotive industry, the machinery and equipment industry 2. The development of R&D activities in the field of renewable energy technology Development trends 3. The development of both the infrastructure and the transport and logistics services 4. The development of the ICT sector 5. The development of private initiatives concerning the consolidation of tourism infrastructure adapted to the features of the growth pole 1. The extension and specialization of the local business support infrastructure 2. Developing partnerships between private companies and education units 3. Supporting the production chain by facilitating the companies’ access to research Strategy results, technology, and human resources recommendations 4. Developing services according to market demand, focusing on the population, innovation / creativity, and tourism 5. Supporting business initiatives / local entrepreneurship 331 I 2 The Growth Pole’s Profile Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs 332 Map 114. Structure of the workforce 1. The 2011 census indicates that 46.1% of the population from Ploieşti Growth Pole was active; 41.9% of the people were employed, and 4.2% were unemployed. In 2014 there was a 2.8% increase in the number of employees, compared to 2011. A percentage of 79% of the working population is active in the private sector, while 13% is employed in the public sector. 2. There is a negative trend in the number of employees in Ploieşti municipality (-13%), Plopeni (-31.7%), and Dumbrăveşti (-30.6%), while in other localities the trend is positive: Ariceştii Rahtivani (218%) Brazi (45%), Păuleşti (24%), Târgşoru Vechi, and Bărcăneşti (20% each). 3. The services sector provides 57% of all jobs, followed by the industry with 28%, agriculture and forestry – 8%, and the construction sector – 7%. 4. The total migration balance of Ploieşti Growth Pole is negative, since 3,177 people changed their residence during 2007-2013, thus contributing by about 40% to the reduction in the number of inhabitants. Instead, Ploieşti municipality attracts a significant number of commuters from the neighboring communes and towns (215 commuters at 1,000 inhabitants). 1. Shortage at the level of the workforce having completed secondary education 2. Low competitiveness – only 12% of the population is involved in activities with a higher level of pay (ICT, financial intermediation, scientific, technical and vocational activities, the extractive industry, energy) 3. Aging workforce Key issues 4. High percentage of the population employed in subsistence agriculture (in the communes around Ploieşti municipality) 5. Massive migration of the workforce to Bucharest city, as well as a significant capacity for attracting the workforce from surrounding areas Projects aimed at business development by creating jobs (section 2.4) Projects aimed at the development of human resources (vocational training) and co- financed through the SOP HRD, such as: Relevant projects over the • Strategic tools for Employment in the Tourism Industry 2007-2014 period • Projects implemented by Oil and Gas University of Ploieşti (vocational training, doctoral programs, teacher training programs, etc.) • Training for the labor market 1. Workforce development for the 18-25 age segment using the investments made in the 2007-2013 period (e.g. Center of Excellence for Young Entrepreneurs) Development trends 2. Coordinating education measures with labor market particularities 3. Reducing foreign immigration in terms of number / quantity 1. Reintroducing the technical and vocational education Strategy 2. Developing employment measures through advisory services for the elderly recommendations 3. Stimulating labor mobility at the regional level 333 I 2 The Growth Pole’s Profile Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs 334 Map 115. Environmental quality and pollution control 1. Air quality has significantly improved in the growth pole in recent decades, due to the reduction of pollution from industrial activities and the decrease of emissions from electricity and heat production. 2. The pollution level of surface waters and groundwater has declined in recent years, reaching values below the maximum ones allowed. 3. There are no dangerous concentrations of pollutants in the soil samples collected. 1. Air pollution and noise pollution caused by road transport, especially along the north- south axis, near the railway stations, in industrial areas and on the streets crossed by trams or open to heavy traffic 2. No sewerage system in some districts in urban centers and rural areas – a major Key issues risk of polluting surface waters and groundwater 3. The existence of more than 100 ha of contaminated sites as a result of economic activities, especially in the field of oil extraction and processing industry 4. The scarcity of woodland, especially in the south of the territory (in the plains) Projects for the rehabilitation, extension and modernization of the water and sanitation network, co-financed from the SOP Environment, as well as those implemented in Ploieşti from APA NOVA’s own funds by reducing the risk of water pollution Relevant projects over the Projects for the rehabilitation of the tram transport infrastructure in Ploieşti 2007-2014 period municipality and for the modernization of the street network, resulting in the reduction of the level of noise and air pollution An IBRD + GEF + Prahova County Council Project on the Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control in Târgşoru Vechi 1. Expanding the industrial parks and attracting new potentially polluting activities 2. Expanding the sewerage networks and reducing the risk of pollution of surface waters and of groundwater Development trends 3. Implementing the integrated waste management project and reducing the related risk of soil / water pollution 1. Recovering the polluted territories as a result of oil extraction and processing activities through decontaminating and converting them into construction land and green areas Strategy 2. Monitoring the operators holding Greenhouse Gas Emissions Permits for the recommendations operation of installations under the provisions of Law no. 278/2013 on industrial emissions 335 I 2 The Growth Pole’s Profile Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs 336 Map 116. Accessibility and mobility 1. Ploieşti – Prahova Growth Pole is well connected to the road and rail traffic networks by national roads in good condition (DN 1 / E60 and DN 1B / E577, DN 1A, DN 72, DN 1D) and by the main railway Bucharest-Braşov and Bucharest-Buzău. On road corridors the journey takes less than 40 minutes inside the pole, while outside the pole is connected through a 60-minute isochronous line to Henri Coanda International Airport, Bucharest and the territorial- administrative units of tourist interest -Sinaia and Buşteni. 2. The road network has been continuously modernized inside the growth pole, due to substantial investment from various sources of funding, and the flow of road traffic has also increased (e.g. 30,000 - 40,000 vehicles per day). 3. Across Ploieşti municipality there are 1.18 victims per accident, below the national average, which reaches 1.34 deaths/accident. 1. The accessibility is limited by the lack of rapid transport links with Braşov, Buzău, and Târgovişte municipalities; the national roads connecting these urban poles record high traffic values, congestion, and accident risks 2. The road transport infrastructure inside the growth pole is in poor condition, causing traffic congestion, reduced mobility, and air pollution 3. There are no intermodal terminals to ensure quick transfer from one type of transport to another (rail, urban and interurban transport, bicycle and pedestrian, etc.) 4. There is no extensive traffic management system, especially at the level of Key issues penetration roads (from the north to the south and from the east to the west), and roads with limited transport capacity, due inclusively to the existence of intersections with inadequate geometry and facilities 5. There is no integrated transport system at the metropolitan (urban and interurban) level in terms of stations, transport schedules, and pricing 6. There are no parking spaces especially in areas with an increased flow of visitors / travelers 7. There are areas / districts with poor accessibility (e.g. Mitică Apostol district) 337 Projects on increasing the growth pole accessibility, included in the 2007-2013 IDP Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs • Increasing the traffic capacity by building a road connection between DN 1 and DN 1B (building the county beltway DJ 236) in the north of Ploieşti municipality • Increasing the accessibility to the north of the Growth Pole, especially to Prahova County Hospital, by building the passage way along DJ 102 over DN 1B • Increasing the accessibility and streamlining the traffic to Ploieşti West industrial area and Brazi industrial platform • The rehabilitation of DJ 101G Tătărani (DJ 101D) – Brazi – Brazii De Jos – Tinosu – Şirna – Hăbud – Crivăţu (DN 1A) Km 0+000 – Km 24+020, Prahova county, Km 24+020 – Km 30+120, Dâmboviţa county • Increasing the traffic capacity by upgrading and rehabilitating DJ 101D, between km 4+300 (the limit of Ploieşti municipality and the overpass ramp point) and km 6+300 (roundabout – DN 1A intersection), including the passage over Ploieşti marshalling yard – Ghighiu Railway at km 4+300, in order to improve accessibility from/to DN 1 Relevant projects over the Projects aimed at increasing the mobility of public transport by rehabilitating the 101 2007-2014 period and 102 tram routes, by performing works aimed at runways, stations adapted for people with disabilities, rolling stock, signaling, and automation elements Other smaller scale projects financed from the local budget comprising: • the rehabilitation of Mihai Bravu Street, Republicii Blv., Ghighiului Street, South Railway Station’s passage • street packages (including sidewalks) in the following districts - Bereasca, 9 Mai, Enăchiță Văcărescu, Malu Roşu, Moțoi, Râfov, Găgeni, Gheorghe Doja, Vega, Mitică Apostol, Peneş Curcanul, etc. • building parking areas on Republicii Blv. and Gh. Doja Street; building parking areas with green slabs in the northern, western, and central-southeastern areas • reconstructing the pavement of the Administrative Palace, the esplanade of the Cultural House of Syndicates, the pedestrian zones at Complex Nord and on Toma Caragiu Street • building the above-ground parking lot on Cuza Vodă Street 1. Increased number of trips to the areas with logistics hubs / industrial parks and to the central area of Ploieşti municipality 2. Improved access to the European transport network TEN-T Development trends 3. Extension of pedestrian zones in the central area and railway stations in Ploieşti municipality and the development of bicycle traffic 1. Increasing the flow of traffic by building grade-separated crossings in the intersections with high traffic flow 2. Measures to improve traffic management inside the growth pole in order to reduce 2 delays and accidents 3. The development and modernization of the fleet of (clean) public transport means Strategy inside the growth pole The Growth Pole’s Profile recommendations 4. The development of intermodality in the West and North Railway Stations in Ploieşti municipality 5. Improving the monitoring systems for air pollution, particularly for CO2 emissions 6. The further development of alternative forms of transport (e.g. bicycles) 7. Implementing measures to enlarge green spaces in high traffic areas I 338 339 Energy and data connectivity Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs 1. The territorial-administrative units composing the growth pole are connected to the natural gas and electricity distribution networks. In Brazi, the most modern natural gas-fired thermal power station in Romania started functioning. 2. Ploieşti municipality is one of the most important energy centers in the country, pooling a series of conventional and renewable resources (solar energy, agricultural biomass, etc.). 3. The ICT sector developed in all areas of the city and in the rural and urban areas of the growth pole (62,053 landlines, of which 52,055 for individuals and 9,998 for legal persons). 1. The physical wear of the network and connecting pipes for natural gas, which need replacement and refurbishment Key issues 2. The wear of the electricity distribution network and the absence of an underground sewerage system Projects funded with the private funds of sector operators, aimed at replacing the existing networks by modern ones (replacing about 94 km of natural gas distribution network in Ploieşti municipality), along with their expansion in urban and rural localities in the Growth Pole. Relevant projects over the Cogeneration projects included in the 2007-2013 IDP: 2007-2014 period • The development of electricity (and heat) production capacity for own consumption by exploiting the renewable energy resources in Dumbrăveşti commune • Supplementing the classical gas heating system using solar energy in Valea Călugărească commune, Prahova county 1. Developing forms of renewable, clean energy in rural areas Development trends 2. Increasing the demand for Internet services and increasing the number of wi-fi spots in cities and attraction points for residents, tourists, and visitors 1. The continued development of measures concerning the use of unconventional energy resources Strategy 2. Measures for making the production of conventional energy more efficient and recommendations environment-friendly 3. Measures for increasing the research capacity in order to produce renewable energy 2 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 340 Map 117. Energy and data connectivity 341 Public utilities Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs 1. Most of the population in the growth pole has access to drinking water supply, since in recent years there have been major network expansions. Drinking water distribution services are provided by a number of different economic agents, state-owned or private. 2. The local heating system is one of the most developed in the country in terms of production capacities (including cogeneration), number of consumers, and supply price. 1. The water supply and sanitation network in urban areas is old and there is no sewerage in Berceni, Dumbrăveşti, and Târgşoru Vechi communes; in Bărcăneşti and Ariceştii Rahtivani the sewerage network measures 1-2 km Key issues 2. The absence of public water supply and / or sanitation systems in some urban districts (e.g. Mitică Apostol) 3. Significant losses (up to 25% of the energy amount produced) and additional costs in the district heating system Rehabilitation and modernization of the water and sanitation systems: • A project of HIDRO Prahova at the level of Băicoi and Plopeni TAUs with co-financing from the SOP Environment 2007-2013 • Projects supported by the Government and by private operators, with funds allocated for the same purpose to the cities of Ploieşti and Băicoi, and also to some of the rural localities • Works for the extension and modernization of the water and sanitation network in several areas of Ploieşti (in the following districts: Bereasca, Mihai Bravu, Peneş Curcanul, Malu Roşu, Gh. Doja, Râfov, Găgeni) Waste management: • A project for the implementation of an integrated waste management system in Prahova County (SOP Environment 2007-2013), which includes the construction of transfer plants (Boldeşti-Scăeni), sorting plants (Boldeşti-Scăeni), waste composting plants (Boldeşti-Scăeni), mechanical and biological treatment plant (Ploieşti), as well as the greening of the former inadequate storehouse in Ploieşti and the purchase of equipment and vehicles for waste collection. Relevant projects over the Heating system: 2007-2014 period • Investment of the private operator in the Brazi power plant, the Gas Turbine (TAG), and the primary and secondary networks Thermal energy cogeneration: • The development of electricity (and heat) production capacity for own consumption by exploiting the renewable energy resources in Dumbrăveşti commune • Using solar energy to produce hot water in the protection units for children and adults with disabilities within Prahova Directorate General for Social Assistance and Child Protection • Using solar energy to produce hot water in county medical units, which are under the 2 public domain of Prahova county • Supplementing the classical gas heating system by using solar energy in Valea Călugărească commune, Prahova county The Growth Pole’s Profile • Using solar energy to produce hot water in the medical and social assistance unit in Boldeşti-Scăeni • Using solar energy to produce hot water in the local healthcare units of Băicoi City Hospital – main building, the city hospital, the building of the Annex no. 8, Unirii street. 1. Implementing the Water and Sanitation Master Plan of the County, which stipulates investments in the areas not covered by public utility networks, with co-financing from European and national programs to achieve the targets set by the EU Directives in the Development trends field until 2018 2. Implementing the project regarding the integrated waste management system in I 342 Prahova, financed with EU funds under the SOP Environment 2007-2013 Map 118. Public utilities 1. The modernization and extension of water supply and sanitation networks in all Strategy localities of the growth pole recommendations 2. Raising awareness at the population level concerning selective waste collection 343 Public space Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs 1. Most public spaces are concentrated in the center of Ploieşti, being arranged around objectives of public interest, including in front of the railway stations. 2. The green areas are dispersed around the growth pole and comprise: (a) green areas along the street network; (b) squares and landscaped green areas between the blocks; (c) parks and public squares; (d) recreational and sports parks. 3. The public lighting services in the component localities are provided either by private companies to which the management of these services was delegated by concession, or by the local public authorities and ELECTRICA. 1. Unattractive public spaces in all localities of the growth pole, absence of pedestrian zones, squares and meeting places Key issues 2. Absence of public environmental / architectural lighting 3. Shortage of green and recreational spaces Projects for the building, modernization, and maintenance of green spaces: • Building Ploieşti West municipal park, including access roads and specific urban network • Building a park in Băicoi town in the “Lake” area • Landscaping Valea Călugărească park Relevant projects over the • Improving the quality of the environment in Plopeni town by modernizing the parks 2007-2014 period • Modernization and maintenance – Constantin Stere Memorial Park in Bucov, Tineretului Park, Toma Caragiu Park, Câineni Park Building playgrounds in Ploieşti municipality (Cameliei street, Mărăşeşti, Sports Hall, Bucharest Blv., Arboretum, Cibinului street, Mihai Bravu street, Malu Roşu area, Modern Park, Republicii Blv., etc.) 1. The renovation and thermal rehabilitation of public buildings, with impact on the need for rehabilitating the central public space or the space between blocks Development trends 2. The development of intermodal terminals – impacting the public space around the railway stations 3. The recovery of polluted land and its conversion into green areas 1. Establishing new green, sports, and leisure areas, covering a minimum of 200 ha, in Strategy order to comply with the European standards recommendations 2. Expanding the public lighting system by implementing innovative solutions (LED technology or the dosage of light intensity) 2 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 344 Map 119. Public space 345 Housing Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs 1. The dynamics of the housing stock over the 2007-2013 period reflects a phenomenon of suburbanization, with expantions between 10.4% and 31.9% in Blejoi, Târgşoru Vechi, Păuleşti, Bucov, and Ariceştii Rahtivani. 2. In Ploieşti municipality, about 10.1% of the dwellings are secondary, especially those situated in apartment blocks; many people actually live in surrounding rural areas. 3. Drinking water is supplied to 96.7% of the households in Ploieşti Growth Pole – 92.9% get drinking water from the public network and 3.8% from their own systems. Of these, 6.6% do not have a water supply installation inside the household, but only in the building or outside it (according to the 2011 census). 1. The number of dwellings without water and without sanitation is relatively large, especially in Berceni, Dumbrăveşti, and Valea Călugărească communes 2. 836 households are not connected to the electricity grid (0.6% of the total housing stock) 3. The average age of residential buildings exceeds 50 years; 65.5% of these buildings Key issues were built before the 1977 earthquake and have a high seismic risk 4. Only a limited number of apartment blocks have renovated heating systems or are consolidated against earthquakes 5. The unattractive public space between the blocks 6. The absence of a social housing stock • The construction of new dwellings – a total of 4,144 dwellings were finalized in Ploieşti Growth Pole, of which 1,270 (30.6% of the total number) in Ploieşti municipality, and nearly 3,000 in the neighboring localities (of these, only 228 were built with public funds, namely those provided by the National Housing Agency) Relevant projects over the • Thermal rehabilitation projects for 54,021 dwellings (Ploieşti municipality, Plopeni 2007-2014 period city, Blejoi, Păuleşti, and Brazi communes; more than 40% of the housing units have upgraded heating systems) • Building playgrounds in Ploieşti municipality (Cameliei street, Mărăşeşti, Sports Hall, Bucharest Blv., Arboretum, Cibinului street, Mihai Bravu street, Malu Roşu area, Modern Park, Republicii Blv., etc.) 1. Extending the urban infrastructure by implementing the County Master Plan for Development trends Water and Sanitation 2. An increased demand for social housing 1. The modernization and extension of the water supply and sanitation networks in all localities of the growth pole Strategy 2. The seismic evaluation of the buildings constructed before the 1977 earthquake recommendations 3. The thermal rehabilitation of the blocks situated on major traffic arteries 4. Developing the public spaces between the blocks 2 The Growth Pole’s Profile I 346 Map 120. Housing 347 Education Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs 1. The local educational infrastructure has steadily improved in recent years due to investments from various sources of financing, including from European funds. 2. The dropout rate remains below the average at the regional and national level, but still records high values in the case of vocational education and in the case of students coming from rural areas and Roma families. 3. The number of commuting students is high: 6,700 students in Prahova county – especially from a 30 km (maximum) radius – study in Ploieşti municipality. 4. The only higher education institution is Oil and Gas University (with a total of 8,000 students in 2013/2014). 5. The offer of continuous professional training courses at the local level is diverse and covers a large number of occupations for people with secondary and higher education; the providers are public institutions, NGOs, and private companies. 1. The deficiencies in the educational infrastructure related to the condition of the buildings and their energy efficiency, the provision of furniture, equipment, sports Key issues infrastructure 2. The low number of students due to migration to other university centers. A project for the rehabilitation of the educational infrastructure, financed from the local budget: • Internal heating installations and the installation of boilers at Radu Stanian Secondary School, Kindergarten no. 7, Ienăchiţă Văcărescu Secondary School, Florin Comişel Secondary School, Kindergarten no. 38, School no. 13, School no. 19, Kindergarten no. 4, Ion Creangă Secondary School, Jean Monnet High School • The restoration of the roof at Mihai Viteazul National College • The restoration of the fencing at the Grigore Moisil Secondary School • The installation of video surveillance equipment in 41 educational units • The replacement of the carpentry at I.L. Caragiale National College Relevant projects over the • The modernization of 12 sports fields in school units 2007-2014 period • Current repair works at over 70 educational units • The consolidation of Petrol Teleajen School Group, Nichita Stănescu National College, Andrei Mureşanu Secondary School, and Rareş Vodă Secondary School • The construction of a sports hall at Nicolae Bălcescu Secondary School • Providing beds to full-day kindergartens • The construction of two new kindergartens on Bobâlna and Mărăşeşti streets • The construction of public utility networks at the Sports Hall of Grigore Moisil Secondary School and Sf. Vineri Secondary School Projects for human resources development (vocational training) co-financed through the SOP HRD (section 2.5.) Reduction in the number of students due to negative demographic outlook 2 Development trends 1. The development and modernization of the educational infrastructure in terms of The Growth Pole’s Profile equipment and endowment Strategy 2. The development of public transport for commuting students recommendations 3. The development of the post-secondary / vocational education system I 348 Map 121. Education 349 Healthcare and Social Services Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs 1. The network of public medical units is complex, comprising hospitals with unique specializations in the county and serving over 700,000 inhabitants. 2. The number of admissions to local hospitals decreased by 20% compared to 2007, since patients started shifting to ambulatory care services and the public health network underwent restructuring. 3. In Ploieşti municipality, the recipients of social benefits represent about 7% of the population, including persons receiving benefits for serious disabilities, personal assistants of people with serious disabilities, households benefiting from municipal aid for heating, persons benefiting from food support through the PEAD Programme, pensioners with an income below 400 lei/month, the unemployed, and the recipients of the guaranteed minimum income. 1. Poor health infrastructure (including buildings which are unfit for the provision of quality medical services) 2. Insufficient capacity and inadequate medical equipment endowment at the Key issues ambulatory care units that are integrated into hospitals 3. No category I or II medical units to provide a wide range of quality medical services 4. Chronic shortage of medical staff due to external and internal migration of the specialized staff Health infrastructure: • Investments in rehabilitating the premises and modern medical equipment for the 3 hospitals managed by Prahova County Council (Ploieşti County Emergency Hospital, Ploieşti Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, and Ploieşti Pediatric Hospital) • Investments in the rehabilitation of the medical infrastructure of the Oncology Department of the Municipal Hospital and at the Hospital of Infectious Diseases • Building the Mental Health Center for Children in Ploieşti municipality • The cogeneration project – Using solar energy to produce hot water in several county medical units in the public domain of Prahova County (Ploieşti County Emergency Hospital) • Increasing the efficiency of the healthcare services provided by the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital through the implementation of e-health solutions • Developing the medical IT system through e-health services for the benefit of Relevant projects over the Prahova County residents 2007-2014 period Projects regarding the social service infrastructure, co-financed through the ROP: • The rehabilitation / modernization / expansion and specific equipping of the Care and Assistance Center for Disabled Adults in Băicoi • “A chance for a new sunbeam” (“O şansă pentru o nouă rază de soare”) – The rehabilitation / modernization / expansion, and specific equipping of the community services complex “Rază de Soare” • The rehabilitation / modernization / expansion and specific equipping of the Neuropsychiatric Recovery and Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Adults in Ariceştii 2 Rahtivani commune • The rehabilitation / modernization / expansion and specific equipping of the Cireşarii The Growth Pole’s Profile Emergency Placement Center in Ploieşti • Establishing a retirement home by changing the destination of the barracks in no. 11A, Cosminelor street in Ploieşti 1. The pressure on the network of local medical facilities due to aging population and insufficient prevention measures Development trends 2. The development of the private sector by providing quality medical services 3. An increase in the number of people at risk of social exclusion (dependent elderly people, homeless people, children with parents working abroad, the disabled, etc.) 1. Modernizing and expanding the medical infrastructure Strategy 2. Facilitating the access to health services for the population in communes I recommendations 3. The involvement of NGOs in providing social services 350 Map 122. Healthcare and Social Services 351 Culture and Recreation Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.1. Conclusions on Development Needs 1. Ploieşti-Prahova Growth Pole has a rich cultural heritage – 193 historical monuments (according to the 2010 List of historical monuments), of which 63 of national interest. 2. The movable cultural heritage encompasses nearly 1,000 assets with historical, archaeological, historical and documentary, artistic, ethnographic, scientific, and technical value and is found in the museums in the area and at Nicolae Iorga County Library. 3. The natural heritage consists of a series of areas with protection status established by the General Urban Plan of the communes and of Plopeni Forest (a protected area of community interest – SCI, with an area of 91 ha). 4. The local sports infrastructure has been diversified and modernized in recent years through public and private investments; thus, the sports clubs in the city have achieved great results. 1. Advanced degradation of some historical monuments subject to continuous aggression 2. Poor cultural infrastructure in small towns and neighboring rural localities, since Key issues relevant events are organized sporadically 3. Old and outdated sports facilities, hindering the development of performance sports (e.g. modern swimming pools for training) Projects concerning the cultural and historical heritage and recreational activities: • The restoration and strengthening Nicolae Simache Clock Museum in Ploieşti • Highlighting the heritage attractions on the Fruit Road route • A plunge into history on the Wine Road in Prahova county (Valea Călugărească commune) • The Salt Road – a geological metamorphosis in history (Dumbrăveşti commune) Relevant projects over the • The restoration and exploitation of the monastic assembly of Turnu Monastery 2007-2014 period (Târgşoru Vechi commune) • The rehabilitation, modernization, and endowment of the House of Culture (Plopeni) • The modernization / functional expansion of the Hippodrome in Ploieşti A project on the protection of the natural heritage • The Natura 2000 site – Plopeni Forest: management plan, courses of action and raising awareness Continuous pressures on the natural and built heritage – localization of economic Development trends activities, expanding the built-up areas of settlements, transport infrastructure, etc. 1. Restoring, strengthening, and protecting the built (urban and rural) heritage 2. Protecting the natural heritage Strategy 3. Promoting the cultural heritage and events in order to attract visitors recommendations 4. Developing the cultural infrastructure in communes 2 5. Developing the sports infrastructure (swimming pool) The Growth Pole’s Profile I 352 Map 123. Culture and Recreation 353 Part I: The Growth Pole’s Profile 2 Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.2. SWOT Analysis 355 2.2. SWOT Analysis Strengths Justification The Growth Pole is just 60 km away from Bucharest municipality, Romania’s capital city and one of the largest cities in Southeast Europe, with a market of nearly 3 million consumers, the Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.2. SWOT Analysis main administrative, economic, academic, cultural, and medical center and transport hub in the country. A great geographical position to Ploieşti Growth Pole is an integral part of an urban system with a population of over 4 million attract investments people, generating about 50% of the national GDP, along with Bucharest and Târgovişte municipalities, and is part of the development Axis Braşov-Ploieşti-Bucharest-Giurgiu, the most important transport and development corridor of Romania. Of all the growth poles in Romania, Ploieşti municipality has the greatest capacity to attract the workforce and the population from the surrounding area (215 commuters and 97 new residents for 1,000 people). Ploieşti Growth Pole concentrates 44% of the population in Prahova county and over 70% of The polarizing role in the county the total turnover generated at county level. In addition, the schools in the municipality attract and in the region nearly 7,000 pupils and students from the other localities in Prahova and the medical units have unique specializations at the county level. Also, there are a number of local institutions that provide services for the entire region (Oil and Gas University, the Regional Postal Directorate, the Regional General Directorate of Public Finances, etc.). The economic development of the municipality is closely linked to the advance of the hydrocarbons extraction and processing industry. In 1857, the first refining facility in the world was founded here. Four refineries with a processing capacity of over 10 million tons/year were built at the local level, and three of them are currently operational. At present, about 6,000 people are still employed directly in the extraction and processing of The tradition in the extractive hydrocarbons, representing less than 5% of the total employed population. All related services and energy sectors and activities included, the number of employees directly or indirectly dependent on the oil sector reaches about 20% of the local workforce. The natural gas-fired thermal power station in Brazi, inaugurated in 2011, is one of the most modern in Europe and can generate up to 10% of Romania’s energy needs. The area also has the most important cogeneration capacities in the country. In Ploieşti Growth Pole, there are 8 industrial parks, 4 of which are public and 4 private. They rank first nationwide in terms of the occupied area (800 ha) and the number of jobs (10,000). A solid network of industrial In addition, they represented the main advantage in attracting direct foreign investments parks amounting to EUR 500 million. Ploieşti municipality has direct access to two roads in the central TEN-T road network, DN 1 / E 60 (the highest traffic in the country, with an average of over 30,000 vehicles/day) and DN 1B / E 577, which ensures access to the most important areas in Romania: the capital city and Muntenia, Moldavia, and Transylvania. Recently, the A3 highway section linking Ploieşti to Bucharest was opened. The railway network is dense, Ploieşti municipality being one of the most important railway 2 High accessibility/connectivity junctions in Romania, located at the intersection of the main railways 300 (recently upgraded) and 500, linking Transylvania and Muntenia, Bucharest and Moldavia. The routes Bucharest- Ploieşti-Braşov and Bucharest-Ploieşti-Buzău are the most traveled in Romania, with more than 8,000 passengers per day. The Growth Pole’s Profile Ploieşti municipality is just 45 km away from Henri Coandă International Airport – Otopeni- Bucharest, the most important in Romania, with an annual average of more than 7 million passengers and with domestic and international routes to the most important cities in Europe and in the Near and Middle East. The total administrative area of Ploieşti Growth Pole is 609 km2, of which 70.4% is represented by agricultural land, mostly located in the rural localities around Ploieşti. 73.5% of the land is, on the other hand, situated outside the development boundary. The availability of land for The industrial areas, built mostly during the communist period, occupy 1,458 ha only in the spatial development municipality, being largely abandoned and having the potential to be repurposed for the expansion of residential, commercial, planted areas, etc. I 356 Strengths Justification The services providing and distributing drinking water and sanitation, and those providing and distributing heat in a centralized system have been leased to private operators since the late 1990s, even if part of the network investment obligations remained among the responsibilities of the local and county authorities. APA NOVA and DALKIA TERMO PRAHOVA provide quality services at much lower prices than The increased efficiency of public in most urban localities in Romania (by 45% for drinking water, which is the lowest supply utility services provided under price for all poles of growth in terms of thermal energy). Moreover, the funds allocated by the PPPs municipality to subsidize the heat supplied to the population are insignificant compared to other similar-sized cities in Romania. Private operators have invested tens of millions of euros in networks, equipment, and the implementation of new (including on-line) services, labor productivity being double compared to the public operators in the county and in the country. The number of companies with foreign capital in Prahova county increased by 42.8% and the subscribed capital by 165% between 2007 and 2013. Over 80% of these companies are located in Ploieşti Growth Pole; some of them are worldwide or European market leaders in their fields The high volume of direct foreign (e.g. COCA COLA, UNILEVER, LUFKIN, etc.). investments Prahova county ranks 11th nationally in terms of the number of companies established by foreign investors and 8th in terms of the value of the subscribed capital. Weaknesses Justification The national roads ensuring the access to Ploieşti Growth Pole have recorded some of the highest traffic averages in Romania (DN 1 – 25,000/40,000 vehicles/day; DN 1B – 22,000; DN 1A – 6,000/15,000; DN 72 – 12,000). Over 38,000 employees and nearly 7,000 children and students commute to the city every day. Reduced mobility especially at The biggest traffic flows enter the city through the following penetration roads: north-south the level of penetrating roads (Republicii Boulevard, Independenței Boulevard, Bucharest Boulevard), west (Ștrandului Street, Gheorghe Doja Street) and east (Gh. Gr. Cantacuzino Street). The highest numbers of accidents are recorded on these roads, some of them with victims. In 2011, only 40.8% of the dwellings in Ploieşti Growth Pole were rehabilitated, that percentage rising to 44.8% in the case of Ploieşti municipality. On the other hand, only 59.1% of the dwellings have insulated glazing. Most of the housing stock is about 50 years old, and over 30% of the walls of the dwellings are made of precast concrete, which is energetically inefficient. This is the case for nearly The low energy efficiency of 3,000 apartment blocks built during the communist period. Public buildings are in a similar public and residential buildings situation, even though some health and educational institutions have benefited from thermal rehabilitation works. Analyses have indicated the existence of urban heat islands in the municipality, located mainly in the central area and in the large collective housing complexes in the north and west sections of the city, which hosts buildings with a high level of heat transfer. Forests occupy only 9.1% of the administrative territory of Ploieşti Growth Pole, three times less than the national average. In Ploieşti municipality, the green and recreational areas occupy only 2% of the built-up area, a great deal smaller than the built areas. The average green area/capita is about 7 square Not enough public spaces meters/inhabitant, compared to an average of about 20 m2 in the other growth poles in Romania and to the international standards of 25-30 m2/inhabitant. Except for Bucov Park and Tineretului Park, the other planted areas in the city are small and scattered. The critical areas – due to soil degradation – in the Growth Pole total an area of 132.13 ha, of which around 100 ha are sites contaminated following oil extraction activities and oil waste storage. They are located mostly in Ploieşti, Valea Călugărească, Boldeşti-Scăeni, and Băicoi. The industrial areas in Ploieşti municipality, built mostly during the communist period, occupy The existence of brownfield sites, 1,458 ha only in Ploieşti municipality, being largely abandoned and posing major environmental including contaminated sites risks, due to their economic profile (the petrochemical industry, the machine building industry). Among the targeted areas with a reconversion potential are included: Astra Română Refinery (the north and south premises), Upetrom 1 Mai platform (partially), Grivco platform, Teleajen platform (partially), Dorobanţul platform. 357 Weaknesses Justification Between 2002 and 2011, the population of Ploieşti city decreased by 9.7% and that of the Growth Pole by 7.5%, due to the negative natural growth, internal and external migration, which affected about 10% of the resident population in the area. The demographic aging phenomenon in the Growth Pole is more pronounced than in other A high demographic decline and similar-sized cities in Romania, the ratio of elderly to young people is 156%. Compared to the an aging population previous census (in 2002), the share of young population decreased by over one percentage point, while the elderly population increased by 4.6 points, a trend that will continue in the future, amid rising life expectancy. Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.2. SWOT Analysis The public spaces in Ploieşti municipality are small in size and in batches, being mostly located in the central area (the esplanades and the pedestrian areas around the House of Culture and the Administrative Palace). Despite some public investments already completed (the Sports Hall, Ilie Oană Stadium, Bucov Unattractive public spaces and Park, Tineretului Park, etc.) or under implementation (the Hippodrome) and some private ones, leisure areas the recreational infrastructure in the Growth Pole remains restricted, old and outdated (e.g. Vega swimming pool). Also, the natural resources in the area are insufficiently exploited (e.g. Băicoi balneary resources). In 2011, in Ploieşti municipality, 11,504 people were living in underprivileged areas in terms of housing, 6,907 people were living in disadvantaged areas in terms of employment, and 13,905 people were living in disadvantaged areas in terms of human capital. On the other hand, 5,130 The existence of marginalized people (23% of which are Roma and 30% children) live in marginalized urban areas. areas / districts The most socially vulnerable areas identified in Ploieşti municipality are those in the periphery and located mostly in the south and east of the city: Mimiu, Râfov, Pictor Rosenthal, Moțoi, Bereasca. In terms of cultural vitality, in 2010, Ploieşti municipality ranked 18th nationally, behind all other growth poles - municipalities, and also behind other county capitals in South Muntenia Region, such as Târgovişte and Piteşti. The biggest deficiencies identified in the local cultural sector concern the scarce human resources and the insufficient activity of the NGO sector in the field. The share of the creative and cultural industries is up to 50% lower compared to the Low cultural vitality other growth poles. In the past seven years and except for cinemas, the cultural consumption significantly decreased (by 29.1% at the level of entertainment institutions). In addition, the number of organized cultural events is low compared to other cities with a similar size. 83.2% of the road network in the urban localities of Ploieşti Growth Pole was modernized; Băicoi has the highest number of unpaved streets, small towns being the most disadvantaged in this regard. In the rural areas, over 50% of the local roads are not modernized. In addition, even some modernized streets and sidewalks are in an advanced state of degradation. The wear of the technical urban In Ploieşti municipality there is a total of 65 streets that do not have a water supply network infrastructure and of the street (or they have only a partial one), and 218 without a sanitation system or with a partial one. network and the disparities However, the worst situation is in the rural areas of the Growth Pole - three of them (Berceni, between the localities in the Dumbrăveşti, Târgşoru Vechi) do not have a public sanitation network, but only individual growth pole solutions implemented by the owners. The water and sanitation network, including the wastewater treatment plant in Ploieşti, is in an advanced level of wear and tear due to its age and its small dimensions; it is not subject to investments made from non-refundable grants, as is the case of Băicoi and Plopeni towns. 2 Although the number of passengers using public transport means increased by 12.1% in the 2007-2013 period, only about 30% of the daily trips of Ploieşti residents are covered by the public transport – one of the lowest percentages of all growth poles and among similar cities in The Growth Pole’s Profile Eastern Europe. The limited interest in public The fleet of the passenger transport company (TCE) is extremely old (9-40 years), generating transport high costs of maintenance, long waiting times in the stations, and endangering passenger safety. Also, vehicles do not generally have air-conditioning and facilities for the disabled, which negatively affects passenger comfort. Another problem is the absence of a modern e-ticketing and passenger information system. I 358 Weaknesses Justification The manufacturing industry has remained the main employer in the Growth Pole, with a share of 24% of the total employed population, followed by trade (17%), agriculture (8%), constructions and transport (7% each), all of which are low added value activities. The poor development of the The activities with high added value and a higher level of pay (ICT, financial intermediation, tertiary sector scientific, technical and professional activities) do not employ more than 9% of the population, which explains the fact that the wages in the area are kept at a lower level than in other growth poles in Romania, with a more favorable economic structure. About 35,000 people residing in Ploieşti Growth Pole (10% of the total population) have migrated in the past two decades to other areas in Romania (especially to Bucharest) and to other countries; most of them are skilled persons, having graduated from high school and university (the “brain-drain” phenomenon). Therefore, the unemployment rate dropped to about 5-7%. A shortage of qualified middle- The number of students in the public technical and vocational education system decreased by and high-skilled workers 89.7% compared to 2007, most middle school graduates choosing technological high schools, where (generally) less than 40% of graduates obtain the baccalaureate diploma. The number of participants in professional training programs also remains low. In this context, most companies opt for qualification at the workplace and for the recruitment of personnel from other localities in the county. Ploieşti Growth Pole has no category I or category II medical units, which are typically located in university centers (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iaşi). For this reason, a large number of patients in the area requiring more complex consultations and interventions are turning to university clinics in the capital city. The local medical infrastructure is generally old and outdated, despite the investments made in recent years; the Pediatric Hospital or the ”Buna Vestire” Section of the County Hospital do not have adequate premises. All hospital units in the area require new quality medical equipment, as do the ambulatory care units integrated into hospitals. The poor health infrastructure Compared to 2007, the number of hospital beds in the public sector decreased by 9%, due to and the lack of specialized staff restructuring, which was only partially offset by the development of the private sector. Public health units (e.g. the Emergency Care Unit or the Ambulance Service) are facing an acute crisis of doctors and nurses (30-70% of the full-time positions), due to the migration to private establishments, and to the migration to other medical centers in the country or abroad. The life expectancy of the population is 75 years, 5 years below the EU-28 average and below the level recorded in other growth poles. In 2013, at the manual measuring stations in Ploieşti, there were recorded higher values than the maximum permissible concentrations of total suspended particulates (PM 10), sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, the main cause identified being the intense car traffic. Noise and air pollution caused by During 2011, in the case of 68.71% of the number of measurements for noise pollution, the traffic recorded values were higher than the maximum permissible limits. In Ploieşti, the recorded values exceeded 75 or even 80 decibels on the North-South axis, near the railway stations, in industrial areas and on the streets traveled by tram or open to heavy traffic. Seen in the national context, the research, development and innovation (RDI) activity in Ploieşti Growth Pole is underdeveloped, being dominated by the public sector. The specialization areas of the RDI units at the local level are closely linked to the area’s economic profile, which is oil extraction and processing, oil equipment, and viticulture. The local traditional research and design institutes (IPCUP, ICERP, IC-DVV) have significantly restricted or even ceased their activity in recent years due to reduced state budget allocations for RDI activities, and also due to the development of such sections in private companies. Poor RDI infrastructure and The Oil and Gas University has 13 research centers and a business and technology incubator, limited technology transfer but their work is still little known to the business environment and limited in relation to its potential. In terms of the expenses triggered by the RDI activity, Prahova county is far below the national and regional average, with less than 0.2% of the GDP, more than 10 times below the target assumed by Romania through the 2014-2020 Partnership Agreement. According to AD ASTRA statistics, Ploieşti ranks last among the growth poles in terms of scientific output, materialized in published scientific articles. 359 Weaknesses Justification Ploieşti municipality has only one properly fitted bicycle trail, about 3 km long, on the north - south axis, which is often unusable because of illegally parked cars, to which are added some facilities for roller skaters and bicycles in the Tineretului Park. Exclusively pedestrian areas are extremely limited and concentrated in the central area (the Limited alternatives for non- Civic Center Esplanade, Unirii Street, Toma Caragiu Street, Griviţei Street, etc.); they are not motorized transport integrated. The sidewalks of some streets are degraded and do not ensure the safe movement of citizens. In addition, some modernized streets in neighborhoods at the periphery lack sidewalks. Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.2. SWOT Analysis No metropolitan territorial zonal development strategy was approved in the metropolitan area No integrated spatial planning at at the growth pole level, in accordance with Law no. 350/2001; it will be developed concurrently growth pole level with the updating of the General Urban Plan of Ploieşti municipality. In the 2007-2013 period, the number of active companies in Ploieşti Growth Pole decreased by 13.9%, above the regional (-11.1%) and national (-12.6%) average, due to the economic crisis. The number of newly established companies fell steadily after 2008, reaching the minimum of the range in 2014. However, the number of suspensions and removals from the trade registry The poor development of rocketed in 2009 and 2010. entrepreneurship and of In terms of entrepreneurial dynamics, expressed by the number of active businesses per 1,000 associative business structures residents (42.7), Ploieşti municipality has the weakest performance of all the 8 Romanian (clusters) growth poles; the local economy is dominated by large companies with foreign capital, to the detriment of a solid local class of entrepreneurs. Also, there is no functional local agricultural, industrial or services cluster, unlike all other growth poles, which have up to 10 such associative structures. Despite attracting more than 45,000 commuting employees and students daily and despite having a relatively extensive public transport system (2 tram routes, 2 trolley routes, and 41 bus routes) and 4 functional railway stations and 2 flag stations, these are not integrated into No intermodal transport a coherent transport system, through appropriate intermodal facilities. infrastructure As well, the interurban transport services provided by various private operators, in the absence of a metropolitan operator, are not integrated in terms of the stations, traffic schedules and prices with the public transport system inside the municipality. The total number of vehicles registered in Ploieşti is approximately 50,000 and the total number of parking spaces is only 25,000, of which only 1,100 are chargeable and mostly A shortage of parking spaces located in the central area. In these circumstances, drivers park illegally on the roads, sidewalks, green spaces, reducing mobility and endangering the safety of road users. Of the total electricity transmission lines, only 16.6% are underground (underground power lines), the rest being overhead (overhead power lines). In addition, there are the cables of various The absence of an underground transport operators, for public lighting, telecommunications, etc. The lack of an underground conduit system for overhead conduit system for overhead lines of all kinds is one of the most pressing issues facing Ploieşti cables municipality, also affecting the façades of apartment blocks and of buildings with a clear architectural value, making the city look unsightly. In Ploieşti Growth Pole, there are 193 listed historic monuments, of which 65 are of national interest. While the heritage buildings in which operate public institutions are in a relatively good The existence of several built state of conservation (except for the Central Hall – a symbol of the city), the private residential heritage attractions in poor 2 buildings are, in most cases, in a precarious state. They need consolidation works for the conservation condition supporting structure and works for cleaning and repairing the façades. The Growth Pole’s Profile Despite the existence of public or private waste disposal operators in all localities of the Growth Pole and despite ceasing to deposit waste in non-compliant urban and rural landfills, Uncontrolled waste storage there are still areas strongly affected by the phenomenon of uncontrolled storage, such as the southeastern beltway of Ploieşti municipality. I 360 Opportunities Justification Ploieşti Growth Pole is situated just 60 km away from Bucharest, the areas of influence of the two cities being virtually annexed. This is the main area of economic concentration and development of Romania, and the main market for goods and services, totaling around 3 million consumers. The proximity to Bucharest – the Accordingly, about 10% of the workforce in Ploieşti commute to Bucharest and Ilfov, and many relocation of economic activities companies serving the Bucharest market or the national market have decided to locate or relocate to Ploieşti, which is becoming more and more a logistics center of the capital city (see the case of the storehouses of the large commercial networks). The 2014-2020 ROP has a total estimated budget of EUR 6.3 billion, of which about EUR 3 The availability of funding for billion only for urban development; the growth poles designated for the 2007-2013 period may integrated urban development continue to benefit from additional allocations for integrated measures. (ROP) For the 2014-2020 period, the General Transport Master Plan stipulates for the Ploieşti area massive investment in the expansion and modernization of the transport infrastructure, such as building the Ploieşti-Braşov highway, with further connections to the urban poles in The development of the major Transylvania and with a connection to the major transport network in Central and Western transport infrastructure Europe, the completion of the modernization of the pan-European Corridor IV, and the expansion and modernization of Henri Coandă Bucharest-Otopeni International Airport. Currently, about 70.4% of the total Growth Pole administrative area is covered by fertile farmland. The area also has a competitive advantage in viticulture and horticulture, which are practiced on about 4,000 ha. Also, the potential for energy production from renewable resources is very high: solar (over The exploitation of the 1,300 kWh/m2/year), wind (4 m/s), micro hydropower, agricultural and woody biomass, biogas, natural resources in the region etc. (agriculture, livestock, energy, Ploieşti is situated halfway between the two most important tourist poles of Romania – tourism) Bucharest city and Prahova Valley / Braşov, therefore it has a potential for developing transit tourism, business and events, cultural and oenological tourism, since there are already several tourist routes at county level. Threats Justification As of 2011, 65.5% of the buildings (including over 100 blocks) were build before the 1977 earthquake, therefore were not designed to withstand earthquakes of great magnitude, especially since Ploieşti is located in an area with the highest exposure to seismic risk (compared to the rest of Romania), along with Buzău and Focşani municipalities (0.3 g for Mean Recurrence Interval = 100 years). High seismic risk Although the procedure for the evaluation of buildings with seismic risk started 20 years ago, so far only 49 blocks have gone through this procedure; 31 were classified as Class I risk, some being a danger to the public and 18 were classified under Classes II-IV. Of these, only one has been rehabilitated through a program of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration. Climate change is the greatest environmental threat facing humanity. The past decade has included nine of the warmest ten years in recorded history. Locally, these global phenomena are worsened by the existence of urban heat islands, Climate change accentuated by the low energy efficiency of the buildings, the high values of road traffic pollution, the scarcity of green and planted spaces, etc. About 20% of the local workforce is directly or indirectly involved in the delivery of products and services for the oil and energy industry. In 2014, oil prices reached the lowest level in almost six years, and the price of gasoline is also at an unprecedented minimum. In this context, it is Local economic vulnerability to expected that the companies in the sector reduce investments for development. external shocks (the crisis) On the other hand, Romania’s hydrocarbon resources will be exhausted in the following 30-40 years, and the extraction activities will migrate to the Black Sea, where there are processing and transportation facilities. The GDP per capita at current prices in Prahova county was, in 2011, nearly three times lower than that registered in Bucharest. Also, the average net wage was, in the year 2013, lower by The proximity of Bucharest – 33%, the economic development gaps increasing every year. widening the development gap In this context, over 5% of the Ploieşti Growth Pole population has migrated to Bucharest only between Ploieşti and Bucharest in the past two decades, a phenomenon that particularly attracted young and highly skilled people and, most likely, will continue in this way until 2020, having negative effects on Ploieşti and its area of influence. 361 Part I: The Growth Pole’s Profile 2 Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.3. Conclusions on the Integrated Diagnosis and Intervention Areas 363 2.3. Conclusions on the integrated diagnosis and intervention areas The sector analysis that was made in the previous sections has highlighted a number of issues and trends with an impact on the future of the growth pole. Taking into account the pyramids of needs of the citizens and of the private sector, the impact of sectoral projects is summarized in the following tables: Territorial Diagnosis and Strategy Recommendations Chapter 2.3. Conclusions Table 35. Impact of sectoral projects on citizens’ needs Econo- Workforce Environmen- Accessibility/ Energy/ Public Public Housing Edu- Healthcare/ Culture/ my tal quality mobility IT utilities space cation social recreation assistance Opportunities Housing infrastructure Connectivity Quality of life Table 36. Impact of sectoral projects on the needs of the private sector Econo- Workforce Environmen- Accessibility/ Energy/ Public Public Housing Edu- Healthcare/ Culture/ my tal quality mobility IT utilities space cation social recreation assistance Workforce Land for offices Connectivity Clusters Also, the measures that will be taken in the 2007-2014 period will have a major impact on the spatial development of the territory and on population dynamics, as they will play an important role in relation to cross-cutting issues – social inclusion and climate change. Table 37. Impact of sectoral projects on cross-cutting issues Econo- Workforce Environmen- Accessibility/ Energy/ Public Public Housing Edu- Healthcare/ Culture/ my tal quality mobility IT utilities space cation social recreation assistance Population dynamics 2 Spatial development Connectivity The Growth Pole’s Profile Clusters At the same time, integrating the sectoral aspects (in the table below) demonstrates the influence that the projects implemented in one area have on related fields and, hence, the potential multiplying effect on the development of the growth pole. I 364 Table 38. Impact of sectoral projects on related sectoral areas Econo- Workforce Environmen- Accessibility/ Energy/ Public Public Housing Edu- Healthcare/ Culture/ my tal quality mobility IT utilities space cation social recreation assistance Economy ++ + ++ ++ + + + + Workforce ++ ++ ++ ++ + + Environmental +/- + ++ ++ ++ ++ + + ++ quality Accessibility ++ ++ + + + Energy/IT + + + ++ ++ + ++ + Public utilities ++ + ++ + Public space + + + ++ + Housing ++ + ++ ++ ++ Education + ++ ++ + + Healthcare + + /social assistance Culture/ + + ++ + recreation Following the corroboration of the results of the analysis concerning the relationships established between the sectoral areas with the strengths and weaknesses of the SWOT analysis, a series of conclusions could be drawn and some priority areas of intervention be identified for the strategy design: • The cross-cutting issues are identified as development risks – the climate changes possibly triggered by the development of productive economic activities, as well as social inclusion, by not addressing the marginalized areas of Ploieşti municipality. These issues will have to be taken into consideration in the identification and selection of the projects for the 2014-2020 period. • Spatial planning at the growth pole level and demographic dynamics are identified as weaknesses. There is no land- use plan at the metropolitan level and although there are land reserves, their development must be based on specific urban regulations that protect the resources. • The projects completed in almost all areas during the 2007-2014 period responded to the citizens’ need for employment opportunities and to the private sector’s need for skilled labor. They covered infrastructure, energy efficiency and cogeneration works, areas which generated jobs and thus boosted the development of the economic sector. • The investments made in accessibility and mobility had a positive impact on economic development / on attracting investments – especially foreign investments – and on labor migration. They also had an influence on reducing road traffic pollution in the center of Ploieşti city, on school migration and on the accessibility of marginalized areas and leisure areas. In addition to these projects, some measures are necessary to improve public transport in the growth pole. • Also in terms of connectivity, energy and cogeneration projects have a multiplying effect on the economy, as well as on the rehabilitation of the educational, medical, and social infrastructure, with a positive impact on climate change. • The investments in public utilities have failed to meet the needs of the citizens in all component TAUs. Extending the water supply and sanitation networks is a priority for Berceni, Dumbrăveşti, and Valea Călugărească, and for other places where demand is not covered. • The projects implemented mainly by the Oil and Gas University in the field of human resources development (SOP HRD funds) are not reflected in the development of local entrepreneurship in the excellence field of the oil extraction and processing industries or in the RDI sector. • The investments in culture and recreation have failed to highlight the existing built and natural heritage and to generate related cultural and tourism activities. Future interventions are needed in this area, in conjunction with actions for the remediation of contaminated soil and with a policy for green areas. 365 II Part 366 The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole 367 Part II: The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole 3 Development Vision and Objectives 369 3 Development Vision and Objectives According to the Integrated Urban Development Plan 2007-2013 (IUDP 2007-2013), the development vision for 2025 of Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole has taken into account “the role of the Growth Pole in establishing territorial partnerships in view of consolidating its comparative advantage conferred by its localization between the pan-European TEN-IV and TEN-IX corridors and in view of developing competitive advantages by harnessing localization factors in support of its inhabitants, business environment, and academia”. For the period 2008-2025, the vision drafted in 2009 has supported the community orientation towards permanent knowledge and performance, as a form of adaptation to the challenges brought forward by technological competition. Building on natural resources and their traditional exploitation, the growth pole has set out the objective of strengthening a community whose knowledge gained so far is the essential basis for its future development. The vision has outlined two major lines of intervention: (a) the first line deals with redefining the corporate role of Ploiești Development Vision and Objectives municipality at the regional level, while (b) the second line is related to the development of neighbouring localities, which should become more attractive as living places and economic areas thanks to their progress and endowment. In support of the vision, the investments carried out under IUDP 2007-2013 primarily targeted aspects related to the accessibility and connectivity of the growth pole to the major European transport network, as well as aspects related to equipping the technical, public utility, education, and healthcare infrastructures, in order to eliminate disparities between the municipality and its area of influence. Furthermore, a series of projects have indirectly contributed to these objectives: • Projects aiming to support the business infrastructure, attract private investment and create job opportunities • Projects for the use of renewable energy resources • Projects aiming to strengthen human resources capacity in areas of interest for the labour market In addition to the investments carried out between 2007 and 2014, the public agenda for the period 2014-2020 includes further elements of social and territorial cohesion (through urban regeneration initiatives in disadvantaged areas) and 3 competitiveness (by improving the quality of life). Even though for the next programming period the structure of the vision remains unchanged, its content should adapt to the transformations registered in the economic and spatial dynamics of the growth pole, while continuing the main line of development, focusing on territorial cooperation between The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole the territorial-administrative units in order to mobilize human and material resources. Consequently, the review of the vision’s content will have to take into account the following areas for which growth could simultaneously be pursued: • A pole of economic concentration dominated by clean productive activities and energy co-generation • A business partner — competitive for investors • An attractive and comfortable place to live in for all inhabitants from its component localities • A knowledge-based community where human strength and knowledge constitute the driving force of the growth pole Urban and knowledge infrastructure, improved through projects implemented in the 2007-2014 period, have laid the foundation for the development of a strong local / metropolitan economy with jobs that generate added value in the 2025 timeframe. The functioning of a mature, attractive, and competitive economy will support the sustainable development of the territory, as well as the social cohesion of the inhabitants of Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole. II 370 Development Vision The Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole — a knowledge-based community, open to partnerships in the complex fields of sustainable exploitation of resources and quality of life improvement for all its inhabitants. Even if the development vision is accepted at the metropolitan level, it is still creating priority areas and differentiated responsibilities for the municipality of Ploiești and its neighbouring towns and communes: (a) The municipality of Ploiești will have to strengthen its polarizing role in the region, but also to make the best use of its competitive advantages gained between 2007 and 2014, as well as to make progress with respect to value-adding aspects such as urban regeneration or the development of cultural and recreational infrastructures, among others. (b) The neighbouring localities shall make efforts towards the completion of works in the field of technical, public utility and public transport infrastructures, while continuing the process of improving localization factors in order to tackle demographic decline and to attract new residents. In terms of increasing territorial cohesion and the efficiency in the use of natural and land resources, the partners of the growth pole will have to coordinate economic and social development with the aim of adopting joint decisions on the selection, localization, and implementation of development projects between 2014 and 2020; these projects should lead to enhancing the efforts and maximizing the multiplying effects. Strategic Objectives IUDP 2007-2013 has set out three strategic objectives, each supported by a series of sectoral objectives, as follows: Strategic objective A Supporting the sustainable economic development, integrated through innovative energies and technologies in Ploiești Growth Pole • Sectoral objective A1: Supporting investments in green technologies, cutting-edge manufacturing industry, energy efficiency technological solutions, alternative energies and their associated infrastructure; • Sectoral objective A2: Active involvement of the research sector in the development of new products and technologies; • Sectoral objective A3: Supporting the development of economic activities in the Growth Pole area. Strategic objective B Sustainable territorial development by improving the urban infrastructure and the functional relations between rural and urban areas and the economic-industrial area within Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole • Sectoral objective B1: Establishing connections with the European road network and developing modern infrastructures for the access to economic areas, industrial parks / platforms and other functional areas, while developing efficient and clean urban transport in the Growth Pole area; • Sectoral objective B2: Protecting the environment and human health through the provision of quality public services; • Sectoral objective B3: Enhancing the natural, traditional, cultural, and historical heritage, as well as tourism and recreational area planning; support environmental protection actions and the development of green areas. Strategic objective C Human capital development by ensuring equal access for all the inhabitants of the Growth Pole • Sectoral objective C1: Improving the quality of the social infrastructure through investments in the benefit of disadvantaged groups, as well as supporting their reintegration into society; • Sectoral objective C2: Human resource development through increasing the quality of the education and training infrastructure; • Sectoral objective C3: Developing healthcare infrastructure by ensuring professional medical care in modern and properly equipped facilities; • Sectoral objective C4: Increasing the operational capacity of the administration through knowledge management and the use of innovative technologies. 371 The results of the diagnosis together with the SWOT analysis and the development priorities of the South Muntenia Region1 lead to the formulation of an active development scenario based on the tandem between strengths and opportunities, in order to build on the results achieved in the 2007-2014 period in the field of accessibility and with respect to the technical, public utility, education, and healthcare infrastructures. The transition to a new development phase by enhancing the strengths and by developing areas that generate added value are reflected in the wording of the strategic and sectoral objectives, as follows: Strategic objective A: Supporting sustainable economic development, integrated through innovative energies and technologies • Sectoral objective A1: Support sustainable economic development • Sectoral objective A2: Support the SME sector, entrepreneurship and business creation Strategic objective B: Sustainable territorial development by improving urban infrastructure and relations among functional areas • Sectoral objective B1: Improve territorial connectivity • Sectoral objective B2: Protect energy resources and the quality of natural and built environment Strategic objective C: Human capital development by ensuring equal access to quality public services for all citizens • Sectoral objective C1: Increasing the quality of public services Development Vision and Objectives • Sectoral objective C2: Increasing the capacity of Local Public Authorities Development Programs Strategic objective A Supporting sustainable economic development, integrated through innovative energies and technologies • Sectoral objective A1: Supporting sustainable economic development - Program for the enlargement / development of industrial parks - Program to support RDI activities • Sectoral objective A2: Supporting the SME sector, entrepreneurship and business creation - Support program for SMEs and business creation 3 - Support program for agricultural activities - Development program for the tourism infrastructure The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE B Sustainable territorial development by improving urban infrastructure and relations among functional areas • Sectoral objective B1: Improving territorial connectivity - Program to increase accessibility throughout the growth pole (bypass routes, passages, intersections) - Program for clean public transport - Program for multimodal terminals - Program for parking planning - Program for road upgrading and repairing - Program for traffic safety • Sectoral objective B2: Protecting energy resources and the quality of natural and built environment - Program for heat / gas supply - Program for increasing the energy efficiency of buildings - Program for water supply and sewage systems - Program for land reclassification / brownfields - Program for the rehabilitation of buildings subject to seismic risks 1 (1) Sustainable development of regional and local infrastructure, (2) Sustainable urban development, (3) Increasing the competitiveness of the II regional economy in the long term, (4) Environmental protection and increased energy efficiency, (5) Supporting education and employment, (6) Supporting healthcare and social protection services, (7) Rural development and agriculture 372 - Program for the rehabilitation of built heritage - Program for the rehabilitation of public areas situated among residential buildings, as well as of playgrounds - Program for parks and green areas - Program for the rehabilitation and construction of cultural facilities - Program supporting trade / agri-food markets - Program for the rehabilitation and construction of sports / recreational facilities - Program for public lighting, electrical networks and IT - Program supporting the production of alternative energy Strategic objective C: Human capital development by ensuring equal access to quality public services for all citizens • Sectoral objective C1: Increasing the quality of public services - Social infrastructure program - Program for the rehabilitation and extension of school infrastructure - Program for nurseries and kindergartens - Healthcare infrastructure program - Program supporting education and employment - Program for town halls and other public function establishments - Program for residential construction - Education programme for safety and emergency situations • Sectoral objective C2: Increasing the capacity of Local Public Authorities - Program for communication and transparency in decision-making - Program for improving the performance of the public administration The correlation between the sectoral objectives and the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy, as well as the priorities of the Territorial Agenda of the European Union 2020 is presented in the following matrix. 373 3 II The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole Development Vision and Objectives The Europe 2020 Strategy 374 OT1 OT2 OT3 OT4 OT5 OT6 OT7 OT8 OT9 OT10 OT11 Promoting Promoting EU policy Enhancing Enhancing the Protecting Supporting climate sustainable Promoting Promoting Enhancing Strengthening access to, competitiveness of the Investing in documents and the shift change transport employment social institutional research, and use and small and medium- environment education, priorities towards a adaptation, systems and and inclusion capacity and technological quality of, sized enterprises, the and skills and low-carbon risk removing supporting and an efficient development information and agricultural sector promoting lifelong economy in prevention bottlenecks in labour combating public and innovation communication and the fisheries and resource learning all sectors and key network mobility poverty administration technologies aquaculture sector efficiency management infrastructures Promoting polycentric and balanced territorial development Sectoral Encouraging Sectoral objective objective integrated A2: Supporting C2: development in Sectoral objective A1: the SME sector, Sectoral objective B2: Protecting energy resources Sectoral objective C1: Increasing the Increasing cities, rural and Supporting sustainable entrepreneurship and the quality of natural and built environment quality of public services the capacity specific regions economic development and business of Local creation Public Territorial Authorities integration in cross-border and transnational functional regions Ensuring global competitiveness Sectoral objective A1: Supporting sustainable economic development of the regions Sectoral objective A2: Supporting the SME sector, entrepreneurship and based on strong business creation local economies Improving territorial connectivity Territorial Agenda of the European Union 2020 Sectoral objective B1: Improving territorial connectivity for individuals, communities and enterprises Managing and connecting ecological, Sectoral objective B2: Protecting energy resources and the quality of natural and built landscape and environment cultural values of regions Table 39. Matrix of the correlation between the Growth Pole development objectives and the EU policy documents Table 40. Matrix of the correlation between the Growth Pole development objectives and the national policy documents Priority axes / OP priori Strategic objectives / Specific objectives IUDP sectoral objectives RTDS 2035 ROP 2014-2020 LI OP 2014-2020 COMP OP 2014-2020 Strategic objective A: Supporting sustainable economic development, P.A. 1: Research, P.A. 1: Promoting integrated through technological development technological transfer innovative energies and innovation (RDI) P.A. 2: Improving and technologies in support of economic S.O. 3.1: Developing specialized competitiveness of P.A. 6: Promoting clean competitiveness and and intelligent urban centres with small and medium-sized energy and energy Sectoral objective business development Development Vision and Objectives international pole vocation, and their enterprises efficiency in order to A1: Supporting efficient connection to the European P.A. 7: Diversifying local support a low-carbon sustainable economic P.A. 2: Information and urban network economies through economy development Communication Technology sustainable tourism (ICT) for a competitive development Sectoral objective digital economy A2: Supporting the SME sector, entrepreneurship and business creation 3 The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole II 376 ities at national level Development priorities Development priorities of the CDP of the RDP SOUTH HC OP 2014-2020 AC OP 2014-2020 NRDP 2014-2020 PRAHOVA 2014-2020 MUNTENIA 2014-2020 P1: Fostering knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture, forestry and rural areas P2: Enhancing farm viability and the competitiveness of all types of agriculture in all regions and promoting innovative agricultural technologies as well as the sustainable management of forests P3: Increasing the P1: Sustainable development of local and competitiveness of the P3: Promoting food chain county-level infrastructure, including tourism P.A. 3: Employment for all regional economy in the organisation, including infrastructure long term processing and marketing P3: Developing the business support P.A. 6: Education and P5: Supporting education of agricultural products, infrastructure, increasing economic competences and employment animal welfare and competitiveness P7: Rural development risk management in P7: Rural development and agriculture agriculture P5: Promoting resource efficiency and supporting the shift towards a low-carbon and climate resilient economy in the agriculture, food and forestry sectors P6: Promoting social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas 377 Table 40. Matrix of the correlation between the Growth Pole development objectives and the national policy documents (continued from previous page) Priority axes / OP priori Strategic objectives / Specific objectives IUDP sectoral objectives RTDS 2035 ROP 2014-2020 LI OP 2014-2020 COMP OP 2014-2020 S.O. 1.1: Developing an efficient and diversified transport network capable to ensure the management of flows of people and goods generated by the economic exchanges between the national territory and the European markets P.A. 1: Improving mobility S.O. 1.2: Developing and expanding port through the development and airport infrastructures, as well of the TEN-T network and as their connection with the national of the subway service urban centres in order to consolidate Romania’s position as regional logistic P.A. 2: Developing a hub high-quality, sustainable S.O. 1.3: Enhancing the energy and efficient multimodal transport infrastructure and its transport system connection to pan-European projects with regional and national impact P.A. 3: Developing S.O. 2.1: Ensuring a fully-fledged the environment Development Vision and Objectives infrastructure of public utilities for infrastructure in terms urban and rural localities of efficient resource S.O. 2.2: Ensuring increased management Strategic objective B: accessibility at a territorial level and Sustainable territorial efficient connectivity between large P.A. 4: Protecting the P.A. 3: Supporting the development by cities and the functional urban area environment through shift towards a low- improving urban S.O. 2.3: Increasing the attractiveness measures aiming at carbon economy in all infrastructure and of urban and rural spaces by improving the preservation of sectors relations among residential functions, developing biodiversity, air quality P.A. 4: Supporting functional areas quality public spaces and a number of monitoring and the sustainable urban transport services adjusted to local de-contamination of development Sectoral objective B1: needs and specific conditions historically contaminated P.A. 5: Conservation, Improving territorial S.O. 3.2: Fostering the development sites protection and sustainable connectivity of functional urban areas around the exploitation of cultural cities with a polarizing role throughout P.A. 5: Promoting climate heritage Sectoral objective the territory change adaptation, P.A. 6: Improving the road B2: Protecting energy S.O. 3.3: Strengthening the role of rural risk prevention and infrastructure of regional resources and the areas with polarizing potential in order management and local importance quality of natural and to ensure increased accessibility of the built environment rural population to services of general P.A. 6: Promoting clean 3 interest S.O. 3.4: Supporting the development energy and energy efficiency in order to of urban systems and the development support a low-carbon axes throughout the territory by economy The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole providing territorially integrated interventions P.A. 7: Increasing S.O. 4.1: Heritage protection and the energy efficiency of promotion of natural capital recovery the centralized heating measures systems in the selected S.O. 4.2: Protecting and rehabilitating towns the built heritage in order to preserve the national identity and to increase P.A. 8: Intelligent and the attractiveness of cultural spaces sustainable transport with great tourism potential systems for electricity S.O. 4.3: Reducing the vulnerability of and natural gas areas subject to natural hazards S.O. 4.4: Ensuring a balanced development of the rural and urban environment by protecting agricultural land resources and limiting the expansion of built-up areas of towns II 378 ities at national level Development priorities Development priorities of the CDP of the RDP SOUTH HC OP 2014-2020 AC OP 2014-2020 NRDP 2014-2020 PRAHOVA 2014-2020 MUNTENIA 2014-2020 P4: Restoring, preserving and enhancing P1: Sustainable ecosystems related to development of local and P1: Sustainable development of local and agriculture and forestry regional infrastructure county-level infrastructure, including tourism P2: Sustainable urban infrastructure P5: Promoting resource development P2: Sustainable urban development efficiency and supporting P4: Environmental P4: Environmental protection and increased the shift towards a protection and increased energy efficiency low carbon and climate energy efficiency P7: Rural development resilient economy in P7: Rural development agriculture, food and and agriculture forestry sectors 379 Table 40. Matrix of the correlation between the Growth Pole development objectives and the national policy documents (continued from previous page) Priority axes / OP priori Strategic objectives / Specific objectives IUDP sectoral objectives RTDS 2035 ROP 2014-2020 LI OP 2014-2020 COMP OP 2014-2020 S.O. 3.1: Developing specialized and intelligent urban centres with Strategic objective international pole vocation, and their C: Human capital efficient connection to the European P.A. 4: Supporting development by urban network sustainable urban ensuring equal S.O. 2.4: Providing quality social development access to quality services by ensuring a diversification of P.A. 8: Developing the public services for these services throughout the territory healthcare and social all citizens and improving access of the population infrastructure S.O. 5.1: Strengthening the capacity of P.A. 9: Supporting Sectoral objective multi-level governance structures and the economic and C1: Increasing the diversifying the forms of cooperation social regeneration quality of public of the public administration structures of communities in services S.O. 5.2: Strengthening spatial planning disadvantaged urban instruments and institutions involved areas Sectoral objective in the management and design of P.A. 10: Improving the C2: Increasing the territory development processes (or educational infrastructure capacity of Local territorial planning processes) Development Vision and Objectives Public Authorities S.O. 5.3: Strengthening cooperation and planning capacity at cross-border and transnational levels 3 The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole II 380 ities at national level Development priorities Development priorities of the CDP of the RDP SOUTH HC OP 2014-2020 AC OP 2014-2020 NRDP 2014-2020 PRAHOVA 2014-2020 MUNTENIA 2014-2020 P.A. 1: Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) P.A. 2: Improving the situation of young people not in employment, P.A. 1: Accessible and education or training transparent public P2: Sustainable urban (NEETs) administration and development P6: Promoting social P5: Human resources development, judicial system P5: Supporting education inclusion, poverty supporting education and employment P.A. 3: Employment for all and employment reduction and economic P6: Supporting the healthcare and social P.A. 2: Accessible and P6: Supporting the development in rural areas protection systems P.A. 4: Social inclusion and transparent public healthcare and social combating poverty administration and protection systems judicial system P.A. 5: Community-led local development P.A. 6: Education and competences 381 Part II: The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole 4 Project Portfolio 383 4 Project Portfolio Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included Prahova County Council (CC) Sectorial objective A1: Supporting a sustainable economic development AREA OF INTERVENTION: industrial parks Prahova Extention / development of industrial parks County Ploiești, Brazi, 1. that are under the administration of the public Council (CC) Plopeni sector (partnerships Prahova County with TAUs) Council Strategy Modernization and extention of existing 2. infrastructure - roads and utilities at Bărcănești Bărcănești Prahova CC SF 2014 Industrial Park AREA OF INTERVENTION: RDI activities Project Portfolio Regional park for R&D activities in the sector of clean technologies - Development / extention / modernization of the Oil and Gas 3. Ploiești UPG University (UPG) Ploiești and its endowment with infrastructure for RDI and technological Ploiești Strategy transfer 2007-2025 Center for tecnological transfer and elaboration 4. of new educational products regarding the Ploiești UPG energy sector 4 Sectorial objective A2: Supporting the SME sector, entrepreneurship, and business start-up AREA OF INTERVENTION: agricultural activities The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole Promoting local products in Prahova County through the establishment of a Center for Information in Ploiești and the set-up of a Strategy of 5. website for the promotion of Prahova County Ploiești Prahova CC Project idea Prahova CC producers (crafts, handicrafts, organic farming, beekeeping, furniture, accommodation and bio services) Sectorial objective B1: Improving territorial connectivity AREA OF INTERVENTION: accesibility and mobility Ploiești, Traffic Ariceştii assessment, Bypass between DN 1 and DN 72 + discharge Strategy of Prahova 6. Rahtivani, Prahova CC approval of the node A3 CC Blejoi, Zonal Urban Plan Păulești, Brazi (ZUP) Rehabilitation and development of county Băicoi roads (DJ 100F, DJ 100E, DJ 215) by restoring DJ 100F the asphalt, building bike lanes, sidewalks and =10km Update of Băicoi 7. Prahova CC ditches (DJ 100F, section of Independence DJ 100E= Strategy Street, from Gladiolelor Street to Găgeni 5,3km Canton, DJ 100E, DJ 215) DJ 15=6,13km II 384 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included Modernization and rehabilitation of the county roads identified under Priority no. 1 of Sud 8. Prahova CC Prahova CC Muntenia Region – regional routes 2 and 3 – section Prahova - DJ 720 Băicoi, Rehabilitation of DJ 100F between Băicoi and 9. Boldești- Prahova CC Local Strategies Boldești-Scăeni Scăeni Modernization of DJ 129 (plus upgrading road Târgșoru 10. Prahova CC Local Strategies verges and building bike lanes) Vechi AREA OF INTERVENTION: clean public transport Building a public transport line linking the 11. TAU PC IDA PC localities of the Growth Pole Building bike lanes at the level of Ploiești Growth Pole / Developing new continuous routes 12. - bike lanes on the access roads of the city, TAU PC Prahova CC Project idea TRACE P3 and integrating the existing ones in a municipal network AREA OF INTERVENTION: traffic safety County Police Increasing road traffic safety on DN 1 / E60 in 13. Inspectorate, Prahova County Investments Plan Prahova (County Police Safe Ploiești – implementing a monitoring County Police Inspectorate) 14. system of all access routes in Ploiești and the Inspectorate, largest intersections Prahova Sectorial objective B2: Protecting energy resources and the quality of the natural and built environment AREA OF INTERVENTION: thermal energy / gas supply Modernizing the primary thermal network of 15. SACET Ploiești: a. M. Bravu zone, artery IV Center (between “Upetrom” and M. Viteazul Marketplace), 9–Mai zone, artery I+III West (between M. Viteazul Markeplace, “Cablu Românesc” area and Ploiești 16. Emergency Hospital), artery III West (between Partnership CFR passage zone “West Railway” and Aurora Prahova CC + Marketplace), artery I West (between CMZ Ploiești Local Strategy Prahova CC West zone and Domnișori Street), section of Council TRACE P2 Ploiești (+Veolia artery VI (Torcători Street) Energie PH) b. Artery CET Brazi – Platform F25 (Dn 17. 1000,900,2x700mm) c. Surface area of artery I West (between CFR Solution study passage zone “West Railway” and Ploiești 18. Emergency Hospital); surface area of artery II South (between West Railway and Upetrom ) 19. d. Section of artery IV Center Modernizing the secondary thermal network Partnership 20. Ploiești corresponding to PT 43, SACET Ploiești Prahova CC + Rehabilitating the Chimney no. 2 corresponding Ploiești Local 21. CET Brazi Council to the stage 2 x 105 + 1 x 50 MW (+Veolia 22. Refurbishment of Boiler no. 5 CET Brazi Energie PH) AREA OF INTERVENTION: built heritage Prahova County Art 23. Putting in value the Art Museum of Ploiești Ploiești Museum “Ion Ionescu- Quintus” 385 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included Restoration, consolidation, rearrangement of “Paul Constantinescu” Memorial Museum (the 24. Ploiești Prahova CC Project idea house of the musician Paul Constantinescu) - Ploiești Partnership Rehabilitation of the historical and cultural area 25. Dumbrăvești Prahova CC + of Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești County Strategy Prahova CC Restoration and sustainable valorization Museum of 26. of the cultural heritage, and development / Dumbrăvești History and modernization of related infrastructure Archeology Modernization of the access road towards the “Castrul Roman” 101-118 and “Băile Romane” Partnership Strategy of 27. Dumbrăvești FS/PT 2011 archaeological site and its conservation in view MC and CCP Dumbrăvești of introducing it in the touristic circuit Preserving the “Neolithic Settlement - Râpa Partnership Strategy of 28. Mălăeștii de Jos point” archaeological site in Dumbrăvești MC and CCP Dumbrăvești view of introducing it in the touristic circuit County Archaeological and Museum Park “Castrul Târgșoru Museum of 29. Roman” - harnessing its scientific, educational, Vechi History and and touristic value Archeology AREA OF INTERVENTION: water supply and sewerage Project Portfolio Romanian Waters, Regularization and ecologization of Dâmbu 30. Ploiești, Băicoi Prahova CC, creek bed partnerships with LPAs Developing, modernizing and extending the IDA Water Prahova Master Plan 31. water and sewerage system in Prahova County and Prahova Master Plan stage II County stage II - stage II CC 4 AREA OF INTERVENTION: parks and green areas Rehabilitation of "Constantin Stere" recreational Ploiești – 32. IDA PC F.S. 2015-2016 Strategy Prahova CC park Bucov The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole Prahova Rehabilitation and development of forest belts 33. Forestry for protecting national roads and railways Inspectorate AREA OF INTERVENTION: waste management System of integrated waste management in Prahova County - Zone 2: Phase 2 - mechanical IDA Waste + Master Plan 34. Ploiești Master Plan stage II and biological treatment plant in Ploiești, and Prahova CC stage II equipment Sectorial objective C1: Increasing the quality of public services AREA OF INTERVENTION: health infrastructure County Emergency Hospital Ploiești - improving 35. Ploiești Prahova CC F.S. 2015 Strategy Prahova CC the energy efficiency of the building County Emergency Hospital Ploiești - 36. rehabilitating / extending / modernizing / Ploiești Prahova CC F.S. 2015 Strategy Prahova CC endowing the Emergency Unit Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Ploiești - 37. Ploiești Prahova CC F.S. 2015-2016 Strategy Prahova CC improving the energy efficiency of the building Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Ploiești - rehabilitation / modernization / equipping of 38. the ambulatories’ infrastructure; establishing Ploiești Prahova CC Project idea Strategy Prahova CC II 386 and endowing with infrastructure an Emergency Room Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included AREA OF INTERVENTION: education and employment Projects for increasing the activation of the inactive population, the involvement of the AJOFM 39. Strategy of AJOFM County Employment Agency (AJOFM) in Prahova underemployment, youth employment, etc. AREA OF INTERVENTION: education for emergency situations and safety Prahova Creating a center for information, training and County awareness regarding the behavior in emergency 40. Inspectorate situations and natural disasters, arising from for Emergency climate change and natural disasters Situations Crearea unui centru de formare şi pregătire Prahova continuă a personalului paramedical din cadrul County 41. SMURD Creating a center for training and Inspectorate continuous training of SMURD paramedical for Emergency staff Situations Analisys plan and Creating an integrated county dispatch SMURD Strategy of Prahova 42. Bărcănești Prahova CC risk coverage / - County Ambulance Service CC F.S. 2015 Participation in improving the urban environment through the functional conversion and reuse of land adjacent to the building located in Ploiești, 3, Ghighiului Street, and 43. Ploiești belonging to the Gendarmerie Inspectorate Prahova (IJP), as a recreational area for military personnel (sports fileds, bicycle lanes, playgrounds for children, etc.) Increasing energy efficiency and use of renewable energy in the building belonging to 44. Ploiești the Gendarmerie Inspectorate in Ploiești city, Prahova County Establishing a modern center of physical and tactical training for all relevant institutions Bărcănești County Police 45. involved in providing / maintaining public (Tătărani) Inspectorate security (at the logistics base of IJP in Tătărani) Construction of an overground detention place Bărcănești County Police 46. at the logistics base of IJP in Tatarani (Tătărani) Inspectorate Sectorial objective C2: Increasing the capacity of LPA AREA OF INTERVENTION: marketing and promotion County Industrial heritage of Prahova County – history, Directorate 47. Ploiești informatised accounts, perspectives for Culture, Prahova Ploiești LPA (Operational budget: 289 million EUR) Sectorial objective A2: Supporting the SME sector, entrepreneurship, and business start-up AREA OF INTERVENTION: support for SMEs and buiness start-ups Establishing an information office for business 1. Ploiești Ploiești start-up Ploiești Strategy Business incubator by rehabilitating the built 2007-2025 2. Ploiești Ploiești facilities in partnership with the private sector AREA OF INTERVENTION: agricultural activities Rehabilitation, expansion, and modernization 3. greenhouses in 81, Mircea cel Bătrân Street, Ploiești SGU Ploiești Ploiești 387 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included Cleaning and greening the land area of 10 4. ha in T35A493 and its reintroduction in the Ploiești SGU Ploiești agricultural circuit AREA OF INTERVENTION: tourism infrastrcture “Paul Con- Marketing activities and tourism advertising stantinescu” 5. in a project that may include the cultural Ploiești Project idea Philharmonic, attractions of Ploiești Municipality Ploiești Sectorial objective B1: Improving territorial connectivity - TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY SECTOR AREA OF INTERVENTION: accesibility and mobility Ensuring accessibility in Ploiești South industrial Technical design zone and in the university campus by developing and execution a road passage over CF South Station - details finalized Restoration of the bridge that connects the Ploiești - Ploiești (LCD 6. Ploiești in 2006 for the Southern area of Ploiești Municipality (towards RASP Ploiești 288/24.07.14) rehabilitation Mimiu) - Marin Mehedinteanu Street and of the existent Depot Street, necessary for the takeover and bridge streamlining of traffic in the South of the city Project Portfolio Increasing accessibility in the Eastern part of Ploiești towards the Pan-European Corridor F.S. completed in Ploiești (LCD 7. Ploiești Ploiești TEN-IX by making a road passage over the July 2003 288/24.07.14) railway, in the SE of the city Ensuring traffic mobility through the extension of the road and public transport link between South Station and West Station (Liberty F.S. being Ploiești Strategy 8. Ploiești Ploiești Street), including the rehabilitation of the updated 2007-2025 markets located on the public domain in the rail 4 stations South Station - North Station: Developing access routes from the South area towards Ploiești Strategy The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole 9. Bereasca district and North Station along the Ploiești Ploiești 2007-2026 Dambu stream (including related art works, Râfov passage, bridges over Dambu stream) Complete circulation ring road no. III, South 10. Ploiești Ploiești Station – Dambu section Ploiești (LCD Complete circulation ring road no. III, Bucov 11. Ploiești Ploiești 288/24.07.14) Barrier – Găgeni section 12. Overground passage, Laboratorului Street Ploiești Ploiești Developing the intersection between Ștrandului 13. Ploiești Ploiești F.S. LCD 38/10.02.2014 Street with NE ring road, DN 1B Road infrastructure development in the following locations: Gh. Cantacuzino Str. in the CFR passage area “High Bridge” through its Ploiești (LCD 14. Ploiești Ploiești enlargement to 4 lanes, the rehabilitation of Gh. 288/24.07.14) Cantacuzino Str. on the Western highway - city limit section, including intermodal terminal II 388 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included Modernizing Ștrandului Street, section between the exit of Bucov passage and Ploiești 15. Ploiești Ploiești Municipality roadway, including the set-up of a Ploiești (LCD roundabout on Ștrandului Street / DN 1B 288/24.07.14) Traffic streamlining on the extension of 16. Ploiești Ploiești Libertății Street AREA OF INTERVENTION: clean public transport Implementing measures from CIVITAS projects (pedestrianize and control traffic in the central TRACE P3 mobility 17. Ploiești Ploiești area) and developing bike lanes on the priority plan routes from the mobility plan Extending the trolleybus network on the following directions: South Station – Hippodrome, extendible up to Bărcănești High S.C Transport School; Hale – Bereasca – C.Stere Park (Bucov), 18. Ploiești Călători extendible up to Bucov; High Bridge – Ploiești Ploiești Strategy Express S.A. Industrial Park, extendible up to Ploiești 2007-2025, TRACE West Park; County Hospital – Păulești Park, P4 extendible up to Plopeni Modernizing / renewing the fleet of autovehicles S.C Transport 19. with electric traction (tramways = 25 units, Ploiești Călători trolleybuses = 21 units) Express S.A. Implementing the traffic management system, including ticketing for local transport: purchase of automatic ticket machine (min. 50 units); S.C Transport 20. purchase of validator machines mountable in Ploiești Călători autovehicles (approx. 780 units); modernizing Express S.A. the centers for issuing / charging cards (13 spots); S.C Transport Modernizing / renewing the bus fleet (85-90 21. Ploiești Călători TRACE P4 units) Express S.A. Modernization of local public transport stations: S.C Transport mounting large rooF.S., lighting, free internet 22. Ploiești Călători system, information boards for travelers, etc. Express S.A. (approx. 200 pieces) Modernisation / reconditioning of the material and technical basis of the of the public transport production system: consolidation / thermal rehabilitation of both workshops for repairing / maintaining / painting cars, and stores for replacement parts, located in Ploiești, 88, Găgeni Street, including tram depot; S.C Transport 23. replacing the heating / ventilation system of Ploiești Călători the workshops and headquarter in Ploiești, 88, Express S.A. Găgeni Street, including tram depot; building covered / half-sheltered parking spaces at the headquarters in Ploiești, 88, Găgeni Street, including tram depot; endowment with tools, devices and specialized equipment for diagnosis and repair of diesel, LPG, and electric vehicles 24. Finishing tram infrastructure Ploiești Ploiești Mobility plan 389 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included AREA OF INTERVENTION: multimodal terminals Increasing mobility in traffic by building the F.S. currently Northwest multimodal terminal, including Ploiești Strategy 25. Ploiești Ploiești under elaboration; parking spaces for cars and bicycles (the 2007-2025 traffic study County Hospital area) 26. Park & ride at West Station Ploiești Ploiești Mobility plan Rehabilitating the passenger car transport Ploiești (LCD 27. Ploiești Ploiești Project proposal terminal in the Southern area 288/24.07.14) AREA OF INTERVENTION: parking development Ploiești (LCD 28. Establishing truck parkings Ploiești Ploiești 288/24.07.14) Developing parking spaces in the areas Ploiești Strategy 29. surrounding the Central Markets, Prahova Hotel, Ploiești Ploiești 2007-2025 South Station, West Station Building overground parking S+P+5 (in the historical monuments protection area, SC Hale si 30. Ploiești according to the Law no. 422/2001 on historical Piete SA monuments) AREA OF INTERVENTION: road upgrading / repairing Upgrading access roads - the entrances to Ploiești city / rehabilitation / modernization of street infrastructure, with priority given to Ploiești Strategy Project Portfolio 31. Ploiești RASP Ploiești the streets entrances to the city and to the 2007-2025 suburbs, including sidewalks, squares, parallel parking, intersections, roundabouts Starting Order for field studies, the documen- Technical and Modernization of the street structure in Mitică tation for sewage 32. Ploiești Investment Apostol district is in place Directorate documentation 4 for sewage is in place Technical and Ploiești (LCD Modernization of the street structure in Pictor Starting Order The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole 33. Ploiești Investment 288/24.07.14) Rosenthal district for field studies Directorate Technical and Modernization of the street structure in Rafov 34. Ploiești Investment district Directorate The legal status Technical and Modernization of the street structure in Vega of the land is not 35. Ploiești Investment colon clear; no Starting Directorate Order Sectorial objective B2: Protecting energy ressources and the quality of the natural and built environment AREA OF INTERVENTION: improving the energy efficiency of the buildings Improving the efficiency of energy consumption 36. Ploiești Ploiești TRACE P5 in public buildings II 390 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included The existing documen- tations should be updated; Ploiești/ completed Ploiești (LCD 37. Energy rehabilitation of residential buildings West Ploiești Ploiești technical 288/24.07.14) district designes, but no requests from homeowners associations Improving the thermal insulation of the building “Paul Con- envelope (exterior walls, windows, carpentry, stantinescu” 38. Ploiești upper floor, floor above the basement, etc.) - Philarmonic, “Paul Constantinescu” Philharmonic, Ploiești Ploiești Implementation of energy management “Paul Con- systems aimed at improving energy efficiency stantinescu” 39. and at monitoring energy consumption in the Ploiești Philarmonic, institution - “Paul Constantinescu” Philharmonic, Ploiești Ploiești Replacing fluorescent and incandescent lighting “Paul Con- luminaires with energy efficient and long-life stantinescu” 40. Ploiești lamps - “Paul Constantinescu” Philharmonic, Philarmonic, Ploiești Ploiești AREA OF INTERVENTION: water supply and sewerage Rehabilitation and development of the drinking water system in coordination with the Master Plan for drinking water supply, developed by Ploiești Strategy 41. Apa Nova Ploiești, with priority in Apostol, Ploiești Ploiești 2007-2025 Mimiu, Râfov, and Bereasca districts (network rehabilitation, network expansion, pump station rehabilitation in Găgeni-North) Ensuring safety and protection of water 42. sources, namely the establishment of sanitary Ploiești Ploiești protection zones Ploiești Strategy Expansion / modernization of sewerage 2007-2025 43. treatment plant - Implementing the EC directive Ploiești Ploiești on the use of sludge from treatment plants Execution watering systems in the following parks: Mihai Viteazul Dendrological Park, Melc South Park, Civic Center Public Garden 44. Ploiești SGU Ploiești (Nichita Stănescu area), Camelia Public Garden (McDonalds Park), West 1 Public Garden, Modern Park, Aurora Park Developing the banks of Dâmbu creek, building Ploiești Strategy 45. new bridges over Dâmbu creek, developing Ploiești Ploiești Project proposal 2007-2025 traffic arteries on the banks of the creek Restoration and upgrading of toilets and infrastructure (asphalting the alleys, water 46. and sewage installations, lighting installations, Ploiești SGU Ploiești landfill) in Viișoara, Bolovani, Eternitatea, Mihai Bravu cemeteries 391 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included AREA OF INTERVENTION: converting lands / brownfields Uncertain property, Functional reconversion of industrial areas and hindering the Ploiești Strategy 47. degraded lands (brownfields) – Industrial South, Ploiești establishment 2007-2025 Grivco, Upetrom, UZUC, Lukoil of the project initiator AREA OF INTERVENTION: seismic risk buildings Inventorying seismic risk buildings and 48. developing an action plan for the rehabilitation Ploiești Ploiești of earthquake damaged buildings Ploiești Strategy 2007-2025 Rehabilitation / strengthening of the public 49. Ploiești Ploiești buildings that risk to collapse AREA OF INTERVENTION: built heritage Rehabilitation of monument buildings of Ploiești Strategy 50. Ploiești Ploiești category A and B 2007-2025 Refurbishment, restoration, consolidation, repartitioning of the building located on 51. Ploiești Ploiești 16 Independence Boulevard, Ploiești, and transforming its garret into an attic Refurbishment, restoration, consolidation, repartitioning of the building located on 33 52. Ploiești Ploiești Project Portfolio Democracy Street, Ploiești (Marriage House), and transforming its garret into an attic Rehabilitation and upgrading of the fountain of 53. Ploiești SGU Ploiești the Administrative Palace Reabilitare, refacere, modernizare, capele cimitire Eternitatea, Mihai Bravu Rehabilitation, 54. Ploiești SGU Ploiești reconstruction, modernization of chapels at Eternitatea and Mihai Bravu cemeteries Expanding the administrative building of 4 55. Bolovani Modernization of the Central Markets (Halele Ploiești SGU Ploiești Centrale) building - historical and architectural SC Hale si Ploiești Strategy The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole 56. Ploiești monument, included in the list of historical Piete SA 2007-2025 monuments of exceptional national interest AREA OF INTERVENTION: public space, space between blocks, playgrounds Rehabilitation of spaces between blocks, mainly Ploiești Strategy 57. Ploiești Ploiești in the district of Ploiești West I and II 2007-2025 Landscaping of the historical-pedestrian area in 58. Ploiești SGU Ploiești Ploiești Municipality “Paul Con- Building a pedestrian alley on 5 Anton Pann stantinescu” 59. Ploiești Street Philarmonic, Ploiești AREA OF INTERVENTION: parks and green areas Protection and monitoring of trees included in Ploiești Strategy 60. the list of nature monuments and planting trees Ploiești Ploiești 2007-2025 and shrubs in areas with no vegetation Planting forest protection belts on the Eastern 61. Ploiești SGU Ploiești and Western ring roads of Ploiești Municipality Reconfiguring green spaces and rehabilitating 62. and modernizing the infrastructure of Ploiești SGU Ploiești Tineretului Park II 392 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included 63. Endowment with toilets in Tineretului Park Ploiești SGU Ploiești Endowment with urban furniture and landscaping (walkways, pergolas) for the 64. following parks: Bucov Barrier Public Garden, Ploiești SGU Ploiești South Station Public Garden, West 1 Public Garden, Camelia Public Garden 65. Photovoltaic Park in Ploiești Municipality Ploiești SGU Ploiești Execution and installation of artistic elements 66. (Landart) on specific themes of Ploiești in the Ploiești SGU Ploiești parks of the city AREA OF INTERVENTION: cultural units Creating a cultural /scientific park by relocating 67. Ploiești Ploiești / arranging the seat of the Oil Museum Turning municipal libraries into information 68. Ploiești Ploiești centers with internet connection Ploiești Strategy Developing a route with galleries and exhibitions 2007-2025 in the central area of the Municipality, in the 69. territory bounded by “Nichita Stănescu” Park, Ploiești Ploiești “Toma Caragiu” Theatre, and the Central Markets (Halele Centrale) Consolidating and expanding the concert hall of Auction organized 70. the “Paul Constantinescu” Philharmonic, Ploiești Ploiești Ploiești in 2009 / including indoor and outdoor facilities Polivalent (multifunctional) hall at Patria Modernized in 71. Ploiești Ploiești Cinema 2011 Rearrangement by extension and stacking the Puppet 72. building situated in 14 Independence Boulevard, Ploiești Theatre Ploiești (Puppet Theatre) “Toma Extending and equipping “Toma Caragiu” Caragiu” 73. Ploiești Theatre Theatre, Ploiești AREA OF INTERVENTION: commerce / agrifood markets Rehabilitation and expansion of agrifood 74. Ploiești Ploiești markets in district centers Ploiești Strategy Revitalization of street commerce in the 2007-2025 75. Ploiești Ploiești pedestrian zone of the center AREA OF INTERVENTION: sports / leisure facilities Promoting and supporting the creation of sports and recreation centers in the highly populated districts of the city, in partnership Ploiești Strategy 76. with the school network by building sports Ploiești Ploiești 2007-2025 facilities in green and interstitial district areas (panels basketball, tracks for running, rollers, skates, etc.) 393 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included Technical expertise and documen- tations of approval for intervention Rehabilitation and consolidation of Vega Municipal 77. Ploiești works (D.A.L.I.), swimming poo Sports Club LCD for approving indicators (132/27.04.2011); land under discussion with Rompetrol Developing recreation areas in the Northern district (Camelia Street, Bl D1, in front of “Nichita Stănescu” High School), the Western 78. Ploiești district (lezerului Street), and the “May 9th” (Somes Alley, Bl 9C, “May 9th” Market, Prislop Alley) Building a covered swimming pool - Proposed Municipal 79. location: inside the sports complex “Vointa” - Ploiești Sports Club Conpet Building a speed skating track - Proposed Municipal 80. Ploiești location: inside Ploiești Hippodrome Sports Club Project Portfolio Construction of outdoor running track - Municipal 81. Proposed location: inside the Municipal West Ploiești Sports Club Park Construction of accommodation facilities for athletes legiTimișed at CSM Ploiești, residing Municipal 82. Ploiești in other localities - Proposed location: inside Sports Club Ploiești Hippodrome Construction of a 6,000-seat polyvalent hall - Municipal 83. Ploiești 4 Proposed location: inside Municipal West Park Sports Club Building an indoor ice rink, functional inclusively during summer, for the training of the speed Municipal 84. skating section of the Municipal Sports Club, Ploiești The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole Sports Club Ploiești - Proposed location: inside the Municipal West Park AREA OF INTERVENTION: public lighting, electrical networks, and IT 85. Expanding LED lighting Ploiești Ploiești TRACE P6 Introducing underground conduits (burying 86. Ploiești Ploiești cables) Installing WI-FI in the following locations: Tineretului Park, Mihai Viteazul Dendrological 87. Ploiești SGU Ploiești Park, Aurora Park, Liberty Park, OZN Park, West 1 Public Garden Video monitoring in the following locations: Tineretului Park, Mihai Viteazul Dendrological 88. Park, Aurora Park, Liberty Park, OZN Park, Ploiești SGU Ploiești Bucov Barrier Public Gardem, South Station Public Garden Video monitoring for all paid parkings in Ploiești 89. Ploiești SGU Ploiești Municipality S.C Transport Upgrading power supply stations for trams / 90. Ploiești Călători trolleys (4 stations) Express S.A. II 394 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included “Paul Con- Installing a professional and high quality stantinescu” 91. sound system in the concert hall of the “Paul Ploiești Philarmonic, Constantinescu” Philarmonic, Ploiești Ploiești “Paul Con- Installing a WI-FI system inside “Paul stantinescu” 92. Constantinescu” Philarmonic (entrance hall, side Ploiești Philarmonic, hall, offices, classrooms) Ploiești Installation of screens, monitors, and provision “Paul Con- of technical equipment needed for supporting stantinescu” 93. Ploiești conferences, symposia, workshops, etc. - “Paul Philarmonic, Constantinescu” Philharmonic, Ploiești Ploiești Implementing a video monitoring system for the Local Police, 94. Ploiești North-South Axis of Ploiești Municipality Ploiești AREA OF INTERVENTION: alternative energy Design and installation of solar panels for hot Municipal Energy audit 95. Ploiești water at Olimpia Sports Hall Sports Club certificate Using renewable energy sources to ensure “Paul Con- thermal energy demand for heating and stantinescu” 96. Ploiești preparing hot water for consumption - “Paul Philarmonic, Constantinescu” Philharmonic, Ploiești Ploiești Sectorial objective C1: Increasing the quality of public services AREA OF INTERVENTION: social infrastructure Ploiești (LCD 97. Moderninzing “Cosminele” residence Ploiești Ploiești 288/24.07.14) 98. Modernizing social canteens Ploiești Ploiești 99. Modernizing orphanges Ploiești Ploiești Ensuring access to public buildings (ramps, 100 Ploiești Ploiești elevators) for persons with physical disabilities Ploiești Strategy Construction of buildings with integrated 2007-2025 101 social functions (housing, social services) in the Ploiești Ploiești district of Bereasca 102 Establishing of networks of home social services Ploiești Ploiești Rehabilitation of the social housing block in 13, 103 Ploiești Ploiești Rafinorilor Street Urban regeneration / CLLD in Mimiu and 104 Ploiești Ploiești Bereasca districts 105 Day care center for people in difficulty Ploiești ASSC 106 Protected workshops Ploiești ASSC 107 Temporary hosting center Ploiești ASSC Center for prevention and combating domestic 108 Ploiești ASSC violence AREA OF INTERVENTION: school infrastructure 395 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included D.U.P., F.S., T.D. + CS + E.D. + Technical Technical and Construction of concert hall, workshops and documen- 109 Ploiești Investment gym at “Carmen Sylva”Art High School tation for Directorate obtaining building permits (2007-2008) D.U.P., F.S., Ploiești (LCD T.D.; E.D.; 288/24.07.14) Technical documen- Technical and Construction of a school campus at “Virgil tation for 110 Ploiești Investment Madgearu” Economic College obtaining Directorate building permits, tender specifications (2008) Ploiești Strategy 111 Building PEGAS pre-university campus Ploiești Ploiești 2007-2025 Modernization of sports halls in the following school units - “I. A. Bassarabescu” School, Technical and “Nicolae Simache” School, “Nicolae Iorga” School; 112 Ploiești Investment “Apostol Andrei” School; “H. M. Berthelot” Project Portfolio Directorate School; “I. L. Caragiale” National College, “Nichita Stănescu” National College Technical and Extending the building of “Al. I. Cuza” National 113 Ploiești Investment College Directorate Technical and 114 Modernizing lyceum units – 6 high schools Ploiești Investment Directorate 4 115 Modernizing gymnasium units - 8 schools Ploiești Technical and Investment Directorate The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole Technical and 116 Extending the building of “Grigore Moisil” School Ploiești Investment Directorate Technical and 117 Extending the building of “Sfantul Vasile” School Ploiești Investment Directorate Technical Technical and expertise, Rehabilitating the annex to “Mihai Viteazul” 118 Ploiești Investment geotechnical National College – 2 Jurnalist Gabi Dobre Street Directorate study, DALI (2011) AREA OF INTERVENTION: nurseries and kindergartens II 396 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included F.S., Technical documen- tation for obtaining Technical and building permits, Building a kindergarten with normal schedule on 119 Ploiești Investment T.D., E.D., (2011) Strunga Alley (6 groups) Directorate Tender specifi- cations – C.A. Ploiești (LCD issued and 288/24.07.14) extended, expired F.S.; Technical Building a kindergarten with normal schedule on Design auctioned, 120 Ploiești Ploiești 20, Trestioara Street builder designated F.S.; T.D, E.D., Technical documen- tation for obtaining building permits, Technical and for every field: Building a kindergarten with extended schedule Ploiești (LCD 121 Ploiești Investment instalations on Petrolului Boulevard (8 groups) 288/24.07.14) Directorate (central heating, water connection, channel connection, construction, fire safety scenario)(2011) Technical and Modernization of preschool units - 5 122 Ploiești Investment kindergartens Directorate Technical and Modernization of ante-preschool units - 3 123 Ploiești Investment nurseries Directorate Technical and 124 Building a kindergarten in 36 Poștei Street Ploiești Investment Directorate AREA OF INTERVENTION: health infrastructure Rehabilitation / modernization (buildings and equipment) of specialty ambulatories and 125 Ploiești Ploiești facilitate access for people with physical disabilities Ploiești Strategy Rehabilitation / modernization (buildings and 2007-2025 126 Ploiești Ploiești equipment) of Contagious Diseases Hospital Rehabilitation / modernization (buildings and 127 Ploiești Ploiești equipment) of Municipal Hospital no. 1 - Schuller Extending and modernizing the building of the F.S. under Ploiești Strategy 128 Ploiești Ploiești Paedriatic Hospital elaboration 2007-2025 Endowing with equipment the Radiotherapy Municipal 129 Center (accelerator and annexes) - year 2016 Ploiești Hospital, F.S. (Municipal Hospital, Ploiești ) Ploiești Municipal Building a Radiotherapy Center - year 2015 130 Ploiești Hospital, F.S. (Municipal Hospital, Ploiești) Ploiești Municipal Constructing a day hospitalization building – 131 Ploiești Hospital, year 2017 (Municipal Hospital, Ploiești) Ploiești 397 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included Municipal MRI equipment - year 2018 132 Ploiești Hospital, (Municipal Hospital, Ploiești) Ploiești Rehabilitating the facade and cover of the Municipal Building A (Department of Internal Medicine 133 Ploiești Hospital, and specialty ambulatory) - year 2015 Ploiești (Municipal Hospital, Ploiești) Consolidating and refunctionalizing the Building Municipal 134 A (Oncology Department - stage II) – year 2018 Ploiești Hospital, (Municipal Hospital, Ploiești ) Ploiești Thermal rehabilitation of the Rheumatology Municipal 135 Department – Building V - year 2016 (Municipal Ploiești Hospital, Hospital, Ploiești) Ploiești Thermal Rehabilitation of the Recovery Section Municipal 136 - Physical medicine and balneology (Building K) - Ploiești Hospital, Year 2016 (Municipal Hospital, Ploiești) Ploiești AREA OF INTERVENTION: City Halls and other public function premises Ploiești Strategy 137 Building City Hall premises Ploiești Ploiești F.S. - July 2004 2007-2025 Consolidation and facade restoration of the Local Police, 138 building in which the Local Police of Ploiești Ploiești Ploiești works, located on 21, Independence Boulevard Project Portfolio AREA OF INTERVENTION: housing construction 139 Completing the Eden district (36 residences for doctors) Sectorial objective C2: Increasing the capacity of LPA AREA OF INTERVENTION: communication and decisional transparency Integrated digital communications network for 140 activities related to the local administration, Ploiești Ploiești public order, and emergency management Informing the population on urban projects and 4 141 Ploiești Ploiești related urban planning regulations Monitoring the implementation of major Ploiești Strategy 142 investment projects covered by funds from the Ploiești Ploiești 2007-2025 The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole public budget by mounting a video camera Connecting the city halls and the subordinated 143 public institutions to a coordinated system of Ploiești Ploiești public-interest data Informing individuals and businesses about local 144 Ploiești Ploiești taxation AREA OF INTERVENTION: improving the performance of public administration Implementing a system of performance Ploiești Strategy 145 indicators in the institutions providing public Ploiești Ploiești 2007-2025 services Drafting the Strategy and Action plan in the 146 Ploiești Ploiești TRACE P1 energy efficiency sector Strengthening the capacity of the local Ploiești Strategy 147 administration to manage projects financed Ploiești Ploiești 2007-2025 from structural funds Strengthening the capacity of the local Ploiești Strategy 148 Ploiești Ploiești administration to conclude partnerships 2007-2025 Implementing a property evaluation system for Ploiești Strategy 149 a real taxation of properties, according to the Ploiești Ploiești 2007-2025 market value II 398 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included The implementation of mechanisms to Local Public Ploiești Strategy 150 streamline public spending and boost local tax Ploiești Finance 2007-2025 collection Department Continuous training courses and improving the Local Police, Ploiești Strategy 151 professional qualification of employees working Ploiești Ploiești 2007-2025 in the Local Police, Ploiești Providing uniforms, weapons and police Local Police, Ploiești Strategy 152 protection means, vehicles, office equipment Ploiești Ploiești 2007-2025 and furniture - Local Police, Ploiești AREA OF INTERVENTION: marketing and advertising Elaboration of Ploiești Municipality investment Ploiești Strategy 153 Ploiești Ploiești guide 2007-2025 Ploiești LPA (Operational budget: 289 million EUR) Sectorial objective A1: Supporting a sustainable economic development AREA OF INTERVENTION: industrial parks Ariceștii Ariceștii 1 Attracting investment in green energy sector Rahtivani Rahtivani AREA OF INTERVENTION: agricultural activities Rehabilitation of Leaotu Vechi irrigation canal Ariceștii Ariceștii 2 for agriculture Rahtivani Rahtivani Sectorial objective B1: Improving territorial connectivity - TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY SECTOR AREA OF INTERVENTION: road upgrading / repairing Upgrade and restoration of access roads and Ariceștii Ariceștii 3 agricultural exploitation roads Rahtivani Rahtivani Sectorial objective B2: Protecting energy resources and the quality of the natural and built environment AREA OF INTERVENTION: thermal energy / gas supply Ariceștii Ariceștii 4 Extending gas supply Rahtivani Rahtivani AREA OF INTERVENTION: water supply and sewerage Extending the water and sewerage networks Ariceștii Ariceștii 5 (Ariceștii Rahtivani and Nedelea localities) Rahtivani Rahtivani AREA OF INTERVENTION: built heritage Rehabilitating Sf. Nicolae Church in Ariceștii Ariceștii Ariceștii 6 Rahtivani Rahtivani Rahtivani AREA OF INTERVENTION: public space, space between blocks, playgrounds Ariceștii Ariceștii 7 Building parks and playgrounds for children Rahtivani Rahtivani AREA OF INTERVENTION: cultural units Rehabilitation of cultural center in Ariceștii Ariceștii Ariceștii 8 Rahtivani Rahtivani Rahtivani AREA OF INTERVENTION: public lighting, electrical networks, and IT Ariceștii Ariceștii 9 Extending the public lighting Rahtivani Rahtivani Sectorial objective C1: Increasing the quality of public services AREA OF INTERVENTION: school infrastructure Building a sports hall in Ariceștii Rahtivani Ariceștii Ariceștii 10 village Rahtivani Rahtivani AREA OF INTERVENTION: nurseries and kindergartens Ariceștii Ariceștii 11 Building a kindergarten for 50 children Rahtivani Rahtivani 399 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included AREA OF INTERVENTION: health infrastructure Ariceștii Ariceștii 12 Building a micro-polyclinic in Ariceștii Rahtivani Rahtivani Rahtivani Băicoi LPA (Operational budget: 14 million EUR) Sectorial objective A1: Supporting a sustainable economic development AREA OF INTERVENTION: industrial parks Building a 6 ha industrial park in the western 1 part of the city, with access to DN 1 and to the Băicoi Băicoi ring road / Livada industrial park Sectorial objective B1: improving territorial connectivity - TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY SECTOR AREA OF INTERVENTION: accessibility and mobilty Increasing accessibility to and from Băicoi Sustainable city through the construction of a suspended F.S. under Development 2 Băicoi Băicoi passage over DN 1, at the intersection with DJ elaboration Strategy of Băicoi 215 City 2014-2020 3 Building a ring road for Băicoi city - 6 km Băicoi Băicoi Updated Strategy Băicoi DJ 100F (Republicii Increasing accessibilty and consolidating Str. and Project Portfolio traffic safety - setting up a roundabout at the Independenţei F.S. under 4 Updated Strategy intersection between DJ 100F and DJ 215 - Str.) elaboration Lilieşti Center DJ 215 (Infratirii Str. and Dorobanţi Str.) Băicoi - Increasing accessibilty – roundabout at the 5 Florești Băicoi Updated Strategy intersection between DN 1 and DJ 720 commune 4 6 Increasing accessibilty – passage over DN 1 at the intersection with DC 8A Băicoi Băicoi Updated Strategy AREA OF INTERVENTION: road upgrading / repairing The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole Sustainable Rehabilitating interior streets in Băicoi city, Development 7 affected by public utilities works (water and Băicoi Băicoi Strategy of Băicoi sewerage) City 2014-2020 Rehabilitation and improvement of the communal road DC 8A by restoring the asphalt, 8 bike lanes, developing sidewalks and gutters - Băicoi Băicoi Updated Strategy DC 8A - section between Mihai Viteazu Street and DN 1) Modernizing agricultural exploitation roads in 9 Băicoi Băicoi Updated Strategy view of ensuring access Băicoi - Sustainable Rehabilitation / reconstruction of bridges and Dâmbu Drawing Development 10 culverts, and arranging a pedestrian area along and Țintea Băicoi topographic Strategy of Băicoi Dambu creek after its regularization Districts support City 2014-2020 L=5km AREA OF INTERVENTION: traffic safety Purchase of equipment for snow removal and 11 Băicoi Băicoi Updated Strategy for the maintenance of street cleaning Sectorial objective B2: Protecting energy resources and the quality of the natural and built environment II 400 AREA OF INTERVENTION: improving the energy efficiency of the buildings Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included • F. S. approved by LCD 23/26. Energy rehabilitation of district blocks (40 03.2012 12 Băicoi Băicoi Updated Strategy blocks) • Energy audit • Technical expertise AREA OF INTERVENTION: water supply and sewerage 13 Water storage tank – capacity of 5000 c.m. Băicoi Băicoi 14 Rainwater drainage and sewage works Băicoi Băicoi Updated Strategy Expansion and modernization of drinking water 15 distribution network and sewerage network in Băicoi Băicoi Dambu, Tufeni, and Tintea AREA OF INTERVENTION: converting land / brownfields The restoration of land plluted with petroleum 16 products and its reintegration into the Băicoi Băicoi Updated Strategy agricultural / industrial circuit Băicoi - 87, F.S. approved Sustainable Greening polluted land in the area of Lake Park Republicii Str. by LCD 64/25. Development 17 and turning it into recreational green space - Băicoi Surface = 05.2015 Strategy of Băicoi improving Caragiale Dendrological Park 118,997 m2 T.D., E.D. City 2014-2020 AREA OF INTERVENTION: seismic risk buildings Expert appraisal / retrofitting of public buildings 18 Băicoi Băicoi Updated Strategy against seisms AREA OF INTERVENTION: public space, space between blocks, playgrounds Rehabilitation private apartment blocks in the 19 areas of Lilieşti and Schela, as well as in the Băicoi Băicoi zone of the homes for singles Topogra- phical House infrastructure consolidation and recovery 64-66 support, 20 at 64-66 Lăcrămioarelor Street, affected by Lăcrămioa- Băicoi Updated Strategy geotechnical landslides relor Street study, technical expertise Topogra- phical Infrastructure consolidation and recovery in the Gladiolelor support, 21 Băicoi Updated Strategy area of Gladiolelor Street, affected by landslides Street geotechnical study, technical expertise AREA OF INTERVENTION: cultural units Sustainable Development Building a cultural, social, and multifunctional F.S. under 22 Băicoi Băicoi Strategy of center elaboration Băicoi City 2014-2020 Rehabilitation, modernization, and endowment 4 Dorobanţi 23 Updated Strategy of Lilieşti cultural center Street AREA OF INTERVENTION: sports / leisure facilities Topogra- School no. 3 Sustainable phical Building a school sports hall for the General from Lilieşti, Development 24 support, School Unit no. 3 (with I-VIII classes), Lilieşti 2 Progresul Strategy of Băicoi geotechnical Street City 2014-2020 study 401 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included Constantin Topogra- Cantacuzino phical Building a swimming pool for national and 25 School Group, support, Updated Strategy international competitions 111 Republicii geotechnical Street study Sustainable Rehabilitation, modernization, and endowment 4 Dorobanţi Development 26 Identified location of Lilieşti sports complex Street Strategy of Băicoi City 2014-2020 Sustainable Rehabilitation, modernization, and endowment 1 Câmpului Development 27 Identified location of Tufeni sports complex Street Strategy of Băicoi City 2014-2020 Salt Lakes - Development and promotion of the recreational Livede area; potential of the salt lakes area and the Stelii “Stelii Valley” 28 Băicoi Updated Strategy Valley baths - accommodation places, sewerage Baths, 168 network, and treatment plant Independenţei Street AREA OF INTERVENTION: public lighting, electrical units, and IT Băicoi Sustainable Stimulating the production of electricity by DJ 100F Development 29 placing solar lamps for public lighting on the Băicoi DJ 100E Strategy of Băicoi main thoroughfares of Băicoi city Project Portfolio DJ 215 City 2014-2020 Băicoi Sustainable DJ 100F Development 30 Introducing urban networks in the underground Băicoi F.S. for DJ 100F DJ 100E Strategy of Băicoi DJ 215 City 2014-2020 AREA OF INTERVENTION: alternative energy Introducing advanced technologies in the urban heating system; developing equipment that 31 uses non-conventional sources for green energy Băicoi Băicoi Updated Strategy 4 production in public buildings (town hall, schools, kindergartens) Sectorial objective C1: Increasing the quality of public services The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole AREA OF INTERVENTION: school infrastructure Constantin Gym enlargement and rehabilitation, sports Sustainable Cantacuzino field development, the fencing of “Constantin Development 32 School Group, Băicoi F.S. approved Cantacuzino” Technological High School in the Strategy of Băicoi 111 Republicii city of Băicoi, Prahova County City 2014-2020 Street Repairing covers, interior finishing works, sports Sustainable hall, developing a sports field, fencing “Dumitru 19 Unirii Development 33 Băicoi F.S. approved Ghenoiu” School, Building A, 19 Unirii Street, Street Strategy of Băicoi Băicoi city, Prahova County City 2014-2020 Extending, rehabilitating, and modernizing Sustainable Building C1 - “Dumitru Ghenoiu” School, Building 16 Viilor Development 34 Băicoi F.S. approved Wing B, 16 Viilor Street, Băicoi city, Prahova Street Strategy of Băicoi County City 2014-2020 Extending by building afterschool premises, Sustainable rehabilitating and fencing the Secondary 2 Progresul Development 35 Băicoi F.S. approved School in Lilieşti, 2 Progresul Street, Băicoi city, Street Strategy of Băicoi Prahova County City 2014-2020 Sustainable General repairs and upgrading at the Tintea Independenţei Development 36 School with classes I-VIII in Băicoi city, Prahova Băicoi F.S. approved II Street Strategy of Băicoi county City 2014-2020 402 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included Topogra- Rehabilitation / modernization / consolidation phical support, / endowment / change of destination of the 8 Unirii 37 geotechnical Updated Strategy former Liver Hospital, turning it into Arts and Street study, technical Crafts School expertise AREA OF INTERVENTION: health infrastructure Thermal rehabilitation / expansion with integrated ambulatory and emergency room / Sustainable Băicoi - 1 modernization / strengthening the C2 and C3 F.S. under Development 38 Spitalului Băicoi Wings / Change of roofing at C1 Wing / parking elaboration Strategy of Băicoi Alley lots and recreation space for the sick, walkways, City 2014-2020 lighting / construction of ambulance garage Lilieşti medical Modernizing / developing / endowing the 39 dispensary, Updated Strategy medical dispensary in Lilieşti 291 Republicii Street Țintea medical Thermal rehabilitation / consolidation / dispensary, 40 modernization / development / endowment of Updated Strategy 167 the medical dispensary in Țintea Independenţei Street AREA OF INTERVENTION: City Halls and other public function premises Extension, modernization, and energy 21 Unirii 41 Băicoi rehabilitation of Băicoi City Hall Street Sustainable Constructing and endowing a new building for 8 Unirii F.S. under Development 42 Băicoi Băicoi City Hall, with P+1 height regime Street elaboration Strategy of Băicoi City 2014-2020 Bărcănești LPA (Operational budget: 5.5 million EUR) Sectorial objective B2: Protecting energy resources and the quality of the natural and built environment AREA OF INTERVENTION: water supply and sewerage 1 Connections to the water system Bărcănești Bărcănești Building a sewerage system and a treatment 2 Bărcănești Bărcănești plant AREA OF INTERVENTION: cultural units 3 Building a cultural center Bărcănești Bărcănești Berceni LPA (Operational budget: 3.5 million EUR) Sectorial objective B1: Improving territorial connectivity - TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY SECTOR AREA OF INTERVENTION: clean public transport 1 Developing bike lanes, DJ 139 Berceni Berceni 2 Placing minibus stations Berceni Berceni Sectorial objective B2: Protecting energy resources and the quality of natural and built environment AREA OF INTERVENTION: sports / leisure facilities 3 Polyvalent hall in Berceni commune Berceni Berceni Building a sports hall based on public-private 4 Berceni Berceni partnerhip Modernization of sports complex, construction 5 Berceni Berceni of communal stadium 403 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included 6 F.S. / T.D. for building a sports field in Dâmbu Berceni Berceni AREA OF INTERVENTION: cultural units 7 Cultural centers rehabilitation Berceni Berceni AREA OF INTERVENTION: thermal energy / gas supply 8 Natural gas supply in Berceni commune Berceni Berceni AREA OF INTERVENTION: water supply and sewerage 9 Water supply in Tineretului Street, Berceni Berceni Berceni 10 F.S. / T.D. water in Moara Nouă locality Berceni Berceni Sewerage, culverts, dale ditches, and sidewalks 11 Berceni Berceni F.S / T.D. in Berceni commune 12 Execution of rainwater disposal channels Berceni Berceni F.S / T.D. 13 Drilling for water well in Berceni - Dâmbu Berceni Berceni AREA OF INTERVENTION: public lighting, electrical networks, and IT Mounting an electrical transformer in Corlățești, 14 Berceni Berceni Cătunu Extending the electrical network in Rafinăriei 15 Berceni Berceni Street Extending the public lighting in Berceni 16 Berceni Berceni commune Sectorial objective C1: Increasing the quality of public services Project Portfolio AREA OF INTERVENTION: school infrastructure 17 Paving school yards Berceni Berceni Blejoi LPA (Operational budget: 11.1 million EUR) Sectorial objective B1: Improving territorial connectivity - TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY SECTOR AREA OF INTERVENTION: accessibility and mobility 4 1 Building a road linking DJ 156 to DN 1B Blejoi Blejoi AREA OF INTERVENTION: road modernization / repair Upgrading communal roads, including 2 Blejoi Blejoi The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole intersections and bike lanes Sectorial objective B2: Protejarea resurselor energetice si a calitatii mediului natural si construit AREA OF INTERVENTION: water supply and sewerage Developing and adapting the sewerage network, 3 Blejoi Blejoi including own treatment plant AREA OF INTERVENTION: parks and green areas 4 Developing green areas / parks Blejoi Blejoi Sectorial objective C1: Increasing the quality of public services AREA OF INTERVENTION: school infrastructure 5 School upgrade (demolition and reconstruction) Blejoi Blejoi AREA OF INTERVENTION: City Halls and other public function premises 6 Building new premises for the City Hall Blejoi Blejoi Boldești–Scăeni LPA (Operational budget: 9.6 million EUR) Sectorial objective A2: Supporting the SME sector, entrepreneurship, and business start-up AREA OF INTERVENTION: support for SMEs and business start-ups Direct support for microenterprises (processing Boldești– Boldești- 1 II activities of agricultural and forestry products) Scăeni Scăeni 404 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included Access to credit: guarantee funds (of Boldești- Boldești- 2 companies’ contributions) Scăeni Scăeni Entrepreneurial consulting (courses, consultancy Boldești- Boldești- 3 centers for project applications) Scăeni Scăeni AREA OF INTERVENTION: agricultural activities Developing the processing infrastructure for Boldești- Boldești- 4 agri-food products Scăeni Scăeni AREA OF INTERVENTION: touristic infrastructure Creation, development, and modernization of tourism infrastructure for harnessing natural Boldești- Boldești- 5 resources and increasing the quality of tourism Scăeni Scăeni services Sectorial objective B1: Improving territorial connectivity - TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY SECTOR AREA OF INTERVENTION: road upgrading / repairing Placing crosswalk, passenger stations, and Boldești- Boldești- 6 storage lanes on DN 1A Scăeni Scăeni Sectorial objective B2: Protecting energy resources and the quality of the natural and built environment AREA OF INTERVENTION: water supply and sewerage Boldești- Boldești- 7 Extending and upgrading sewerage networks Scăeni Scăeni Boldești- Boldești- 8 Extending and upgrading treatment plant Scăeni Scăeni AREA OF INTERVENTION: seismic risk buildings Consolidation of residential building on Podgoriei Boldești- Boldești- 9 Street Scăeni Scăeni AREA OF INTERVENTION: parks and green areas Boldești- Boldești- 10 Afforestations Scăeni Scăeni AREA OF INTERVENTION: alternative energy Renewable energy (harnessing renewable energy Boldești- Boldești- 11 resources, upgrading central heating, renewable Scăeni Scăeni fuel) Sectorial objective C1: Increasing the quality of public services AREA OF INTERVENTION: school infrastructure Residential buildings for the youth, for rent, Boldești- Boldești- 12 24UL (2 sections) Scăeni Scăeni Rehabilitating / modernizing / developing and Boldești- Boldești- 13 endowing social services infrastructure Scăeni Scăeni AREA OF INTERVENTION: education and employment Improving the access and participation of Boldești- Boldești- 14 vulnerable groups to the education system and Scăeni Scăeni labor market Promoting equal opportunities in the labor Boldești- Boldești- 15 market Scăeni Scăeni Transnational initiatives on the inclusive labor Boldești- Boldești- 16 market Scăeni Scăeni Training and support for enterprises and Boldești- Boldești- 17 employees in view of promoting adaptability Scăeni Scăeni Developing and implementing active Boldești- Boldești- 18 employment measures Scăeni Scăeni Promoting long-term sustainability in rural areas in Boldești- Boldești- 19 terms of HR development and employment Scăeni Scăeni 405 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included Sectorial objective C2: Increasing LPA capacity AREA OF INTERVENTION: improving the performance of public administration Capacity development to improve the service Boldești- Boldești- 20 performance of local administration Scăeni Scăeni Improving decision-making at the Boldești- Boldești- 21 administrative and political level Scăeni Scăeni Boldești- Boldești- 22 Developing and improving electronic public services Scăeni Scăeni Brazi LPA (Operational budget: 18 million EUR) Sectorial objective B2: Protecting energy resources and the quality of the natural and built environment AREA OF INTERVENTION: built heritage Application Restoring and arranging Nicolau mansion, Brazii 1 Brazi Brazi rejected by MA de Sus village ROP 2007-2013 AREA OF INTERVENTION: sports / leisure facilities Construction of a pool complex , swimming 2 pools, physical therapy pools, annexes, Brazii de Brazi Brazi Sus village Bucov LPA (Operational budget: 7.8 million EUR) Project Portfolio Sectorial objective B1: Improving territorial connectivity - TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY SECTOR INTERVENTION AREA: accessibility and mobility 1 Building a ring road for Bucov commune Bucov Bucov AREA OF INTERVENTION: road upgrading / repairing Road upgrading / setting up interections / 2 Bucov Bucov roundabouts 4 Sectorial objective B2: Protecting energy resources and the quality of the natural and built environment AREA OF INTERVENTION: water supply and sewerage 3 Extending sewerage network Bucov Bucov The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole AREA OF INTERVENTION: parks and green areas 4 Landscaping Bucov Park Bucov Bucov AREA OF INTERVENTION: public lighting, electrical networks, and IT Upgrading public lighting (extending LED 5 Bucov Bucov network) Sectorial objective C1: Increasing the quality of public services AREA OF INTERVENTION: school infrastructure 6 Upgrading and extending school Bucov Bucov AREA OF INTERVENTION: housing construction 7 Developing a residential district for youth Bucov Bucov Dumbrăvești LPA (Operational budget: 2.5 million EUR) Sectorial objective A2: Supporting the SME sector, entrepreneurship, and business start-up AREA OF INTERVENTION: agricultural activities Development and modernization of fairs and agri-food markets - Arranging areas for 1 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești organizing weekly fairs with products from the II citizens’ households 406 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included AREA OF INTERVENTION: tourism infrastructure Building tourist base – fishery basins and 2 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești recreation basins Developing accommodation and leisure 3 places for historical tourism - public-private Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești partnership Sectorial objective B1: Improving territorial connectivity - TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY SECTOR AREA OF INTERVENTION: clean public transport Establishing a public transport route on DJ 4 102 - DC 16 - DN 1 administrative center - Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești Sfârleanca, Fundeni, and Faget villages Placing waiting stations for public transport - 5 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești DJ 102 sector AREA OF INTERVENTION: road upgrading / repairing F.S./T.D. 2009- 6 Upgrading communal and village roads Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești 2011 Hydro- Building a bridge over Vărbilău creek for car and 7 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești geotechnical pedestrian traffic – Mălăeștii de Sus village assessment Hydro- Building a bridge over Vărbilău creek for car and 8 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești geotechnical pedestrian traffic – Sfârleanca village assessment Building sidewalks along along DJ 102 Ploiești – 9 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești Slănic (Dumbrăvești commune) Developing rainwater ditches along DJ 102 10 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești Ploiești – Slănic (Dumbrăvești commune) 11 Improving roads from outside locality limits Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești F.S./T.D. 2011 Sectorial objective B2: Protecting energy resources and the quality of the natural and built environment AREA OF INTERVENTION: thermal energy / gas supply Establishment of supply and distribution 12 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești F.S./T.D. 2010 system for natural gas in the locality AREA OF INTERVENTION: water supply and sewerage The establishment of public wastewater - 13 sewage and treatment plant - Mălăeștii de Sus Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești F.S./T.D. 2008 village Ensuring capacity and autonomy with respect to drinking water supply at European standards 14 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești - drilling wells, storage and water treatment plants Establishing wastewater and sewage public network and water treatment plant - 15 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești, Mățăeștii de Jos, and Găvănel villages Establishing wastewater and sewage public 16 network and water treatment plant – Plopeni Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești village Establishing wastewater and sewage public 17 network and water treatment plant – Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești Sfârleanca village AREA OF INTERVENTION: waste management Development of selective waste collection 18 service and implementation of an awareness Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești program 407 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included AREA OF INTERVENTION: converting lands / brownfields Greening contaminated land after closing 19 Plopeni landfill and reintroducing it in the Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești natural circuit by planting trees AREA OF INTERVENTION: public space, space between blocks, playgrounds Landscaping the civic center – placing a heroes 20 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești monument AREA OF INTERVENTION: parks and green areas Extending green areas through afforestation of 21 less productive and landslide risk lands - 12 ha Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești in Mălăești area Environmental improvement through 22 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești F.S./T.D. 2010 landscaping the park in Găvănel village AREA OF INTERVENTION: cultural units Rehabilitating the building of the former school 23 in Mălăeștii de Sus and converting it into Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești festivity hall and village museum Improving the history and archeology museum 24 section in Slănicului Valley with “Decebal and Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești the six generals” statuary group Landscaping outside areas around the cultural Project Portfolio 25 center – scene, benches, walkways, lighting, Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești service areas for outdoor cultural activities 26 Restoring the historical path of the Salt Route Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești F.S. 2010 AREA OF INTERVENTION: commerce / agri-food markets 27 Building agri-food market Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești AREA OF INTERVENTION: sports / leisure facilities 28 Building sports hall in Plopeni village Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești Building a multifunctional sports field in 4 29 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești village AREA OF INTERVENTION: public lighting, electrical networks, and IT Modernization and extention of the public The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole 30 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești street lighting system AREA OF INTERVENTION: alternative energy Increasing the production of renewable energy 31 by installing solar panels on public institutions Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești in the commune Creation of new electricity production 32 capacities for supplying the public street Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești F.S./T.D. 2011 lighting system Sectorial objective C1: Increasing the quality of public services AREA OF INTERVENTION: school infrastructure Building a sports hall for the school in 33 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești F.S./T.D. 2009 Dumbrăvești School extension in Plopeni village - computer 34 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești science lab, library, reading room, medical unit School extension in Dumbrăvești village - 35 computer science lab, library, reading room, Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești medical unit AREA OF INTERVENTION: nurseries and kindergartens Improving playgrounds and recreation places at II 36 Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești the kindergartens in the locality 408 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included AREA OF INTERVENTION: health infrastructure Extending, upgrading and endowing 37 Dumbrăvești dispensary – medical office, dental Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești office, pharmacy AREA OF INTERVENTION: City Halls and other public function premises 38 Building and equipping Locality Hall premises Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești F.S./T.D. 2011 AREA OF INTERVENTION: housing construction Establishing ANL housing complex - statuary 39 group - archeology museum section in Slănic Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești ZUP 2010 Valley and complementary buildings 40 Housing for the youth, for rent - ANL (180 units) Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești F.S. Education programme regarding emergency and safety situations Establishment of operational base for 41 the emergency service - endowing it with Dumbrăvești Dumbrăvești firefighting and snow removal equipment Păulești LPA (Operational budget: 6.7 million EUR) Sectorial objective B1: Improving territorial connectivity - TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY SECTOR AREA OF INTERVENTION: road upgrading / repairing Sidewalk repairing in Păuleștii Noi – Găgeni, 1 Păulești Păulești along DJ 102, on a length of 4,841.2 m Upraging DS 2236 (extension on Zootehniei 2 Păulești Păulești Street), Păulești village Building sidewalk in Găgeni village, along DJ 102, along DJ 102 – Păulești Church, DJ 201 – Găgeni 3 Păulești Păulești Church – center, DJ 102 – bridge over Stramba in Cocoșești village Upgrading DC 138, Păuleștii Noi – Cocoșești, on 4 Păulești Păulești a length of 1670 m 5 Bulding exploitation routes Păulești Păulești Purchase and installation of street pumps along 6 Păulești Păulești DJ 102 Implementing a project for upgrading and 7 Păulești Păulești maintaining roads in all villages AREA OF INTERVENTION: traffic safety Extending and upgrading the video monitoring 8 Păulești Păulești system in the entire locality Sectorial objective B2: Protecting energy resources and the quality of the natural and built environment AREA OF INTERVENTION: water supply and sewerage 9 Household sewerage in Găgeni village Păulești Păulești Extending the household water system in 10 Păulești Păulești Păulești commune Introducing water supply network in the 11 Păulești Păulești household area (Păulești, Cocoșești, Găgeni) Extending the sewerage network and execution 12 Păulești Păulești of branchings in the entire commune Design and execution of sewerage in Intex 13 Păulești Păulești settlement AREA OF INTERVENTION: parks and green areas Landscaping and endowment of parks in all the 14 Păulești Păulești villages 409 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included AREA OF INTERVENTION: cultural units Purchasing T. Socolescu building and turning it 15 Păulești Păulești into a memorial house Equipping multi-functional room in Cocoșești 16 Păulești Păulești village 17 Building chappel in Păulești Church Păulești Păulești 18 Developing events hall at the Church in Găgeni Păulești Păulești Repair and upgrade works at the Church in 19 Păulești Păulești Cocoșești DOMENIUL DE INTERVENTIE: sports / leisure facilities 20 Execution of mini-football field in Găgeni village Păulești Păulești 21 Upgrading the sports base in Păulești Păulești Păulești AREA OF INTERVENTION: public lighting, electrical networks, and IT Extending public lighting in the commune and in 22 Păulești Păulești newly built areas Upgrading and extending electrical networks, 23 Păulești Păulești mounting transformer points in every village 24 Wirelles internet in the commune’s central park Păulești Păulești AREA OF INTERVENTION: alternative energy Installing photovoltaic panels on public 25 Păulești Păulești Project Portfolio institutions Sectorial objective C1: Increasing the quality of public services AREA OF INTERVENTION: school infrastructure 26 Building school wing with 3 classrooms Păulești Păulești 27 School hall for physical education and sports Păulești Păulești Building school wing (3 classrooms and annexes) 28 Păulești Păulești at Păulești school School hall for physical education and sports in 4 29 Păulești Repair and upgrade works at the school sports Păulești Păulești 30 Păulești Păulești fields in the commune The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole Building a school wing with 2 classrooms at 31 Păulești Păulești Găgeni school AREA OF INTERVENTION: nurseries and kindergartens Developing a kindergarten with extended 32 Păulești Păulești programme AREA OF INTERVENTION: housing building Building residential complex in partneship with 33 Păulești Păulești ANL Sectorial objective C2: Increasing the capacity of LPA AREA OF INTERVENTION: marketing and advertising Advertising programme for Păulești commune 34 for supporting the tourism sector and Păulești Păulești attracting investors Plopeni LPA (Operational budget: 7.4 million EUR) Sectorial budget B2: Protecting energy resources and the quality of the natural and built environment AREA OF INTERVENTION: improving the energy efficiency of the buildings II Thermal rehabilitation of housing blocks (after 1 Plopeni Plopeni the establishment of associations of owners) 410 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included AREA OF INTERVENTION: water supply and sewerage 2 Rehabilitating the sewerage network Plopeni Hidro Prahova AREA OF INTERVENTION: converting lands / brownfields 3 Development of the plant’s land (brownfield) Plopeni Plopeni AREA OF INTERVENTION: public lighting, electrical networks, and IT 4 Extending and upgrading the public lighting Plopeni Plopeni AREA OF INTERVENTION: alternative energy Execution of works supplementing traditional 5 heating systems with systems that use solar Plopeni Plopeni energy Sectorial objective C1: Increasing the quality of public services AREA OF INTERVENTION: school infrastructure Rehabilitation, consolidation, expansion, and 6 modernization of “Carol I” School with classes Plopeni Plopeni I-VIII Rehabilitation, consolidation, expansion, 7 Plopeni Plopeni modernization of Plopeni School Group Developing a sports hall at the school and a 8 Plopeni Plopeni sports field at the high school Târgșoru Vechi LPA (Operational budget: 4.8 million EUR) Sectorial objective A1: Supporting the development of a sustainable economy AREA OF INTERVENTION: industrial parks Strejnicu 1 Establishing Târgșoru Vechi industrial park Târgșoru Vechi Project idea village Sectorial objective A2: Supporting the SME sector, entrepreneurship, and business start-up AREA OF INTERVENTION: agricultural activities Targsor 2 Rehabilitation of irrigation canal - Leaotu Vechi Târgșoru Vechi Project idea village Attracting private investment for still water Târgșoru 3 Târgșoru Vechi bottling Vechi Sectorial objective B1: Improving territorial connectivity - TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY SECTOR AREA OF INTERVENTION: road upgrading / repairing Strejnicu, Upgrading local roads in Târgșoru Vechi Târgșoru 4 Târgșoru Vechi F.S. and T.D. commune - 7.8 km Vechi, and Stăncești Strejnicu F.S. and T.D. / 5 Sidewalk construction in Strejnicu village Târgșoru Vechi village 2011 Sectorial objective B2: Protecting energy resources and the quality of the natural and built environment AREA OF INTERVENTION: thermal energy / gas supply Strejnicu, Târgșoru 6 Extending the natural gas distribution network Târgșoru Vechi Vechi, and Stăncești AREA OF INTERVENTION: water supply and sewerage Building sewerage network (+treatment plant) Târgșoru F.S. and T.D. / 7 Târgșoru Vechi in 3 villages (Tg. Vechi, Stăncești, Zahanaua) Vechi 2012 Extending the sewerage network in Strejnicu Târgșoru 8 Târgșoru Vechi Project idea village Vechi 411 Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included AREA OF INTERVENTION: cultural units Strejnicu 9 Construction of recreation park Târgșoru Vechi Project idea village Târgșoru F.S. and T.D. / 10 Construction of a polyvalent hall Târgșoru Vechi Vechi 2014 Târgșoru 11 Setting up a cultural center in Strejnic Târgșoru Vechi Vechi AREA OF INTERVENTION: sports / leisure facilities Târgșoru 12 Building a track for the Aeroclub Târgșoru Vechi Vechi AREA OF INTERVENTION: public lighting, electrical networks, and IT Strejnicu, Târgșoru 13 Extending the electrical network Târgșoru Vechi Vechi, and Stăncești Extending and upgrading the public lighting Târgșoru 14 Târgșoru Vechi system Vechi Sectorial objective C1: Increasing the quality of public services AREA OF INTERVENTION: school infrastructure Târgșoru 15 Building new schools Târgșoru Vechi Vechi Project Portfolio AREA OF INTERVENTION: housing building Building housing units (400 lots on the public Târgșoru 16 Târgșoru Vechi pasture – approved ZUP) Vechi Valea Călugarească LPA (Operational budget: 5.6 million EUR) Sectorial objective A2: Supporting the SME sector, entrepreneurship, and business start-up AREA OF INTERVENTION: agricultural activities 4 1 Conacul Matak Superior harnessing and advertising of traditional wines from Valea Valea ICDVV Valea Călugarească through the oeno-touristic Călugarească Călugarească The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole location Matak Mansion Sectorial objective B1: Improving territorial connectivity - TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY SECTOR AREA OF INTERVENTION: road upgrading / repairing Valea Valea 2 Upgrading local roads T.D. in 2014 Călugarească Călugarească Upgrading the communal road in the northern Valea Valea 3 part of the commune, on the “Wine Route”, 10 Călugarească Călugarească km Building sidewalks in all the villages of the Valea Valea 4 T.D. in 2014 commune Călugarească Călugarească Sectorial objective B2: Protecting energy resources and the quality of the natural and built environment AREA OF INTERVENTION: thermal energy / gas supply Establishing gas distribution network in Coslegi, Valea Valea F.S. under 5 Radila, Pantazi, and Dârvari - 20 km Călugarească Călugarească elaboration AREA OF INTERVENTION: water supply and sewerage Modernizing, expanding, and rehabilitating the Valea Valea 6 T.D. in 2014 water supply system Călugarească Călugarească Establishing a water suppy system in Dârvari, Valea Valea 7 T.D. in 2014 Coslegi, Radila villages Călugarească Călugarească II 8 412 Upgrading the treatment plant Valea Călugarească Valea Călugarească Maturity degree Strategic document TAUs Project documentation/ No. Project title in which it is concerned Initiator drafting time) included Establishing a sewerage network in Coslegi, Valea Valea 9 Radila, Pantazi, and Dârvari villages - 10 km Călugarească Călugarească AREA OF INTERVENTION: public space, space between blocks, playgrounds Developing green areas and playgrounds for Valea Valea 10 children Călugarească Călugarească AREA OF INTERVENTION: cultural units Upgrading and rehabilitating the cultural center Valea Valea 11 T.D. in 2015 in Dârvari Călugarească Călugarească Upgrading and rehabilitating the cultural center Valea Valea 12 T.D. in 2014 in Valea Călugarească Călugarească Călugarească AREA OF INTERVENTION: sports / leisure facilities Upgrading and rehabilitating "Chimistul" sports Valea Valea 13 complex Călugarească Călugarească AREA OF INTERVENTION: public lighting, electrical networks, and IT Valea Valea 14 Extending and upgrading public lighting Călugarească Călugarească Extending the electricity network in areas Valea Valea 15 without electricity Călugarească Călugarească AREA OF INTERVENTION: alternative energy Developing new production capacity of Valea Valea 16 electricity through harnessing solar renewable F.S. in 2010 Călugarească Călugarească energy resources Sectorial objective C1: Increasing the quality of publice services AREA OF INTERVENTION: social infrastructure Rehabilitating and upgrading the Residential Valea Valea F.S. and T.D. in 17 Center for singles no. 2 (S+P+4F) and turning it Călugarească Călugarească 2013 into a social housing center AREA OF INTERVENTION: school infrastructure Building a sports hall at the Valea Călugarească Valea Valea 18 T.D. in 2010 General School with cls.I-VIII Călugarească Călugarească Rehabilitating 3 schools, 1 kindergarten, and 1 Valea Valea 19 nursery Călugarească Călugarească AREA OF INTERVENTION: health infrastructure Valea Valea 20 Building a human dispensary in Pantazi village Călugarească Călugarească Rehabilitating and modernizing human Valea Valea 21 dispensary in Nicovani village Călugarească Călugarească Rehabilitating and modernizing human Valea Valea 22 dispensary in Rachieri village Călugarească Călugarească Rehabilitating and modernizing human Valea Valea 23 dispensary in Dârvari village Călugarească Călugarească 413 Part II: The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole 5 Recommendations for Improving the Institutional Framework at the Level of Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole in the 2014-2020 Programming Period 415 5 Recommendations for improving the institutional framework at the level of Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole in the 2014-2020 programming period 5.1. Background Growth poles are development engines for a particular region, as outlined in the World Bank’s Growth Poles Report, quoted in the Partnership Agreement as well. Growth Poles Policy – initiated in the 2007-2013 programming period – contributed significantly to the implementation of sustainable urban development and regional development concepts in Romania, and it should be continued and extended in the current programming period, while integrating the lessons learnt from the previous period and setting up development of appropriate coordination and implementation mechanisms. This view is also shared by the Ministry of European Funds, which mentions in the Reply Note no. 568 / 03.14.2014, addressed to the President of “Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole IDA”, that “the growth poles’ experience and activity will continue in 2014-2020” under a ROP Priority Axis dedicated to sustainable urban development (Priority Axis no. 4 of the ROP). This axis will offer the possibility that the growth poles finance their integrated urban development Recommendations strategies by “establishing a mechanism for the correlation of operational programmes in view of optimal processing of projects that are part of such a strategy”. As well, the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration mentions in the Reply Note no. 15 379 / 10.03.2014, addressed to the President of “Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole IDA”, that the integrated urban development strategies will focus on “solving economic, environmental, climate, and social issues in cities”, while taking into account “the implementation at the level of the Partnership Agreement of a mechanism for the correlation of the ROP 2014- 2020 with other operational programmes in order to ensure complementarity through prioritizing at the funding level 5 of the other operational programmes the projects that are part of integrated urban development strategies”. In its position on the development of the Partnership Agreement and Programmes in Romania for the 2014-2020 period (Ref. Ares (2012) 1240252/19/10/2012), the European Commission states that “the support given in 2007 to The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole the 7 growth poles must be continued and expanded” and that “an appropriate level of delegation of management in order to assess requirements and institutional capacities should be considered”. The Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Factsheet mentions, in turn, that the various challenges that urban areas are confronted with require an integrated approach to urban development. Partnership agreements and operational programmes should establish the arrangements for ensuring an integrated approach regarding the use of ESI funds for the sustainable development of urban areas in the broader context of regional development. These investment priorities could be incorporated into the integrated urban development strategies of urban areas (Article 7 of the Regulation on ERDF), which could be accompanied by actions supported by the ESF under its investment priorities (Article 3 of the Regulation on ERDF). The implementation of sustainable urban development strategies involves a certain degree of delegation to urban authorities [Article 7 (4) and (5) of the Regulation on ERDF]. Given that sustainable urban development interventions can cover different types of cities and urban areas, as defined by Member States, this instrument allows the funding of district-level or sector-level integrated actions up to level of functional areas, such as urban regions or metropolitan areas, including neighboring rural areas. These provisions basically continue the recommendations included in the Toledo Declaration, which promotes an integrated approach towards urban regeneration and revitalization based on multiple criteria, integrated management, participatory governance, and an urban-scale approach of the area. EU Regulation no. 1303/2013 states in Article 36 that “Member States and the Managing Authorities can designate one or more intermediate bodies, including local authorities, regional development bodies or NGOs, to manage and II implement an ITI under the fund-specific rules”. 416 In addition, EU Regulation no. 1301/2013 states in Article 7 that ERDF supports urban development through “strategies setting out integrated actions to tackle economic, social, climate, demographic, and environmental challenges affecting urban areas, taking into account the need to promote ties between urban and rural areas”. Sustainable urban development can be achieved through integrated territorial interventions or an operational programme with a dedicated priority axis. Furthermore, each Member State shall establish in its Partnership Agreement, the principles of selection of urban areas where integrated actions have to be implemented for a sustainable urban development, as well as the indicative annual allocation for these actions at national level. In either scenario, at least 5% of ERDF resources allocated at national level under the objective regarding investments for for growth and jobs should be assigned to integrated actions for sustainable urban development, where cities, sub-regional or local bodies responsible for implementing sustainable urban strategies (“urban authorities”) have to perform tasks related to at least the selection of operations in accordance with Article 123 (6) of EU Regulation no. 1303/2013 or, where applicable, in accordance with Article 123 (7) of that Regulation. Subsequently, the MA shall establish, after consultation with the urban authority, the scope of tasks to be performed by urban authorities and related to the management of integrated actions for sustainable urban development. At the initiative of the Commission, the ERDF may support innovative actions in the field of sustainable urban development in accordance with Article 92 (8) of EU Regulation no. 1303/2013. Regulation no. 1304/2013 states in Article 12 that the ESF can support local development strategies at the community level in urban and rural areas, as provided for in Articles 32, 33, and 34 of EU Regulation no. 1303/2013, as well as territorial pacts and local initiatives for employment, including young people employment, education and social inclusion, alongside with Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI), as referred to in Article 36 of EU Regulation no. 1303/2013. Complementing ERDF interventions, as provided for in Article 7 of EU Regulation no. 1301/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, the ESF may support sustainable urban development through strategies setting out integrated actions to tackle the economic, environmental, and social challenges affecting urban areas identified by Member States based on the principles set out in their respective Partnership Agreements. The Partnership Agreement with Romania (Romania 2014RO16M8PA001.1.2) underlines at Section 1A that Romania’s polycentric structure and uniform distribution of urban areas represent an advantage, “the role of urban areas in generating and sustaining economic growth being recognized by designating the most important cities as growth poles”. The Partnership Agreement also mentions that, although cooperation between urban and peri-urban areas for the development of initiatives and public services has been limited due to political divergences, besides the ineffective coordination of strategic projects at regional / county level, the basic principle of growth poles policy is correct and this approach should continue in the 2014-2020 programming period, and its funding should ensure coordination between financing sources. An important contribution to overcoming these obstacles could have the Functional Working Group for New Approaches, subordinated to the Ministry of European Funds and mentioned in Section 1B of the same Partnership Agreement, and having the role to “harmonize approaches, guide and strengthen capacities, coordinate networks, correlate and prioritize investments, so that interventions from different thematic objectives and programmes jointly contribute to strategic development objectives of the territories concerned”. The Partnership Agreement states in section 3.1.3./1131 that “the structure for growth poles coordination will be maintained in order to ensure a better connection and correlation between ESI funds and local development strategies and, at the same time, will try to support the improvement of the administrative capacity”. The final evaluation report “Impact Assessment of Priority Axis 1: Supporting the sustainable development of cities – urban growth poles”, conclusion no. 7 recommended that “in the coming period, local authorities should consider strengthening the administrative capacity of local human resources in terms of planning and management of local development strategies. It is also recommended that the role of growth poles’ coordinator at the regional level be increased”, given the fact that, during 2007-2013, the integrated approach to growth poles was better than the approach corresponding to urban development poles and urban centers, which were also supported by Priority Axis 1 of the ROP. The same highlights that the following two functions of the growth pole coordinator were particularly positive and efficient: • Function of integration between public and non-public actors, i.e. leaning to connect the interests of the local stakeholders involved in the Growth Pole and to promote cooperation and coordination; • Facilitation function, implemented particularly in the case of public actors, i.e. the coordinator’s role of mediation between central and local authorities involved in the development and implementation of IDP. 417 However, the report recommends the assessment of growth poles coordinators’ role in terms of three distinct types of activities, namely: a. Transversal activities, namely providing technical assistance for IUD Strategy (advocacy, monitoring, technical support for public authorities involved in the GP, mediation between Management Authority and Intermediate Bodies); b. Preparation for submission of projects, i.e. support in terms of project analysis, technical assistance in the selection, evaluation, and contracting phase (compliance and eligibility of projects); development of the project assessment report; c. Implementation phase, meaning assisting beneficiaries on all questions / requests arising during this stage. In the 1st Key Area of Intervention of the Priority Axis no. 1.1 pertaining to TAOP 2007-2013, it is emphasized that support was provided for the “functioning of the office/cabinet of the pole coordinator, which represents a horizontal coordination mechanism of the structural instruments’ interventions for growth poles”. In the same vein, TAOP 2014- 2020 “aims to support horizontal issues for all OPs under the ESIF” and may finance “measures regarding horizontal issues for ERDF, CF, and ESF beneficiaries”. Based on the recommendations mentioned in the Position Paper of the European Commission services with reference to the preparation of the Partnership Agreement and operational programmes in Romania for the 2014-2020 period, integrated and efficient technical assistance should be intensified, diversified, and channeled to support ESIF major beneficiaries under the form of helpdesk-type customized guidance, dissemination of standardized and simplified documents, etc. Within the ROP 2014-2020, Priority Axis no. 12 explicitly provides for the financial support of urban poles coordinators’ structures in order to provide assistance to urban authorities (eg. for the provision of guidelines, best practices guides in matters of sustainable and integrated urban development etc.). The document notes that “direct support to both potential beneficiaries and actual beneficiaries is a precondition for the smooth implementation of the operational programme. For these reasons, extending the framework for direct support will be considered”. As well, “pole coordinators will have broader responsibilities in view of providing support to urban authorities that will Recommendations implement activities corresponding to the integrated urban development axis”. The programme mentions that “in order to contribute to a polycentric development at national level, the support for the development of major urban centers and urban functional areas will be promoted, alongside with the strengthening of highly urbanized areas, while ensuring optimal basic services to serve medium-sized and small cities”. Their differentiated treatment and the identification of priorities in accordance to needs and local development potential are necessary. Since the selected thematic objectives for the urban development axis do not cover all key areas for the promotion of a sustainable and comprehensive urban development, projects that are part of integrated urban development strategies will be financed with priority under other priority axes of the ROP or other operational programmes. This 5 will be achieved through the investments correlation mechanism provided for in the Partnership Agreement. The principles of selection of urban areas for the promotion and implementation of integrated actions for sustainable urban development will include “promoting an integrated approach to local development (integrated and interconnected The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole strategies, mobilizing local partnerships, pooling resources from all sources of financing, socio-economic local impact, especially given the surrounding areas and the urbanization process, etc.)”. The mechanism of fund allocation under Priority Axis 4 of the ROP 2014-2020, which is based on predetermined indicative allocations for each county capital, is “needed, on the one hand, for providing a stable and predictable base to encourage planning and ensure the integrated nature of the investments, and, on the other hand, for avoiding the relatively low performance of the urban development approach for the 2007-2013 programming period, resulting from low motivation, significant delays in the preparation of urban development plans and the implementation of related projects, and lack of real integration of investments”. During the implementation of this project, the World Bank team made several proposals for a possible institutional architecture at the growth pole level. These proposals were discussed with representatives of MA ROP, MEF, South Muntenia RDA, Prahova County Council, and the local authorities of Ploiești municipality. The recommendations in the sections below represent a summary of these discussions. These recommendations have also implied a continuous refinement of the initial proposals, given that, at the time of this report, the national and regional mechanisms for the implementation of Axis 4 “Sustainable Urban Development” of the ROP 2014-2020 are not established yet. II 418 5.2. Establishment and operation of the Urban Authority at the level of Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole In accordance with the provisions of Article 7 (4) of the ERDF Regulation no. 1301/2013, it is mandatory to involve the bodies who implement the Integrated Urban Development Strategy (IUDS) in the context of sustainable urban development in the implementation and management of urban development funds. This implies that the Managing Authority for the ROP may delegate tasks concerning the management and implementation of specific activities to the bodies (“Urban Authorities”) who implement urban development; it is mandatory to delegate at least the duty of selecting the operations (projects). In accordance with the provisions of Article 7 of the ERDF Regulation and considering the method of implementing sustainable urban development, both through the 2007-2013 ROP – ¬where Ploiești was selected as a growth pole with financial pre-allocation under Priority Axis no. 1, and through the 2014-2020 ROP – where the eligible beneficiaries are the county seats, the county councils or the IDAs formed around them –, the Urban Authority would most likely be established at the level of Ploiești Municipality, with the involvement of appointed members of the Prahova County Council and of the “Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole” IDA. Attracting the County Council and the IDA into this structure is essential for representing the interests of all component TAUs of the association and for ensuring its organizational sustainability. It is recommended that the Urban Authority should include the following categories of experts (this will vary according to the MA-ROP’s final decision on this matter): • 8 representatives of Ploiești Municipality, nominated by order of the mayor, from various structures of the institution; • 3 representatives of the “Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole” IDA – nominated by order of the legal representative of the IDA; • 2 representatives of Prahova County Council, nominated by order of the president. The World Bank proposal on the structure of Ploiești Urban Authority, based on the analysis of the organizational chart of the institutions concerned, is as follows: Figure 102. The proposed structure of the Ploiești Urban Authority Directorate for Public Relations/Project Managers Department – Economic Directorate – Ploiești Municipality Ploiești Municipality (1) (1) Directorate for Directorate for European Funds Land and Housing Absorption – Prahova Management - Ploiești County Council Municipality (1) (1) Ploiești-Prahova Ploiești Community Growth Pole IDA Social Services (3) Administration (1) General Directorate Technical Directorate – for Urban Development / Prahova County Council Chief Architect – Ploiești Technical and (1) Municipality (1) Investment Directorate – Ploiești Municipality (1) 419 Optionally, the following people can be invited as observers to the activities of Ploiești Urban Authority: representatives of the legal and procurement departments of the Municipality, of its subordinated units (e.g. hospitals, schools, Urban Management Services, etc.), of the public transport operators, of the utilities operators, of the sectoral IDAs (water and sanitation, waste management) and of the Urban Development Support Structure (UDSS). The members of the Urban Authority will be technical experts (officials / local elected representatives will be excluded). By delegating the project selection function, Ploiești Urban Authority will be part of the management and control system of the 2014-2020 ROP and will act as a secondary intermediate body, functioning as an economic and technical selection committee. In this context, it will enter into an agreement for the delegation of functions with the MA ROP, and the members of the Urban Authority shall receive support from the Managing Authority (or the consultants selected by it) in order to develop the project selection capacity, through training and information actions. However, the delegation of functions to the Urban Authority will not be accompanied by funds for its operation; such funds will be provided by the municipality / County Council / IDA. The World Bank has proposed the assignation of several monitoring functions for the Urban Authority, in order to ensure a permanent involvement throughout the entire implementation period, and in order to allow the offer of bonuses for working on European projects. Designating Ploiești Urban Authority as a secondary intermediate body and, thus, including it into the management and control system of the 2014-2020 ROP requires a procedure enabling the Authority to perform the functions delegated by the MA ROP (project selection / prioritization). Meanwhile, supervisory procedures will exist at MA ROP level for the function delegated to the Urban Authorities. In addition, the “Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole” IDA will also have the status of potential beneficiary for certain investment priorities under the Priority Axis no. 4 of the 2014-2020 ROP. In this regard, the Mayor of Ploiești will ensure both the involvement of various Municipality directorates and departments in the Urban Authority and the observance of the principle requiring separation of functions, in that the members of the Urban Authority will not be allowed to both prioritize and implement the same projects, according to Article 7 of the ERDF Regulation. A Recommendations delegation agreement will be signed to this purpose between Ploiești Municipality and the MA ROP, with clear procedures for carrying out the delegated functions. The actual activity of the Urban Authority will be to develop a supporting document for the financing of interventions from the 2014-2020 ESIF, based on the Integrated Urban Development Strategy of Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole for the 2014-2020 period. The document will include an extensive list of strategic projects and project files, developed with technical assistance from the World Bank, which will be made available to the Authority by the Growth Pole Coordinator’s Office. 5 The document will be structured as follows: The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole a) A brief description of the approach proposed for the use of ESI funds in the 2014-2020 period: explaining how the projects / areas considered for funding under the 2014-2020 ESIF fall within the Integrated Urban Development Strategy (IUDS) of Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole 2014-2020. It will also explain whether the projects / areas for which funding is requested from the 2014-2020 ESIF are integrated at local or sectoral level (projects integrated from ESIF or integrated with other projects financed or considered for funding under the integrated local development strategy). b) The operational budget for the 2014-2023 implementation period: the operational budget for the identified metropolitan area TAU/IDA will be drafted based on a methodology proposed by the World Bank (about 420 million EUR for the 2014-2023 period in the case of Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole). c) The shortlist of priority projects for the 2014-2023 period: preparing a list of projects for 2014-2023, whose beneficiaries are the Local Public Authorities and whose estimated value is at least twice the operational budget of Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole for 2014-2023, i.e. 2 x 420 million EUR = 840 million EUR. d) Explaining the methodology for prioritizing the projects and justifying how they were selected: prioritization of the projects should consider the available sources of funding (with a preference given to projects that can be financed from European funds) and an integrated approach (either at local level – for example, a particular neighborhood or II region of Ploiești city, or at sectoral level – for example, mobility). 420 e) The list of priority projects eligible under Axis 4 of the 2014-2020 ROP: a list of priority projects will be identified, which could be supported by the indicative pre-allocation for Ploiești city (previously communicated by the MA ROP. The World Bank proposed that Ploiești Growth Pole should receive an indicative pre-allocation of 41.95 million EUR), in accordance with the investment priorities covered under this axis. A reserve list of projects will also be identified with a total estimated value equal to maximum 50% of the amount allocated under Axis 4 of the ROP for Ploiești and in accordance with the investment priorities covered under this axis. f) The list of priority projects / priority areas eligible under other priority axes of the 2014-2020 ROP or other Operational Programmes: according to the provisions of the Partnership Agreement, they will be financed with priority under other priority axes / other operational programmes, through a mechanism of matching and prioritizing the investments set out in the Partnership Agreement. g) The institutional framework for the selection / implementation and monitoring of priority projects: providing information on Ploiești Urban Authority, on the structure(s) and actors responsible for the implementation of the priority projects in the 2014-2020 ESIF Supporting Document, including the composition of the Project Implementation Unit for each priority project (it is recommended that there be a manager for every 10-15 million EUR), and project monitoring. Specifically, starting from the unique prioritization methodology adopted by the Monitoring Committee of the Regional Operational Programme (MC ROP) for all county seats and from the project list included in the Integrated Urban Development Strategy (IUDS) of Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole for 2014-2020, each member of the Urban Authority will apply the criteria from the prioritization methodology and will obtain an individual ranking of priority projects; the final results will be obtained by totaling the scores given by each expert, a task that will be performed by a secretary elected by the members. Based on the final score, various lists of projects will be drafted, to make up the Supporting Document for the financing of 2014-2020 ESIF interventions. One of them will include the eligible projects for the Priority Axis no. 4 of the 2014-2020 ROP. This will include projects amounting to 150% of the indicative financial pre-allocation communicated by the MA ROP for Ploiești city. Additionally, the projects proposed for funding under Priority Axis no. 4 will have to meet at least two thematic objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, and at least one of them must target the reduction of CO2 emissions. Once the Urban Authority has completed the Supporting Document, it will send it, together with the Integrated Urban Development Strategy of Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole for 2014-2020, to the South Muntenia RDA, acting as intermediate body, in order to perform an ex-ante evaluation of the documents to ensure their internal and external consistency, and to check the fulfillment of the minimal admissibility criteria in the grid used by the MA ROP. Figure 103. The preparation of the IUDS and Justification Note for the 2014-2020 ESIF-funded interventions Preparation of the documents The ex-ante evaluation of the IUDS (the The approval of the IUDS fulfillment with the evaluation criteria) • The IUDS is elaborated by LPA/ • IUDS is approved by the IDA • The LPA/IDA and UA sends the IUDS Local/Metropolitan Council • The ROP Monitoring and the Justification Note to the RDA Committee approves the project selection methodology and ➪ (IB) for the ex-ante evaluation • The RDA carries out the ex-ante ➪ criteria evaluation and elaborates the evaluation • The Justification Note is report elaborated by the Urban • The IUDS and the Justification Note Authority (UA) are censequently revised by the LPA/IDA, respectively the UA After the South Muntenia RDA has submitted the ex-ante evaluation report, the two documents will be amended accordingly, if there are comments, and the supporting IUDS will be approved by the ruling body of the „Ploiești- Prahova Growth Pole” IDA and by each component TAU. 421 Figure 104. The evaluation of the IUDS and Justification Note for the 2014-2020 ESIF-funded interventions IUDS and the The evaluation Evaluation o the IUDS with comments Justification Note are committee for IUDS admissibility of the • The MA sends submitted to the MA and the Justification IUDS comments • The LPA or IDA submits Note • Carried out by the MA the documents ➪ • President ➪ • Based on 8 criteria ➪ • The LPA/IDA revises the strategy and sends • The MA nominates the • Secretary it back evaluators • RDA/independent experts ➪ IUDS without comments The Justification Note Evaluation of the with comments admissibility of the • The MA sends Justification Note • Carried out by the MA ➪ comments • The LPA/IDA revises • Based on 7 criteria the Note and sends it back ➪ The Justification Note without comments • The MA approves the Note • The Note is approved by the Local/Metropolitan Recommendations Council • The LPA/IDA prepares the project proposals • The opinion of the SUDC Office on the project proposals 5 After their approval by the IDA and the component TAUs, the IUDS and the Supporting Document will be submitted to the MA ROP for simultaneous assessment (to ensure the internal consistency of the two documents), preferably by a joint selection committee – for example the Operational Working Group for New Approaches, subordinated to The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole the Ministry of European Funds. This option is preferable because the two documents will include projects that can be funded from various operational programmes and other sources of funding, and therefore should be designed and evaluated in an integrated manner. If during the evaluation there will be requests for amendments to the documents or clarifications from the evaluators, they will be operated by the Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole IDA and by the Urban Authority. The final version of the Supporting Document will be approved by the ruling body of the “Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole” IDA and by the MA ROP, the next step being the actual preparation of the individual projects prioritized in the document. The process of evaluating, selecting, and contracting individual projects will be similar to the one in the 2007-2013 period, at least for the ROP Priority Axis no. 4; the duties will remain entirely with the MA ROP, which will delegate part of them to RDAs and to contracted external evaluators. II 422 Figure 105. The evaluation of the IUDS and Justification Note for the 2014-2020 ESIF-funded interventions Clarifications Project calls The evaluation Evaluation of the Evaluation of the • The MA launches calls committee for Axis no. administrative project eligibility for project proposals under 4 inside the MA/RDAs conformity of the • Carried out by RDAs Axis no. 4 with continous (for each investment project: (IB) submission • The Applicant (PA/IDA) ➪ priority) • President ➪ • Carried out by RDAs (IB) • Based on the criteria of ➪ • Based on 8-9 criteria (depending onthe submits the proposal to • Secretary the General Guide investment priority) the RDA (IB) • RDA/independent experts ➪ ➪ Notification of the applicant on fulfilling/non-fulfilling the criteria ➪ ➪ ➪ APPROVED REJECTED The technical and financial evaluation of the project • Made by the MA (independent experts) • 7 criteria ➪ Clarifications ➪ ➪ APPROVED REJECTED Contracting & Implementation 423 5.3. Strengthening the administrative capacity of Ploiești Municipality to prepare and implement investment projects At the level of Ploiești Municipality there is a Directorate of International Relations, under which there is a Project Managers Department, with a total of 10 full-time positions in the organizational chart, dedicated to the management of preparations and implementation; only part of these positions are filled. In the context of the financial crisis, the recruitment of staff in the local public administration was prohibited and the salaries were reduced by 25 %; however, in recent years, the salaries have been restored to the initial amount. The municipality implements a relatively large number of projects with a small number of project managers, each managing 1-3 projects. They are poorly paid, given that the 75 % salary bonus for the staff involved in the implementation of EU funds is granted only at central government level, while at local level it amounts to 30-60%, according to salary classes, depending on the number of projects each expert is involved in. Given that Ploiești city has an operating budget of over 250 million EUR for the 2014-2023 period, we propose a functional review of the existing structures in the municipality and the establishment of Ploiești Municipality Programs Directorate, made up of: • 1 manager; • 25 project managers; • 3 public procurement experts; • 3 financial management experts; • 1 legal professional; • 2 engineers – civil constructions, public utilities; • 1 architect-town-planner. Recommendations Ploiești Municipality Programs Directorate should have at least the following duties: • drafting tender specifications; • drafting service provision and development contracts; • organizing project-themed competitions; • solving public procurement issues; • project management; • post-implementation monitoring; • urban planning and territorial development; 5 • solving legal issues; • financial management. The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole The World Bank proposed the following short- and medium-term solutions to strengthen the capacity of the program implementation / project management directorates, which is particularly necessary, whereas the newly established Urban Authorities will make redundant a significant number of municipality staff, due to the application of the principle of function segregation: • a functional analysis of the existing program implementation directorates / departments, in order to adapt their staff to the operational budget (financial potential for investments) of the city; • including staff expenses into the category of eligible expenditures for investment projects financed from European funds, particularly in the case of the ROP; • outsourcing some of the project implementation tasks to better paid external experts, in order to relieve their own staff, under the newly approved Law no. 64/2015; • increasing the salary bonuses to 75% for the staff involved in implementing EU-funded projects and also for the members of the Urban Authorities; • granting bonuses / related salary classes to the staff involved in the implementation of EU funded-projects and to the members of the Urban Authority, who will no longer have the right to engage in the project implementation units of the selected projects, according to the provisions of Article 7 of the ERDF Regulation. II 424 5.4. Establishment of the South Muntenia Ploiești Urban Development Support Structure (by reorganizing the Ploiești Growth Pole Coordinator’s Office) The Ploiești Growth Pole Coordinator’s Office had a sound activity in the 2007-2013 programming period, being very supportive to the beneficiaries of ROP funds and other funds. This success is the result of continuous development of the institutional capacity, despite the reduced number of employees, and the higher flexibility in recruiting, training and properly remunerating its own staff, compared to the local public administration sector. From this point of view, in order to meet the objectives undertaken by Romania in the 2014-2020 Partnership Agreement and in ROP 2014- 2020 document approved by the European Commission, it is necessary to maintain these structures and staff – who already have a solid experience in working with local actors and in liaising with central level authorities. The recommendation of the World Bank is to keep and reorganize these structures, bearing in mind the following specific objectives: • tackling the problems related to sustainable urban development for all county seats / IDAs in the region – in the case of the South Muntenia development region, the county seats are: Ploiești, Pitești, Târgoviște, Călărași, Giurgiu, Slobozia, and Alexandria. Ideally, the management structure of the pole coordinator’s office should remain within the growth pole (which has a polarizing role for the rest of the region and where there is a core of already trained and experienced staff, who could immediately take over the tasks related to the new programming period), with representatives or local offices established in every county seat of the region. As such, it will require strengthening the operational capacity of the existing office by hiring additional qualified staff and providing them with continuous training, as well as the adoption by the MA ROP of working procedures for the CDUS; • taking over some helpdesk tasks to assist the beneficiaries in the project design, implementation, and monitoring. The South Muntenia Ploiești UDSS could help, inter alia, with the drafting of specifications and contracts (two stages of the public procurement process that were deficient in the 2007-2013 financial period) for the projects that have been approved for European funding (irrespective of the funding source); • organizing an exchange of experience between the various county seats in the region and in Romania; • the South Muntenia Ploiești UDSS will be part of the South Muntenia RDA structure, but its responsibilities will be distinct from those of the IB ROP within the Agency. In this context, it is advisable that the MA ROP and the South Muntenia RDA should conclude different agreements for the delegation of functions to the two sub-structures that have a different track record and different operational characteristics and functions; • the funding of the South Muntenia Ploiești UDSS, according to 2014-202 ROP document, will be provided from Priority Axis no. 12 – Technical Assistance for the 2014-2020 ROP. Given the proposal that the UDSS should support the beneficiaries in the implementation and correlation of all projects listed in the 2014-2020 ESIF Supporting Document, we recommend that such activities should be funded by signing a quadripartite agreement between the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration (MRDPA) – MA ROP, the Ministry of European Funds – MA TAOP (Technical Assistance Operational Programme), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development – MA PNDR (National Rural Development Programme), and the RDAs. Nevertheless, such a document should ideally include all the management authorities which will implement projects at the growth pole’s level (MA-COP, MA-ACOP, MA- LIOP). The responsibilities of the South Muntenia Ploiești UDSS at the level of the 7 county seats in the region could include: 1. Supporting the development / updating / modification of the programming documents related to the implementation of sustainable urban development in the 2014-2020 period Approving the Integrated Urban Development Strategy (IUDS) for the 2014-2020 programming period and the Supporting Document for the financing of interventions from the 2014-2020 ESIF, previously granting support to the intercommunity development associations / county seats in drafting and updating these documents. 2. Supporting the Urban Authorities in fulfilling their responsibilities: a) Supporting the creation, accreditation, and functioning of the Urban Authorities, including the implementation of the annual recommendations of the audit missions. b) Supporting the drafting of the Urban Authorities’ internal working procedures for the function delegated by the MA ROP. c) Supporting the Urban Authorities in implementing the power delegation agreements concluded between MA ROP 425 and the Urban Authorities. d) Participating, whenever necessary, in the meetings organized by the Urban Authority for following up, coordinating, and correlating the projects listed in the 2014-2020 ESIF Supporting Document, along with Authority members, project managers, consultants, builders, and site supervisors. 3. Supporting the monitoring of the Supporting Document for the funding of interventions from the 2014-2020 ESIF Drafting periodic monitoring reports (quarterly / half-yearly / yearly, as applicable) or ad hoc briefings on the implementation of the Supporting Document for the financing of interventions from the 2014-2020 ESIF, including for priority projects (e.g. project status, compliance with the schedule for drafting / submitting related projects, etc.). 4. Supporting the implementation / monitoring of priority funding projects related to the Supporting Document for the financing of the interventions from the 2014-2020 ESIF a) Preparing approval (pre-verification) reports for the priority projects listed in the Supporting Document for the financing of interventions from the 2014-2020 ESIF before submitting them to the MA/IB. b) Monitoring the progress of priority projects, as well as the achievement of the indicators undertaken in these projects, and supporting the beneficiaries’ implementation of the projects included in the Supporting Document for financing the interventions from the 2014-2020 ESIF. c) Participating in monitoring visits, as an observer. 5. Providing support for the implementation of sustainable urban development during 2014-2020 a) Providing a link between the local public authorities or the intercommunity development association formed at county seat level and the other managing authorities and bodies at the level of the other operational programmes funded by the EU between 2014 and 2020, by providing information, organizing meetings, participating in discussions and and work-groups coordination at national level. b) Disseminating information among the relevant actors at the level of the intercommunity development associations Recommendations / county seats regarding calls for projects / financing opportunities under the 2014-2020 ESIF; c) Establishing a relationship of permanent cooperation and consultation with the local authorities or the intercommunity development association established at county seat level. d) Contributing to / running promotion and information campaigns on the concept of sustainable urban development during 2014-2020. e) Performing any other duties arising from the provisions of the documents relating to sustainable urban development. 5 The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole II 426 5.5. Strengthening inter-institutional cooperation and the cooperation of associative structures in Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole The “Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole” IDA, although it was established as early as 2009, has a poor institutional capacity. As we have indicated in the previous sections, during the 2007-2013 programming period this associative structure was rather an artificial vector of investment, designed to attract grants available in the 2007-2013 period under Priority Axis no. 1 of the ROP, without providing other services to its 15 members or to the Prahova County Council. On the other hand, the applicant for most of the investments financed under this axis was Ploiești municipality, even though most of the projects (such as those in the field of mobility – e.g. road passages) impacted or served the metropolitan area. In this context, several TAUs that were members of the association chose to no longer pay the membership fee and expressed their desire to leave this associative structure, being more attracted to the Local Action Groups, which provided direct benefits in the form of grants, albeit of very little value. In this context, in order to ensure the institutional sustainability of the “Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole” IDA in the 2014-2020 period, urgent action is needed to develop the institutional capacity of the executive apparatus of the association, through measures such as: • developing and communicating to the members a concrete action plan for 2014-2020, in order to keep them in the associative structure; • joining the Romanian Federation of Metropolitan Areas and Urban Agglomerations and getting actively involved in its activities, including through exchanges of experience with the functional metropolitan areas in Romania (e.g. Oradea, Constanța, Baia Mare, or Iași); • preparing and implementing projects that benefit from grants (e.g. under the Competitiveness Operational Programme, the Human Capital Operational Programme, INTERREG, etc.) for strengthening its own institutional capacity (e.g. training courses, equipment provision, etc.) and providing services to its members (e.g. by organizing information and training sessions, by assisting them in drafting the strategic and spatial planning documents, by joint databases, by promoting tourism and culture, environment, energy efficiency, ICT, etc.); • involving the IDA members in the Urban Authority in order to ensure representation of all members’ interests in the prioritization of investment projects at Ploiești Growth Pole level; • changing the name of the association into “Ploiești Metropolitan Area” IDA, in order to avoid any semantic confusion and to clearly highlight its purpose. In the medium term, with the amendment of the legislation on land and urban planning, and of the legislation on the organization, operation and financing of the local administration, the Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole IDA could expand its scope to cover areas such as: land use planning and urban planning, by developing and adopting the Land Use Plan for the Regional Metropolitan Area (updating the existing Land Use Plan for the Inter-Communal and City Territory); preparing and implementing projects supported by grants (currently constrained, in terms of infrastructure, by ownership and subsequent operation issues); or even providing specialized consultancy services for its member TAUs (preparing tender specifications, contracts, assistance during implementation, support for attracting investors, etc.), operating as a genuine Metropolitan Development Agency. Another major concern in Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole is public transport, which is set out in detail in the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan of the Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole, developed with the support of the MRDPA and the EBRD, to be completed in 2015. Currently, at pole level, there is no metropolitan public transport operator; such services are provided in Ploiești by a public operator whose sole shareholder is the municipality. In the localities of the peri-urban area, the services are provided by various private operators which have obtained transport licenses that are generally valid until 2019. Moreover, such operators were not selected in accordance with the EU Regulation no. 1370/2007, which requires a public services contract (a template for such a contract was already developed by the EBRD), but in accordance with the national law of that time, which was not completely in line with that Regulation. Therefore, if all member TAUs of the Ploiești-Prahova Growth Pole IDA and other localities in Prahova county express their consent, procedures must be launched for the establishment of a Ploiești Transport Metropolitan IDA, with a view to conclude – by the year 2019 – a public service contract with a metropolitan operator, on the basis of the transport program which will be developed and adopted. The latter will be in line with Regulation no. 1370/2007 and will set out the obligations of both the transport operator and of the member TAUs, in terms of compensation (subsidies) provided to the operator, given that not all routes tendered for will be profitable. 427 Subsequently, the duties of this IDA can be extended, following the model proposed for the Bucharest-Ilfov region and according to the legislative changes at national level, so as to include other powers: • parking lot management in the member TAUs; • supervising the taxi trade; • operation and maintenance of the transport model developed under the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan; • management of a metropolitan railway transport system; • mobility planning at the level of the Metropolitan Area. Finally, a priority in terms of interinstitutional cooperation in Prahova County is the continuation of efforts to attract investors. Prahova county has the largest area of authorized industrial parks in Romania; the local authorities – especially the Prahova County Council – have invested significant amounts in their development, and their success in attracting investors is unique nationwide. However, the recent years have seen a reduction in investor interest in the county’s public industrial parks; a case in point in this regard is the new industrial park in the county – located in Bărcănești –, which was established two years ago and has no clients at all. Therefore, it is recommended to establish and properly financially support an Investor Relations Office, either at the level of Prahova County Council or at the level of S.C. PLOIEȘTI INDUSTRIAL PARC S.A., a company managing the industrial parks subordinated to the County Council; this Office should perform the following functions: • upon request, assisting potential investors with all necessary information for starting a business in Prahova county and providing support during the implementation phase (identification of land, assistance in obtaining approvals, agreements and permits, providing access and utilities – in partnership with the owners of the utility networks, staff recruitment agencies, etc.); • proactively approaching investors by organizing business delegations within the country and abroad, cooperating with foreign embassies, with commercial and state banks, organizing investment forums, participating in specialized fairs and exhibitions, etc.; Recommendations • cooperating with other structures at national, regional, county, and local level who have duties / powers in attracting investors (government agencies, RDAs, universities, chambers of commerce, etc.); • developing and distributing materials promoting the county as an investment destination; • call-center services for existing and potential investors; • organizing jobs fairs and vocational training courses for professions that are in demand, in partnership with schools and accredited training units; • etc. 5 The Integrated Strategy for the Growth Pole II 428