Lithuania begins first reconstruction work in Ukraine
The reconstruction of Ukraine's education and training institutions, infrastructure transport facilities and the provision of temporary housing for war refugees are Lithuania's priority short-term tasks in the reconstruction of war-torn Ukraine. This is the plan for the reconstruction of Ukraine, prepared by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, and endorsed by the Government.
"Today, Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day. It is symbolic that on this very day we will take a very important decision in the Government on Lithuania's participation in the reconstruction projects in Ukraine," said Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
In early August, a delegation of Lithuanian experts visited Ukraine to inspect and assess potential reconstruction projects in Ukraine. The Ministry of the Economy and Innovation will continue to coordinate the reconstruction work in Ukraine and the participation of all Lithuanian institutions in this project.
"We still need to prepare specific reconstruction plans and coordinate them with Ukraine, select the companies that will carry out the works, and secure financing for the works. There is still a lot of work to be done, but I am glad that the discussions are slowly turning into more specific agreements. We are also well aware that a lot of things are not up to us. Changes in the course of the war, shortages of building materials and other things that are difficult to predict can change our plans," said the Minister.
Tendering for the construction of a mobile residential camp for 36 families in the town of Borodyanka (Kyiv region) is expected to start shortly. Several hundred families were left homeless in this town after the war. The construction of the camp is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Lithuania also intends to rebuild a bridge over the Trubizh river in Kyiv region, renovate a destroyed school in Borodyanka and rebuild a kindergarten in Irpinne next year. For these works, the implementation process, timelines, responsibilities, technical project documentation and financial justification still need to be agreed with Ukraine and detailed technical negotiations and the preparation of Terms of Reference (ToRs) will start.
The preliminary cost of the works to be restored is currently estimated at €11 million. The financing of the projects is subject to change due to the uncertain geopolitical situation, hostilities in Ukraine, changing prices of materials and labour, and the evaluation of the technical specifications of additional facilities.