Construction task force to assist Ukraine’s ‘hero city’

One of many residential areas in Irpin, Ukraine, now destroyed by Russian shelling. (Photo: Reuters)

The FIEC (European Construction Industry Federation) and EIC (European International Contractors) have formed a joint task force to look at how they could help Ukraine as it seeks to rebuild its destroyed cities. 

Chaired by FIEC Honorary President Kjetil Tonning, the new FIEC-EIC Task Force will act as a facilitator. 

According to the FIEC, it will work “to monitor the developments and to facilitate the coordination and the links between the needs on the field and the companies and organisations willing to contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine”.

This includes cities such as Irpin, which suffered heavy damage after being partially captured by Russian forces in March of this year.

A commuter-city situated just 21km north-west of Kyiv, roughly 30% of Irpin was held by Russian troops for a number of weeks, as they attempted to take control of the country’s capital.

Having successfully fought off the invading force, Irpin has now been designated a “Hero City of Ukraine”, and the municipality’s officials are attempting to make the city habitable again for residents. 

At the end of last month, a delegation of officials from the municipality of Irpin met with the FIEC “to discuss the needs for rebuilding the city and planning its future”.

Water and sewage facilities, the central market square, a museum, a community sports stadium, and multiple residential complexes and educational buildings are among “20 critical social infrastructure facilities” identified by Irpin officials as needing urgent reconstruction.