November 2018: The Struggle for Proper Road Maintenance and a Rising Spirit of Change

November 2018 was a month where the focus in Rasova shifted to the state of our local infrastructure, specifically road maintenance. With the onset of winter, the roads in Rasova were in dire need of repair, and the community began to feel the consequences of years of neglect. The inadequate infrastructure affected daily life, from the safety of school children traveling to school to the ability of farmers to transport their goods.

In early November, I decided to bring this issue directly to the attention of the local administration. I submitted an official request for urgent road repairs, outlining how the poor condition of the roads was not just an inconvenience but a safety hazard. During a town council meeting, I highlighted the risk posed to residents, particularly during emergency situations where ambulances and fire services were delayed due to impassable roads. It was a frustrating process, as the mayor dismissed the urgency of the situation and shifted responsibility to other government bodies.

Despite this resistance, I managed to rally the support of some council members who recognized the severity of the issue. Together, we collected testimonies from residents affected by the poor state of the roads, including farmers whose products were damaged during transportation. These testimonies were powerful in highlighting the real, everyday impact of the administration’s neglect.

The road maintenance issue became a point of tension between the local administration and the residents. I found myself often having to mediate between angry citizens and the indifferent local council. By the end of November, while there had been no concrete actions from the administration, our efforts had at least pushed the topic to the forefront, ensuring that it could no longer be ignored.

But November 2018 wasn’t just about roads; it was a month marked by a larger shift in the air. Since the violent protests of August 10th, the entire country seemed to be on the edge of change. There was an electrifying atmosphere, a sense of resistance and hope that spread far beyond the streets of Bucharest. It felt like another revolution was on the horizon. The people had grown tired of corruption and the lingering influence of the old communist networks.

Young people, especially, found a voice during this time. New political movements, like the USR (Save Romania Union), began to form, capturing the aspirations of a younger generation that wanted a break from the past. It was an inspiring time, and many of us believed that we were on the brink of a new era—one where transparency and accountability would finally take root, and where those who had long oppressed communities like ours would finally be held responsible.

This sense of collective awakening invigorated our efforts at the local level. It was no longer just about fixing roads or addressing infrastructure; it was about being part of a nationwide movement for change. The support I received from my neighbors and other residents was bolstered by this hope, and it made every step of the struggle worthwhile.

Reflecting on November 2018, it was a month where the challenges of advocating for basic infrastructure were apparent. But it was also a time filled with hope, resistance, and unity—a month that reminded us that we weren’t alone in our fight. The struggle was difficult, but it underlined the importance of speaking up for community needs, even when facing indifference from those in power. We were part of something bigger than ourselves, and that knowledge kept us moving forward.