Representatives of the municipalities of the Sumy and Kharkiv Oblasts took part in a visit to share municipal security experiences. The event was organised by U-LEAD to showcase successful safety projects based on the examples of municipalities in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
The visit focused on creating safe conditions in municipalities in wartime, attracting funding for security projects and ensuring the stability of critical infrastructure. This was reported by Olena Tertyshna, Head of the Regional Office of U-LEAD with Europe in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast:
“Safety should be a priority for local self-government bodies not only in times of war, but also in times of peace. Step by step, the municipalities of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast strengthen the safe conditions to live in their territories, contributing to the stability and growth of municipalities.”
During the visit, municipal officials of Sumy and Kharkiv Oblasts visited several key locations. In the Mahdalynivka municipality, they learned about building a safe environment, including underground bomb shelters and safety classes in local schools.
The municipality of Petrykivka showcased the implementation of security projects at the level of local self-government bodies. The municipality of Mykolaivka offered its experience in setting up the first barrier-free safe space in Ukraine, as well as showed off its radiation shelter, underground school and inclusive safety playgrounds.
The Solone municipality presented its cases related to the implementation of energy security systems, video surveillance and general security in the municipality, while in the Slobozhanske municipality, the participants of the visit had a chance to see how local fire brigades are run.
The participants of the visit shared their impressions and opinions. Olha Khyzhniak, First Deputy Head of Lypova Dolyna, Sumy Oblast, emphasised the importance of such measures:
“Visits like this are crucial for sharing experiences. We have learned a lot about arranging safe spaces and can apply this knowledge in our municipalities.”
Maryna Anisimova, Deputy Head of the Khmeliv municipality, Sumy Oblast, stated:
“This visit was a chance for us to see innovative approaches to safety. We were especially interested in safety classes and bomb shelters for children that are already running in the municipalities of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.”
Svitlana Alioshyna, Deputy Head of the Novopokrovka municipality, Kharkiv Oblast, highlighted the innovative solutions presented during the visit:
“The barrier-free safe space project is an innovative solution that I want to implement in my municipality. Another inspiring case is the use of solar panels for educational institutions and critical infrastructure.”
Olena Tertyshna, Head of the U-LEAD Regional Office in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, summarised the results of the visit as follows:
“This visit is proof that municipalities are actively seeking and implementing new solutions in the field of municipal safety. By exchanging their experiences, the participants were able not only to see success cases, but also to get some practical ideas for strengthening the safety and resilience of their municipalities. We firmly believe that such initiatives will help municipalities to adapt to new challenges and ensure the safety of their residents.”
