A solidarity operator partnership between the German company BonnNetz and the water supply company Khersonvodokanal from Kherson, Ukraine, has been in place since the end of 2023. The aim of this partnership is to promote the exchange of expertise and to support the Ukrainian partners in restoring and stabilising the drinking water supply.
Personal exchange in Bonn – German-Ukrainian water partnership strengthened
From 27 to 30 October, the 6th Global WOP Congress and network meeting of the Utility Platform took place in Bonn, with representatives from Khersonvodokanal also in attendance.
Following the congress, the German partners BonnNetz took the opportunity to welcome their Ukrainian colleagues to Bonn for the first time. On 30 October, the director of Khersonvodokanal, Oleksii Savchenko, and the head of the production department, Olena Khrushch, were welcomed to this special meeting.
Oleksii Savchenko and Olena Khrushch gave an impressive and insightful presentation on the drinking water supply situation in Kherson, both before the war and now.
The situation in the city and at the waterworks is difficult to imagine: following the Russian occupation and massive damage caused by the Russian army, the blowing up of the Kakhovka dam and the flooding of the city, the employees of Khersonvodokanal are doing unimaginable work for the population under ongoing Russian attacks – often at the risk of their lives.
The director of Khersonvodokanal emphasised how important the support of international partners is in these challenging times, especially that of colleagues from BonnNetz. This assistance brings positive moments and motivates employees to keep going.
‘Such partnerships help to strengthen the resilience and professional potential of the waterworks and bring Kherson closer to sustainable development despite the war,’ said the director.
In the afternoon, guests were given an insight into BonnNetz’s drinking water supply infrastructure and plant technology, including a tour of an elevated tank. The partners also had the opportunity to discuss possible directions for future cooperation. The exchange was supported by interpreter Stefan Mironjuk and Anastasiia Kahlow from GIZ. The day was rounded off with a joint Rhineland evening before the visitors set off on their return journey.
Vital equipment for Kherson – partnership with BonnNetz in practice
As part of the solidarity operator partnership, important equipment for the drinking water supply in Kherson was already provided in 2024, such as pressure reducing/pressure maintaining valves, gate valves, non-return valves, hammer drills, demolition hammers, fire hoses, ladders and even a mobile power supply.
The current focus is on urgently needed booster pumps for supplying high-rise buildings. These have now been successfully delivered to Kherson and are making a significant contribution to stabilising the drinking water supply in the city. Further partnership funds are to be used to provide tools and materials for the maintenance and expansion of the water infrastructure and to further deepen cooperation between the partner companies.
Despite the difficult situation in the war-torn city, Khersonvodokanal employees are risking their lives to gradually restore the drinking water supply. The partnership is making an important contribution to stabilising vital infrastructure.
The video shows Khersonvodokanal employees unpacking the procured goods after their arrival in Kherson.