Through a new partnership with the government of Denmark, UNOPS is providing electricity generators and heating devices to people living in the Mykolaiv region. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has caused significant damage to the country’s infrastructure and energy networks. In November 2022, the Ukrainian government reported the destruction of 40 percent of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Damaged infrastructure has also affected energy and heating supply to 15 regions across the country.
“Denmark stands firmly with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and democracy. Denmark is fully committed to continuing our support – both when it comes to covering urgent needs and long-term reconstruction. A significant part of our support is channeled through UN partners, such as UNOPS, doing an extremely important job,” said Dan Jørgensen, Denmark’s Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy.
In response to the crisis, the government of Denmark tasked UNOPS to deliver $18 million worth of much-needed electricity and heating equipment – including electricity generators, boiler houses, power banks, and other essential items that will provide communities with access to electricity and heating during the cold winter months. Initially focusing on the Mykolaiv region, the project is expected to expand to other areas across the country.
”In these trying times for our region and country, international assistance is a lifeline, helping communities and households endure the cold winter months and preserving the fundamentals of high quality of life. We are incredibly grateful to the people of Denmark for standing by our side, and we look forward to further, mutually beneficial, cooperation,” said Vitalii Kim – Governor of the Mykolaiv Oblast.
In January, 13 mobile boiler houses were handed over to communities, which will be followed by a delivery of 280 generators in early February. UNOPS expects to deliver up to 1,000 generators, as well as other equipment, such as fuel delivery trucks, in the coming months. The equipment will help provide an uninterrupted flow of electricity to households, community spaces, hospitals, and other public buildings. It is estimated that this support will reach up to 50,000 people.
“With this funding from the government of Denmark, UNOPS will deliver essential equipment to ensure communities in Ukraine have access to electricity and heating when they need it most. This is a continuation of the support UNOPS is already providing to our partners in Ukraine, and much more is to follow, drawing on our capacity in infrastructure and procurement,” explained UNOPS Acting Executive Director, Jens Wandel.
UNOPS is committed to supporting response efforts amid the ongoing conflict. UNOPS is working closely with the UN family and partners – including the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, the UN Global Compact, the government of Japan, and the European Union – to support the government and provide assistance to the most vulnerable communities and people.
See also: 🔴 LIVE UPDATES | Humanitarian response to Ukraine crisis