For the Derhachi community of the Kharkiv region, one of the primary tasks remains helping people who suffered as a result of the full-scale invasion.
Vyacheslav Zadorenko, head of the Derhachi CMA, stated this.
“The first priority is, of course, helping people who have suffered from the war. This is the reconstruction of multi-story buildings, restoration of medical facilities, critical infrastructure facilities. Our community is on the front line, so it is constantly, every day, exposed to shelling. The enemy is targeting, destroying the critical infrastructure in our community,” he emphasized.
According to the head of the Derhachi CMA, the community is currently one of the most successful in Kharkiv Oblast in terms of reconstruction.
“Thanks to the Office of the President, the reconstruction agency, Kharkiv OVA, a large number of projects from various directions are being implemented. Today, our community is rebuilding at a powerful pace. Of the 45,000 population that lived before the invasion, almost 35,000 people returned. Unfortunately, there are settlements that have been destroyed by 80-90% or even more. There is simply nowhere for people to turn. It is this percentage that is now in the territory of other communities or in other regions. But the Recovery program is working, which gives people the opportunity to use the funds for partially destroyed property, and to buy housing in the community or outside it,” Vyacheslav Zadorenko noted.
Cooperation with international partners is also important in the reconstruction process. In particular, Derhachi CMA has concluded more than 200 memorandums of cooperation with partners from Europe and the US.
Thanks to this, multi-apartment buildings are being restored in the community, and financial and humanitarian aid is provided. And, for example, the Swiss government participated in the restoration of the hospital in Derhachi. Thanks to the joint project, a modern laboratory, an emergency department, and a canteen for 120 people are currently being rebuilt at the institution.
According to Vyacheslav Zadorenko, the Summit of Cities and Regions plays a significant role in strengthening international ties.
“This is a very important event attended by international partners and our donors. There is an opportunity to present our community, talk about it, convey current problems and find opportunities to solve them. It is at such summits that we conclude agreements on cooperation with our international partners, who help us in various directions, starting with reconstruction and ending with humanitarian aid for the local population,” says the head of Derhachi CMA.
In addition, the Summit creates conditions for finding new partners and donors who will contribute to the restoration and support of Ukrainian communities.
See more in the video at the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am0SyVuGM5k
