Renovation of a college in Odesa for 32 million: prices for materials are shocking

The Odesa Technical Vocational College, damaged as a result of the Russian attack on February 8, is to be repaired for UAH 32.33 million.

According to Nashi Hroshi, the contract for the overhaul was awarded to Bessarabiyastroy, which was the only bidder.

The works will include restoration of the facade, roof, replacement of windows, heating, ventilation, lightning protection, fire protection and landscaping. The repair is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027, and funding will be distributed in stages: UAH 5 million in 2023, UAH 7 million in 2024, UAH 8 million in 2026, and UAH 12.33 million in 2027.

However, experts found a significant overestimation of prices for construction materials. For example, blocks of cellular concrete were valued at UAH 6,468 per cubic meter, although their average market value is about UAH 3,500 per cubic meter. M250 concrete is priced at 4,563 UAH/cubic meter instead of the market price of 2,060-3,765 UAH/cubic meter. Rebar is twice as expensive as the market: 79,248 UAH/t versus the real 33,550 UAH/t. Bricks are priced at UAH 20.65 per piece, while in stores they cost UAH 5-7 per piece. The total probable overpayment on these items alone is about UAH 1.76 million.

This is not the first time that the contractor Bessarabiyastroy has been at the center of scandals. Earlier, the company was accused of overestimating the cost of work during the reconstruction of a school in Bolhrad district, where budget losses are estimated at UAH 3.51 million. The company is also involved in a criminal proceeding for embezzlement of budget funds.

Earlier, Intent wrote that Odesa Technical Vocational College of Odesa National Technological University announced the search for a contractor to overhaul the educational building letter "B" damaged as a result of armed aggression.

This is the second tender following the search for a contractor to repair the roof of the College of Mechanics and Technology. The budget for the work was set at UAH 7 million 665 thousand.

Open bidding with special features means that almost all terms are shorter than in open bidding under the Law on Public Procurement. This means that this procurement is much faster than open tenders.

On the night of February 8, explosions occurred in Odesa during an air raid alert. The Russians sent Shahed-131/136 kamikaze drones from the Black Sea to the city. As a result of the enemy attack, damage to civilian infrastructure was recorded. In particular, a Russian drone strike damaged an unfinished high-rise building and smashed out glass.

Damage to the building of an educational institution was also recorded: the roof and ceiling were damaged, windows were smashed, and no fires were reported. All relevant services were working at the arrival site. Law enforcement officers were recording the consequences of another Russian crime.

Two patrol policemen were also injured when they were on their way to the site of the hit to help citizens. They received mine-blast injuries during the second explosion. The policemen were hospitalized, their condition is stable.

Андрій Колісніченко