Bucha Unveils Renovated Water Supply Facility Under EIB’s Ukraine Recovery Programme

Bucha’s upgraded water facilities now incorporate advanced de-ironing technology that uses oxygen to treat water before flushing it through special pressure filters.

The newly renovated water supply facility in Bucha, Kyiv Oblast, officially opened today under the Ukraine Recovery Programme, spearheaded by the European Investment Bank (EIB). This critical upgrade aims to address longstanding challenges in providing reliable, high-quality drinking water to the community, a need that intensified following the damage sustained during the brief but devastating Russian occupation in the spring of 2022.

Bucha’s upgraded water facilities now incorporate advanced de-ironing technology that uses oxygen to treat water before flushing it through special pressure filters. This innovation significantly reduces environmental risks and health hazards for technical personnel and mitigates potential negative effects on the community. The autonomous operation of the equipment eliminates the need for continuous on-site maintenance.

The renovation, costing approximately €100,000, is part of 17 social infrastructure projects financed by the EIB in the Bucha district under the Ukraine Recovery Programme. This initiative is a collaboration between the European Union, Ukraine’s Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, the Ministry of Finance, and the Kyiv Regional State Administration. Technical assistance is provided by the United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine, financed by the European Union.

Acting Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development Vasyl Shkurakov emphasized the significance of the project, stating, “The renovated water supply facility in Bucha is another example of what we can achieve through joint efforts with our EU partners. This project not only provides quality drinking water to thousands of residents but also represents a significant step towards rebuilding and strengthening our municipal infrastructure.”

Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko highlighted the broader impact, noting, “The renovation of Bucha’s water supply facility and other improvements under the Ukraine Recovery Programme underscore the importance of strategic investments in our country’s infrastructure. By leveraging support from the European Union and its bank, the EIB, we are meeting immediate needs while laying the groundwork for sustainable development.”

Ruslan Kravchenko, Head of the Kyiv Regional State Administration, remarked on the resilience and recovery efforts in the region, “Due to the full-scale invasion by Russia, over 29,000 facilities have been destroyed or damaged in the Kyiv Oblast. Of these, we have already restored nearly 17,500. The modernisation of infrastructure, such as water supply systems, remains a critical priority for the Kyiv Regional State Administration.”

Bucha City Mayor Anatoliy Fedoruk celebrated the local impact, stating, “The new water de-ironing station in Bucha’s Tarasivskyi district represents a significant step towards improving the drinking water quality for thousands of our residents. Clean water is the foundation of quality of life, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every family in our community has access to it.”

EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska reaffirmed the EIB’s commitment to Ukraine, saying, “The EIB stands by Ukrainian communities and is dedicated to enhancing their quality of life by rebuilding and rehabilitating social and critical infrastructure. I am proud that we can support Bucha with the opening of this new water facility, and other essential facilities to be completed soon.”

Rémi Duflot, Chargé d’affaires and Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, emphasized the symbolic importance of the project, “Today’s opening of this water supply facility in Bucha is a symbol of a return to normality for this martyred community. When daily life returns to normal, they can concentrate on rebuilding and healing.”

UNDP Resident Representative to Ukraine Jaco Cilliers added, “The revival of Bucha is a testament to the resilience of its people and the power of collaborative efforts. By restoring essential infrastructure like this water supply facility, we’re not just rebuilding structures but also rebuilding hope and trust within the community.

For more information about the Ukraine Recovery Programme and ongoing projects, visit EIB Institute.