As Russia’s hostile invasion of Ukraine continues, so does an attempt to rebuild destroyed buildings, infrastructure, and cities across the Eastern European country. Since the initial invasion in February 2022, countries and organizations from around the globe have pledged to aid the country in its rebuilding efforts. The latest entity to announce its role in the reconstruction effort is global infrastructure consulting firm AECOM, which has said it will partner with the Government of Ukraine on infrastructure development projects and programs.
The partnership was made directly between the company and Ukraine’s Ministry Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development. AECOM will primarily work with the ministry on a project management approach that will ensure the projects are executed in a timely and efficient manner. Through this will come opportunities for both public and private investors to improve Ukraine’s infrastructure in future reconstruction projects.
Additionally, AECOM has also signed a memorandum of cooperation with Ukraine’s State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure to provide cost estimating and engineering services. In the terms of the memorandum AECOM will assist Ukraine with implementing international-based standards for cost estimation, while bringing forth updated procurement processes and integrated consulting engineering services.
“The reconstruction of Ukraine is one of the world’s greatest humanitarian and infrastructure priorities, and we are honored to partner with Deputy Prime Minister Kubrakov and the Ukrainian government to help position this effort to successfully deliver on their long-term recovery ambitions,” said Troy Rudd, AECOM’s chief executive officer, in a press release. “Through early engagement, a comprehensive programmatic approach, and global collaboration across governments and the private sector, we can work to restore and modernize Ukraine’s infrastructure.”
AECOM’s aid follows a joint statement issued last fall by United States Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and Ukrainian Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov that established the U.S.-Ukraine Infrastructure Task Force. An entity that will address how to rebuild Ukraine’s infrastructure and energy resources, including power plants and water facilities along with roadways and other transit structures. In an interview with AN Ievgeniia Gubkina, an architect and leading Ukrainian architectural and urban historian, spoke about what is at stake when reconstructing Ukraine and how to prevent further loss of heritage.
