The FINANCIAL — The EU and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have announced that they will support the western Ukrainian city of Khmelnytskyi and adjacent villages in modernising their local solid waste management.
Around 300,000 residents will benefit from better waste management, cleaner groundwater and improved air quality.
On 7 October, a €36.5 million financial package was signed at the EBRD 2020 Annual Meeting. As part of the investment, the city of Khmelnytskyi is joining the EBRD ‘Green cities’ initiative. Under the programme, the city will develop and implement a green city action plan, which will identify, prioritise and address the region’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The EBRD will provide a loan of up to €28.5 million to the municipal utility company Spetskomuntrans, responsible for collecting, treating and disposing of solid waste in the Khmelnytskyi region. This is complemented by a €5 million investment grant from the EU, an additional contribution of up to €3 million from the city of Khmelnytskyi, as well as previous technical cooperation funds, provided by the EU and Sweden for the preparation of the project.
The financial package will allow for the closure of the existing landfill and the rehabilitation of the site. Two new cells will be constructed in line with EU standards, equipment will be purchased, and modern recycling and composting facilities will be built.
Furthermore, the city will buy new waste collection vehicles and waste containers to encourage local residents, public institutions and businesses to sort their waste.
