The solidarity operator partnership between the Zweckverband Wasserversorgung Trollmühle and the Ukrainian municipal company Teplovodservice Myrhorod (KUT) complements the municipal partnership between the Langenlonsheim-Stromberg Association of Municipalities (Rhineland-Palatinate) and the municipality of Myrhorod in the Poltava Oblast, which has been in place since 2022.
The aim of this solidarity operator partnership is to promote personal and professional exchange between the two municipal utilities. At the same time, the German municipial company is providing targeted support to the Ukrainian water utility Teplovodservice in procuring urgently needed equipment for drinking water supply and wastewater disposal facilities.
Association director Michael Cyfka and plant manager Rika Glöde emphasise: ‘It is important to us to provide concrete assistance on site in Myrhorod.’ Both partners want to actively contribute to the reconstruction process by providing technical expertise and material goods.
Joint kick-off in Bonn
At the end of October 2025, the partners met in person for the first time at the GWOPA Congress and the network meeting of the Utility Platform in Bonn. Both sides considered the opportunity to get to know each other in person to be extremely beneficial, especially as a supplement to the previous exchanges via video conference.
Professional exchange at the German utiliy provider
Afterwards, the Ukrainian colleagues travelled to the Zweckverband Wasserversorgung Trollmühle from 29 October to 2 November. There they visited various facilities and engaged in intensive discussions with their German colleagues on technical topics.
On 30 October, the facilities of the Zweckverband in Windesheim were presented. Among other things, the drinking water treatment plant, the main pumping station, the workshop and warehouse, and radio water meters were visited. Plant manager Rika Glöde, the water masters and technicians explained the technical processes. The exchange focused on topics such as water supply and monitoring.
On 31 October, the group visited the wastewater treatment plants in Stromberg, Guldental and Langenlonsheim. Plant manager Oliver Wagner showed the Ukrainian guests around the wastewater disposal facilities and explained the operational processes.
On 1 November, other drinking water supply facilities were on the agenda, including deep wells and an elevated tank. Afterwards, the experts exchanged views on water consumption, telecontrol technology and procurement processes. Possible future topics for digital expert exchange were also identified. It was particularly important to the Zweckverband to address the most pressing challenges facing their Ukrainian partner.
Future cooperation
In addition to sharing experiences and expertise, a joint framework programme provided an opportunity to get to know each other personally. The new contacts established between Ukrainian and German employees will greatly facilitate digital collaboration during the project period.
On 2 November, our Ukrainian colleagues began their journey back to Myrhorod. The professional exchange will continue in regular digital formats.