Mykolaiv's Controversial Infrastructure Projects: Contracts Without Tenders

Mykolaiv region continues to implement large-scale infrastructure projects to restore water supply and strengthen defense capabilities. However, a significant part of the contracts was distributed without open tenders, and among the contractors were companies that had previously been involved in criminal proceedings for embezzlement of budget funds.

This is stated in the material of the Center for Investigative Journalism.

In total, 1696 contracts worth UAH 8.5 billion were concluded in the region. The main emphasis is on the construction of a water intake from the Southern Bug and a new water supply system for the city of Mykolaiv.

The largest contracts were awarded to the following companies:

• Rostdorstroy LLC - UAH 2.6 billion,
• Ukrtransmist LLC - UAH 2.5 billion,
• Avtostrada Group of Companies LLC - UAH 2.2 billion.

In particular, Ukrtransmist was involved in criminal proceedings for embezzlement of budget funds during the reconstruction of bridges in Kyiv. Despite this, the company receives billions of dollars in orders without competition.

Another question is raised by the activities of Vinnytsia-based Avtostrada Group, which was one of the favorites of the Big Construction until 2022 and continues to win government contracts.

In addition to water supply, significant funds are allocated for the construction of fortifications and non-explosive barriers. In the winter of 2024, the Urban Development Department of Mykolaiv Regional State Administration signed 15 contracts worth UAH 494 million with little-known contractors. The most expensive contract is worth UAH 160 million.

The reconstruction of the city's water supply system attracts special attention. In October and December 2023, three agreements were signed without a tender:

• "Mykolaivmiskbud - UAH 35.5 million and UAH 32.4 million
• "Odesaspetsenergo - UAH 33.3 million.

Both companies have already performed similar work in 2023 under other contracts worth hundreds of millions of hryvnias. At the same time, they were again involved in additional work without a tender, citing "technical risks" when changing the contractor

Андрій Колісніченко