The Ukrainian Red Cross Launches Construction of a Modular Town for IDPs in Sumy

On 15 October, the first stone was laid at the site of the future town for internally displaced persons (IDPs), and a time capsule containing a letter signed by all project participants was placed inside.

The first stage of construction is now underway. This includes installing the foundation and utilities and building two two-storey houses with 32 apartments. The apartments will then be furnished and equipped with furniture and appliances. The town will also feature a shelter.

“This is the fourth such project in the country implemented by the Ukrainian Red Cross. It is important for us to support people who have lost their homes. Our volunteers and staff are actively working in the region, so we are well aware of the urgent needs of the community. For these reasons, we are now beginning the construction of a modular town here,” stated Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross.

Considerable preparatory efforts preceded the work, including site allocation, developing design and cost estimation documentation, searching for donors, and coordinating construction with local authorities. This also involved connecting to utilities and communication services and ensuring a clear division of responsibilities between the Ukrainian Red Cross, contractors, and local authorities. Ultimately, the residential buildings will be recorded as assets on the city’s balance sheet.

“The Ukrainian Red Cross and international partners provide significant assistance to the population and infrastructure facilities, implementing numerous humanitarian programmes in the Sumy region. We are very grateful for this support. I would especially like to thank the Red Cross for its persistence in carrying out the project of building a modular town for IDPs. The security situation in the Sumy region is challenging, with more than 37,000 people evacuated from the border area. The issue of housing is extremely urgent,” said Volodymyr Artiukh, Head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration.

The initial phase of the construction of the IDP town in Sumy is being implemented with financial support from the Swedish Red Cross, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and the Netherlands Red Cross.

“The joint efforts of many partners give life to a project aimed at helping those who find themselves in difficult situations and have been forced to leave their homes. No one can work in isolation on such projects. Therefore, successful completion depends on the consolidated efforts of all participants—donors, local authorities, and contractors. I hope to see the results—the first two houses—next year,” emphasised Karen Bjornestad, representative of the Swedish Red Cross in Ukraine.