Defensive structures re-installed on the coast of Odesa region

Tetrapods have been re-installed in the Tuzly Estuaries National Nature Park in Odesa Oblast.

According to Ivan Rusev, a biologist and employee of the reserve, the concrete structures were installed on another area of sandy fill without taking into account expert opinion.

He reminded that 453 tetrapods, previously installed by order of the Odesa Regional Military Administration under the leadership of Oleh Kiper, had already been covered with sand during storms due to deficiencies in the work. After public criticism, the structures were removed from the sand using heavy machinery, moving them a little further away from the waves.

According to the biologist, these actions cost additional budget expenditures, but those responsible for the inefficient use of funds have not been brought to justice.

"They pulled out the tetrapods covered with sand and moved them behind the dunes, a hundred meters from the previous line, away from the waves. Once again, considerable budget money was spent, and no one was held accountable. And the question arises, who benefits from this during the war," said Ivan Rusev.

As reported by the Center for Public Investigations, in the late spring of 2024, concrete defenses - tetrapods - began to be installed on the Black Sea coast to prevent the potential landing of Russian equipment. In total, UAH 2.7 billion was allocated for all fortifications in the region. A few months later, the tetrapods were dragged into the sand.

After public attention was drawn, the Odesa Regional Military Administration ordered the tetrapods that had been installed on the coast to be dug out of the sand and pulled a little further away.

In addition, the Odesa Regional Military Administration decided to consult with scientists to build fortifications. To this end, the Department of Capital Construction of the Odesa Regional State Administration signed a memorandum with the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise to ensure transparency and legality in the implementation of fortification projects in the region.

Ірина Глухова