Rebuilding Ukraine: Houses in Zaporizhzhia undergo restoration after Russian attacks

The special issue of the Urban Reconstruction and Development Program on Espreso reports.

The journalists inspected several damaged houses in Zaporizhzhia. One of them was hit by a Russian missile in March last year. The Russians destroyed several entrances to the five-story building. Thirteen people were killed, including a baby.

Another five-story building in the center of Zaporizhzhia was shelled by the invading forces with S-300 systems in October 2022. One of the residents told journalists that he and his wife managed to escape to the bathroom. Everything beyond the wall was damaged in the attack. Eight people were killed in this building, and one entrance was destroyed down to the ground.

This is not the complete list of houses damaged by Russian attacks. However, the people who fell victim to Russian crimes were not left to fend for themselves. Their homes are being actively rebuilt.

"I am not spending any money at the moment. There will be a major renovation. We were even given a choice of wallpaper, interior doors, and floors. There is some choice—not everyone needs everything to be the same," said Olha Ostorozhna, a resident of one of the houses being restored after the attack.

Developers plan to hand over most of the houses in Zaporizhzhia by the end of this year.

Espreso spoke with Oleh Halych, head of the Service for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure in the Zaporizhzhia region, about the rebuilding of Zaporizhzhia's housing infrastructure.

How does reconstruction begin?

"First, the rubble is cleared by representatives of the State Emergency Service and the city's utilities. Then, the city council engages a qualified expert to determine whether it is possible to overhaul or reconstruct the building, or whether it is no longer rebuildable and must be demolished. After the expert provides an opinion on the possibility of restoration, the city council holds a tender for the production of design and estimate documentation, which helps determine the customer for the work. Based on the tender procurement, the contractor organization responsible for carrying out the reconstruction is selected," Oleh Halych explained the procedure upon arrival.

He noted that the reconstruction process is hampered by constant power outages, but local authorities are working to resolve this issue.

Who is funding the reconstruction of Zaporizhzhia residents' houses?

According to Oleh Halych, the restoration of the buildings is financed by the Fund for the Elimination of the Consequences of Russian Armed Aggression, using funds from the state budget. He assured that all facilities are fully funded.

Mr. Halych also noted that none of the residents of the damaged houses have refused to restore their homes; everyone wants to return to their residences.

The head of the Infrastructure Restoration and Development Service in the Zaporizhzhia region emphasized that major repairs do not involve changes to technical specifications, such as redeveloping apartments or increasing living space. Instead, the process includes a complete replacement of wiring, water supply, heating, and glazing of windows and balconies, as well as roof restoration and facade insulation.

Search for building materials and the situation with personnel

According to Oleh Halych, due to the current situation in the country, almost every company, to protect itself, provides materials—especially expensive ones—only on the condition of one hundred percent prepayment. Nevertheless, all ordered materials are delivered on time.

At the same time, there is a problem with a shortage of labor.

"Many people are afraid to work through the territorial recruitment center. However, we are trying to resolve this issue locally," said Oleh Halych, without specifying how.

He noted that local governments are contributing to the reconstruction process in every possible way, particularly regarding communication.

"The city council and the regional military administration are assisting in resolving issues with residents and utility companies," Halych concluded.