In Mykolaiv region, overpayments for materials were found in the 47 million shelter estimate

On August 4, a company from the Mykolaiv region ordered the construction of a 47 million USD school radiation shelter for the Mykhailivskyi Lyceum. The shelter will be able to accommodate 335 people and should be ready by the end of 2025.

The information was published on the electronic procurement portal Prozorro.

The tender was announced by the Department of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports of the Stepivska Village Council. The project was developed by Zodchiy PE, and checked by the Mykolaiv branch of Ukrderzhbudekspertyza. 85% of the cost was covered by the European Union through the Ukraine Facility program, and the rest - 7.5 million from the local budget. The contractor, Nikopolska-STK, may have included inflated prices for materials in the project. The potential overpayment is at least UAH 1.5 million. The winner of the tender has already been involved in criminal proceedings for alleged misappropriation of funds during the renovation of school No. 26 in Kherson in 2018-2020, but the case files disappeared after the city was de-occupied.

According to the plan, the protective structure will have several entrances and exits. Water supply, ventilation, and heating systems will be installed there, as well as fire alarms, internet access, and a generator. A medical room, a cafeteria, water storage tanks will be built inside the bomb shelter, as well as conditions for children's education and recreation. It is worth noting that 222 children are currently studying at the Mykhailivskyi Lyceum, and the shelter is designed for more than 300 people.

Meanwhile, UAH 44 million has been allocated for the construction of a shelter at Oleksandrivka Lyceum in the village of Oleksandrivka, Voznesensk district. The expected cost of the work is UAH 44.6 million including VAT. The winning contractor must complete the construction of the shelter by December 25, 2025. The works will be financed from the local budget. As stated in the tender documentation, the radiation shelter is designed to improve the safety of students and staff of the lyceum in emergency situations related to radiation threats.

Катерина Глушко