Today, on February 2, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine - Minister of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development Oleksandr Kubrakov, representatives of the Ministry and Head of the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development Mustafa Nayem met with ambassadors of the Group of Seven (G7) countries.
During the meeting, the strategic directions of recovery for 2023 were presented. In particular, the priority will be to restore critical infrastructure and implement projects aimed at restoring social and economic life in the communities.
"The resumption of economic and social life in communities and the availability of the necessary infrastructure will be a powerful signal for the return of Ukrainians and the development of the country as a whole. We discussed with the G7 representatives the possibility of attracting international financial institutions and global businesses to finance reconstruction projects.
In addition, we discussed steps to increase transparency and openness of the reconstruction process. We are interested in an independent audit of the aid and the use of the best international procurement practices. We will be grateful to the G7 for its expert and technical support in their realization.
In turn, we will continue to digitalize all processes to minimize corruption risks that may arise during the preparation and implementation of projects," said Oleksandr Kubrakov.
It is expected that the key focus of the critical infrastructure restoration will be the restoration and modernization of energy infrastructure, as well as water, heat and gas supply systems in communities.
In the area of housing infrastructure, work will continue on housing repairs using the ePidtrymka mechanism, and activities will commence on setting up a network of reconstruction hubs in strategic locations. This is part of the Ukraine is Home project launched by the Ministry of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
In addition, the Ministry will continue its efforts to create a compensation mechanism for destroyed housing that will allow victims to get a new home.
In terms of transport infrastructure, the reconstruction will focus on projects to restore transport links to the liberated communities, expand capacity at the western borders, and develop export logistics in general.
As for the social and administrative infrastructure, in 2023, the emphasis will be on restoring those facilities that are critically needed to normalize community life. We are talking about schools, hospitals, social welfare institutions, etc.
The parties also discussed the demining of the de-occupied territories and russia's sabotage of the Grain Initiative.
The meeting was attended by Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan Matsuda Kuninori, of the United States Bridget Brink, of France Etienne de Poncins, of Italy Pier Francesco Zazo, as well as representatives of the embassies of Great Britain, Germany, Canada and the EU Delegation.
