INFRASTRUCTURE RECONSTRUCTION
Reconstructing Ukraine: Pathways for Building Back Better
Since 2022, Helvetas has been actively engaged in Ukraine’s recovery and is now strategic actor in reconstruction effort. In addition, Helvetas is involved in shaping new national policies in the field of recovery that are inclusive and sustainable.
Helvetas effort in Ukraine have helped more than 490,000 people regain access to water and electricity. Hundreds of private homes and apartment buildings, as well as dozens of water supply and wastewater systems, have been repaired. More than 56,000 people received targeted humanitarian assistance, and a further 43,000 were supported through community grant initiatives.
In this way, Helvetas focused on sustainability, demonstrating to local authorities how the solutions we have implemented can be scaled into systemic approaches.
How Helvetas Work?
- Repairing homes and setting up shelters. Helvetas support light and medium household repairs and help establish temporary shelters for people affected by the war. Together with international and local partners, Helvetas also restore apartment buildings.
- Restoring social infrastructure. This includes water supply and wastewater systems, schools, kindergartens, and outpatient clinics. In cooperation with Ukrainian organizations and local authorities, Helvetas return access to water, healthcare, and education.
- Providing warmth in winter. Helvetas equip heating points, deliver generators and solid fuel, and help communities prepare for the cold season.
Strengthening Communities and Local Initiatives
Helvetas provides communities with the resources they need to rebuild. One solution is the establishment and operation of two Repair Hubs in Kyiv and Kharkiv regions — spaces that bring together tools, materials, and know-how for reconstruction.
At these hubs, local activists and volunteers can access practical guidance, construction tools, and equipment to carry out repairs.
Petr Base, Country Director of Helvetas in Ukraine
Following localization principle, Helvetas helps civil society organizations build capacity. For NGOs implementing recovery projects, Helvetas developed the «Methodological Recommendations on the Assessment of Needs for the Recovery of Territorial Communities by Civil Society Organizations» — a step-by-step guide to set reconstruction priorities, mobilize funding, engage with local authorities, conduct procurement, and report on results.
