Odesa Extends Cooperation with JICA to 2026 for Infrastructure Aid

Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov has signed a decree amending the previous document on cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The corresponding order was published by the press service of the municipality.

It is about updating the composition of the working group established in 2023 to attract technical and technological assistance in the restoration and development of the city's critical infrastructure. The need for changes is explained by personnel changes in the executive bodies of the city council.

In addition to the renewal of the composition, another important change is the extension of the working group's term. Previously, its work was scheduled until October 2024, but now its powers have been extended until October 1, 2026.

According to the order, the working group will continue to negotiate, prepare technical documentation and coordinate interaction with JICA, which provides assistance to Ukrainian cities through support programs after the start of the full-scale invasion of Russia.

The mayor retained control over the implementation of the order.

In a commentary for Intent, Deputy Mayor of Odesa Anna Pozdnyakova confirmed that the order also concerns the installation and commissioning of gas-piston cogeneration units. This is the equipment that Odesa received as part of international assistance. At the last session of the Odesa City Council, deputies have already approved the allocation of funds for the implementation of this project.

A total of 16 gas-piston cogeneration units with a total capacity of 31.8 MW are expected to be delivered. To date, 11 units have already been delivered. Four of them are powerful units transferred with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the governments of Japan, Norway, and Sweden. Another seven smaller units were provided by the German agency GSM to supply neighborhood boiler houses.

The first 3.3 MWunit has already been put into operation. It will operate for one of the district boiler houses and ensure its stable operation during the next heating season.

Ірина Глухова