War-torn Trostianets and the Call for Urgent Reconstruction
In the Ukrainian town of Trostianets, an excavator bellows out fumes as it diligently clears the remnants of a once-bustling area, now reduced to rubble by fierce fighting with Russian forces nearly two years ago. This small town, standing just 30 km from the Russian border, is emblematic of the broader struggle faced by Ukraine in the aftermath of conflict.
A Pilot Program for Renewal
Trostianets is among the six settlements chosen for a comprehensive rebuilding initiative, funded by the state. This pilot program not only aims to reconstruct these towns but also serves as a testing ground for the skills and experiences necessary for a more extensive reconstruction effort that lies ahead.
Mayor Yuriy Bova emphasizes the pressing need to breathe life back into these towns. Failure to do so, he warns, might lead to the permanent exile of millions of Ukrainians, who could contribute significantly to the country’s redevelopment. “We’re fighting for every person who should return; for every child who needs to return and build their future here,” he passionately asserts.
Urgency Amidst Ongoing Conflict
While the urgency for reconstruction is clear, Ukraine finds itself short on funds. The country is currently defending against new Russian attacks, with its own counteroffensive falling short of significant gains. The resumption of mass air strikes by Moscow further complicates the situation.
Pavlo Kuzmenko, the mayor of Okhtyrka, a town nearby that also suffered heavy bombing, argues that resurrecting town squares is a luxury Ukraine cannot afford at this moment. The focus, according to him, should be on patching up homes and critical infrastructure. “There is plenty to rebuild,” Kuzmenko says. “Squares, and all their decorations, can be done after the war.”
Debates on Wartime Spending
The differing views between Trostianets and Okhtyrka reflect a broader debate on wartime spending across Ukraine. Grassroots protests are gaining momentum, demanding that discretionary projects, such as beautifying streets and public spaces, be deferred in favor of military needs.
Officials in the Odesa region canceled tenders worth over $9 million in the last quarter of 2023, deeming spending on projects like road repairs and stadium renovations “unacceptable” during wartime.
Economies Win Wars
Orysia Lutsevych from the Chatham House think-tank stresses the need for a clearly communicated government strategy. She asserts that unlocking Ukraine’s economic potential is vital for defeating Russia. This involves restoring income-generating growth opportunities, luring people back, and preventing further emigration.
Rebuilding efforts, according to Lutsevych, must align with a wider strategy for sustaining the war. This could mean prioritizing projects such as building schools in safer regions to accommodate displaced Ukrainians and bolster the wartime economy.
A Glimpse into Reconstruction Plans
Mustafa Nayyem, head of Ukraine’s Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development, acknowledges the challenges of reviving heavily damaged towns. The lack of experience in comprehensive reconstruction prompts a phased approach. Six pilot projects, each with distinct challenges, are financed by a state fund primarily comprised of seized Russian assets.
Trostianets, housing a Mondelez chocolate factory, focuses on several key projects to restore economic activity. The skills required range from establishing legal ownership of properties to replanning entire apartment blocks and energy networks.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
More than $1.6 billion has been earmarked from the fund for reconstruction. However, with the ongoing war, long-term planning becomes challenging. The World Bank estimates that rebuilding Ukraine will cost over $400 billion in the next decade, with Western lenders signaling their readiness to provide the bulk of the financing.
Despite the challenges, Nayyem defends the pilot projects, emphasizing that they prioritize essential needs. He underscores the importance of strategic roads, administrative buildings, and military priorities over discretionary projects like libraries or museums.
In Trostianets, the restoration plan includes two apartment blocks, medical facilities, the train station, the town square, a nearby building, and a main road. Money from international donors has already contributed to rebuilding a new wing of the main city hospital.
Hope Amidst the Rubble
Natalia Androsova, a local in Trostianets, expresses hope that their town will become even better, overcoming the adversities caused by the conflict. The pilot projects extend to five other settlements, each with its unique challenges and goals.
In the midst of ongoing conflict and challenges, the spirit of resilience and determination prevails. As Ukraine navigates the complex path of reconstruction, the hope for a brighter future remains alive.
Stay tuned for updates on Ukraine’s journey to rebuild.
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Credit: Vitalii Hnidyi and Valentyn Ogirenko