Already eight municipalities of Sumy oblast have received wheel loaders as part of the “Repair” kit from U-LEAD. These are Bezdryk, Boromlya, Verkhnia Syrovatka, Velyka Pysarivka, Krasnopillya, Trostianets, Okhtyrka, Chernechchyna municipalities.

According to Maryna Lobova, Head of the Regional Office of U-LEAD with Europe in Sumy oblast, such wheel loaders are being received by municipalities that are most affected by the war or are located near such places.

“U-LEAD continues to provide support to local governments during martial law. We plan to deliver several more units of such equipment to Sumy oblast, which is already on the way,” said Maryna Lobova.

She also noted that these wheel loaders are not the first U-LEAD aid kit for the oblast’s hromadas. Previous kits provided other necessary equipment: generators, lighting poles, chain saws, cutting chains needed for initial repairs related to the consequences of hostilities. In total, 15 municipalities in the oblast have already received immediate support from the Programme.

U-LEAD also plans to provide the selected municipalities of Sumy oblast with Shelter kits, that will include tents, camp beds, mats, sleeping bags, blankets, 1000 liter drinking water tanks, powerful generators, basic and hygienic kits for IDPs.

The municipalities of the region share their impressions of receiving help on their Facebook pages. In particular, Okhtyrka urban municipality reported:

“We received a wheel loader as part of “Repair” kit from our partner U-LEAD with Europe. We will use it for urgent restoration and cleaning works in the municipality. Thank you for your effective cooperation and active support!”.

Krasnopillya rural municipality said that the received wheel loader will help them restore the municipality and establish sustainable operation of the utility company:

“We received a wheel loader for the needs of utility enterprise “Ecoservice”. U-LEAD with Europe, which in peacetime supported Ukrainian municipalities on the path to decentralization, is now providing emergency assistance”.

A wheel loader also helps restore Trostyanets municipality. According to Trostyanets mayor Yuriy Bova:

“The equipment donated to the city by U-LEAD is already helping restore the municipality”.