EBRD signs MoU with Mariupol regarding damage, loss and needs assessment report

KYIV. Nov 24 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the city authorities of Mariupol on commissioning a Damage, Loss and Needs Assessment Report, the EBRD press service reported.

According to the press release, the EBRD is supporting efforts to quantify the destruction that the city has suffered in Russia’s war on Ukraine and to assess the cost of Mariupol’s revival.

"Mariupol has been a partner of the EBRD for a long time. Before the beginning of Russian aggression, we were preparing other projects. Now we are striving to resume this work and are convinced that Mariupol will be liberated. Glory to Ukraine!" EBRD Managing Director for Eastern Europe and the Caucasus Matteo Patrone is quoted in the message.

Under the agreement, signed by Mayor of Mariupol Vadym Boichenko and EBRD Deputy Head of Ukraine Mark Magaletsky, the EBRD will lead the preparation of a report that examines the damage inflicted on public transport, water and sanitation, solid waste management and public lighting in the city.

These sectors are vital to safeguard livelihoods and have benefited from extensive support from donors and international financial institutions in the past.

The EBRD is working closely with the World Bank Group to ensure that the report complements the latter’s countrywide Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment for Ukraine. The report will incorporate lessons learned from previous similar assignments undertaken by the World Bank. This highlights the importance of adopting a coherent and coordinated approach among international stakeholders when it comes to damage assessment and to planning for city revival.

"The EBRD is a reliable partner of Mariupol and right now the support from an old friend brings us closer to our common goal on the path of rapid revival for the city after de-occupation," Mayor Boichenko said.

The report will form the basis of the city’s Mariupol Revival Strategy, which will include key cost estimates and attract potential investors and donors to rebuild the city after its full liberation.

"Mariupol was once a thriving, green, port city and an important EBRD client. We are proud to stand together with the city’s authorities and play a crucial role in building the foundation for its future revival once Mariupol is free again. The EBRD is absolutely committed to supporting Ukraine with its post-war recovery," Mark Magaletsky, EBRD Deputy Head of Ukraine, said.