The project
Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine, is located in the north-east just 40 kilometres from the Russian border. Before the escalation of the Russian war of aggression, the city had a population of around 1.5 million. Kharkiv is a scientific and industrial centre of Ukraine and an important transport hub.
In February and March 2022, Kharkiv was heavily shelled by the Russian army. However, the Ukrainian territorial defence forces and volunteers were able to fend off the army at the city borders. Around one million inhabitants left the city during the turmoil of war. Although Kharkiv is repeatedly exposed to Russian missile attacks – most recently at the end of December 2023 – around half of those who fled have now returned to the city. Around 4,000 buildings, mainly residential buildings, have been damaged or destroyed, including around half of all schools and kindergartens.
Large parts of the water supply were also destroyed or severely damaged. This destruction presents the water supplier Kharkivvodokanal with very large and complex tasks. Due to this destruction, Netze BW decided to enter into a solidarity partnership with Kharkivvodokanal in November 2023.
Objectives
This partnership focuses on supporting Kharkivvodokanal in procuring the necessary equipment and exchanging expertise. The necessary materials and equipment cover the entire water supply system. At an initial exchange meeting, the following materials in particular were reported as being urgently required:
- Equipment and measuring devices for locating leaks in the distribution network
- Equipment and measuring devices for locating power cables
- Laboratory equipment for testing and analysing drinking water
- Fixed and mobile pumps of various sizes
A detailed needs analysis will be prepared by Kharkivvodokanal.
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Last update: February 2024
Impressions
