The Ukrainian government adopted the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 303 of 13.03.2022 at the beginning of 2022, “On the Suspension of State Supervision (Control) Measures under Martial Law,” which suspended the carrying out of scheduled and unscheduled state supervision (control) activities during the period of martial law, introduced by the Presidential Decree of Ukraine No. 64 of 24.02.2022, “On the Introduction of Martial Law in Ukraine,” except in cases where there is a threat negatively impacting the rights, legal interests, life, and health of individuals, the protection of the environment, and ensuring state security, as well as fulfilling Ukraine’s international obligations based on decisions by central executive authorities responsible for state policy formation in the respective sectors.

Since the beginning of 2025, the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine has issued 10 orders for the approval of unscheduled state architectural and construction control measures, according to which state architectural and construction control authorities in various regions of Ukraine are required to ensure the implementation of unscheduled state architectural and construction control measures to ensure compliance with urban planning legislation, building norms, and rules at construction sites.

Source: https://iceg.com.ua/

Who is an engineering consultant and why is it needed

The services of an engineering consultant are provided by a business entity that brings together a team of professionals, including certified specialists in the profession “engineering consultant (construction),” who provide organizational and consulting support for the implementation of a project at all its stages: from design to the acceptance of the facility into operation. The main goal is to ensure quality, meet deadlines, and rationally use resources.

Main functions of an engineering consultant:

• Consulting on the selection of technologies, materials, and contractors.
• Project management, representing the interests of the client, and ensuring interaction in the permit and approval procedures and inspections.
• Monitoring the adherence to design and construction schedules.
• Resolving disputes between participants in the construction process.
• Optimizing design solutions, methods of performing work, and costs.
• Preparing analytical and reporting documentation for the client.

Engaging an engineering consultant is a mandatory requirement for many international financial organizations that fund projects in Ukraine. Such approaches contribute to the implementation of European project management standards, which are important for Ukraine’s integration into the European space.

The role of an engineering consultant in the country’s reconstruction

The restoration of infrastructure destroyed by war is a process that requires a comprehensive approach, clear coordination, and high professionalism. Engineering consultants play a key role in this process as they provide:

1. Effective planning: creating realistic work schedules and budgets.
2. Quality control: ensuring the compliance of technologies, materials, and work with technical requirements.
3. Mediation of disputes: swiftly resolving conflicts between clients, contractors, designers, and other project participants.
4. Cost optimization: developing solutions to reduce costs without compromising quality.

For example, in many countries that have faced the need for large-scale reconstruction after conflicts or natural disasters, the engagement of engineering consultants has become standard practice. They help ensure transparency in the use of funds, including international aid, which is crucial for rebuilding trust in the government.

Why this is relevant for local government

Local governments often perform the role of the project client but may not always have the necessary human and technical resources. This is especially true for small communities, where there are no specialized departments. An engineering consultant can be an effective solution in such situations because:

• Ensures a professional approach to project management.
• Minimizes the risk of not completing projects within the set timelines.
• Promotes transparency in the use of budget funds.

For example, the reconstruction of destroyed facilities after military operations requires specialized knowledge and experience. Engineering consultants have the expertise to work with such facilities, making them indispensable in the face of modern challenges.

How to engage an engineering consultant

In Ukraine, legal conditions for engaging engineering consultants have already been established. According to legislation, a contract for providing such services is signed with a business entity that has certified specialists in its team. The costs for these services are separately included in the overall project budget and can constitute up to 3% of the total sum of chapters 1-9 (excluding technological equipment, furniture, and inventory). This will amount to about 2% of the total cost of the facility, ensuring, with a proper approach, a significantly greater effect during the project’s implementation.

Procurement of services is done through public procurement procedures, which guarantee competitiveness and transparency in selecting the contractor. It is important to pay attention to the qualifications, experience, and competencies of the personnel, as these directly influence the success of the project.

It is also essential to consider international experience. For example, EU countries have been actively engaging engineering consultants for decades, which has allowed them to achieve high project implementation efficiency across various sectors— from road construction to the creation of innovative infrastructure. Such services typically cost about 5% of the total cost of the facility in those countries.

Difference between an engineering consultant and other project participants

During the implementation of construction projects, confusion often arises between the roles of the engineering consultant, technical supervision, and the client. The engineering consultant is an independent participant in the project who performs the task of comprehensive support for the design and construction of the facility. Their functions do not duplicate the responsibilities of the client or technical supervision but complement them, ensuring:

• Independent quality control.
• Comprehensive coordination of all project participants.
• Mediation of disputes.

According to Ukrainian legislation, the engineering consultant can work at all stages of the project, starting from the formation of investment intentions, design, and ending with the acceptance of the facility into operation.

Examples of successful projects involving an engineering consultant

Projects implemented with the involvement of an engineering consultant have already demonstrated their effectiveness. For example, during the restoration of infrastructure facilities in Ukraine, such specialists ensured:

• Control over the quality of work and materials.
• Timely identification and correction of deficiencies.
• Coordination of actions between the client, contractors, and suppliers.

In international practice, engaging engineering consultants has also shown excellent results. For example, in the Baltic countries, after joining the EU, numerous infrastructure development projects financed by European funds were successfully implemented thanks to such specialists. They ensured that the projects met strict environmental and technical standards, as required by donors.

Advantages for communities

Engaging an engineering consultant provides communities with a number of advantages:

1. Professional support: the community gains access to expert knowledge and experience.
2. Cost savings: optimizing costs helps reduce the burden on local budgets.
3. Transparency: involving independent specialists minimizes corruption risks.
4. Quality: control at all stages ensures high-quality work.

Challenges and prospects for implementation

However, engaging an engineering consultant also has its challenges. For example, local governments often face insufficient understanding of the functions and benefits of such services. Additionally, the need for extra financial costs may raise doubts. Therefore, it is essential to conduct explanatory work and training for community representatives.

The prospects for implementing engineering consultant services in Ukraine are enormous. For example, through this, communities can create higher-quality infrastructure facilities, develop partnerships with international donors, and increase the competitiveness of regions.

Thus, the engineering consultant is not a luxury but a necessity for local governments striving to implement high-quality and efficient construction projects. Their engagement promotes resource savings, meeting deadlines, and ensuring transparency. In today’s environment, where communities are tasked with rebuilding the country, the role of engineering consulting in construction projects cannot be overstated.

Local governments should pay attention to the opportunities provided by collaboration with engineering consultants and implement this practice in their activities. It is an investment in the European future of communities and the country as a whole.

Source: MGIK website https://iceg.com.ua/news/inzhenerno-konsultatsiynyy-suprovid-budivelnykh-proektiv-na-dopomohu-orhanam-mistsevoho-samovriaduvannia/

The bridge was blown up in February 2022 during the Russian army’s advance. The sapper team blew up only two spans of the bridge so that the structure could be restored as quickly as possible and with minimal costs.

The primary task after the region was liberated was to arrange a temporary crossing near the destroyed overpass. With the support of the Norwegian government, two modular bridges were installed for this purpose.

During the restoration of the bridge itself, two span structures and two supports were completely replaced. All structures were thoroughly repaired taking into account modern load standards. Autonomous lighting based on solar panels was installed, as well as railings and barrier fences, and road markings were applied.

In Kharkiv region, restoration work is being carried out on 13 artificial structures. For the other 9 planned structures, work has been suspended or has not yet started due to their proximity to the front line. There remains a high probability of shelling in these areas.

The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine.

According to HOME, priority will be given to supporting the most vulnerable individuals, including combatants, people with disabilities, and large families. It is expected that more than 2000 families will receive new housing funded by CEB.

The housing sector continues to be one of the most affected by armed aggression: over 10% of the total housing stock in Ukraine has been damaged or destroyed, impacting the lives of about two million households. In response to urgent housing needs, the Government of Ukraine has created a compensation mechanism for owners of destroyed housing.
As a reminder, in August of last year, the Ministry of Restoration began preparing a joint project with CEB for the capital repairs of damaged multi-apartment buildings. More details: /news/34667.html

From March 21 this year, Amendment 4 to the Guideline on Construction Cost Determination has come into effect, approved by the Ministry of Infrastructure order No. 243 of March 20, 2024.

The text of the Amendment can be reviewed on the portal of the Unified State Electronic System in the Construction Sector.

An important innovation is the introduction of a new method of mutual settlements for the services of an engineer-consultant: if the consultant is involved for less than the entire construction period or for providing specific functions included in the contract price, payment for services may be made in fixed amounts according to the terms of the contract, using the form provided in Appendix 47 of this Guideline.

At the same time, the main method of mutual settlements for technical supervision and the provision of engineer-consultant services remains unchanged: calculations are made based on the contract price of engineering services in a proportional relation to the value of the actual work performed based on the acceptance acts of the services provided, using the forms provided in Appendices 43, 44, and 45 of this Guideline.

“I hope that by the end of this month, the project will be fully completed, and then there will be stages of transferring it to operation, as the water supply system will be operated by local companies as well,” said the Head of the Recovery Agency.

The water supply network will provide water to more than one and a half million people. The project covers the cities of Tomakivka, Marhanets, Nikopol, Pokrov, Inhulets, and Kryvyi Rih. This is the most industrialized region of the country, which provides the lion’s share of our GDP, so restoring the water supply is critically important not only for people but also for the economy.

The construction of the water supply system began immediately after the explosion of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station. In 7 months, both design works and material delivery and pipe installation were carried out. There was an issue with the pipes, as only 25% of the required amount was available in Ukraine. Other countries, particularly Romania and Poland, helped with this. There was also a problem with the pumps.

According to him, such large projects face a lack of funding. At the initial stage, the project costs much less than when it is completed because construction always requires more funds: “All of these funds are confirmed. We have passed all the expertise, including a technical audit conducted by an independent foreign company. The State Audit Office is also conducting a separate check. I hope this project will become a showcase for our country and our Agency in terms of transparency in the use of funds, prices, and technical solutions.”

The project is funded by the Special Fund for the Elimination of the Consequences of Russian Aggression.

The public association “Interstate Guild of Engineer-Consultants,” as an independent professional organization aimed at improving the domestic market of consulting and engineering services in construction, actively contributes to summarizing and promoting the experience of engaging an engineer-consultant in the implementation of construction projects.

Entering into contracts for engineering and consulting services in construction is an international practice that ensures the enhancement of competence, quality, and efficiency in project management, coordination of all construction participants, interaction with authorities, monitoring of project design and construction schedules, costs, volumes, quality, timelines for construction work, prevention of disputes, and their out-of-court resolution.

The Interstate Guild of Engineer-Consultants has summarized information about the engineer-consultant as an economic entity and a certified specialist, which can be useful for enterprises, institutions, organizations, executive authorities, and local self-government bodies in the construction of facilities and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

The corresponding letter can be found on our website under the section “ENGINEERS-CONSULTANTS.”

The water pipelines in Dnipropetrovsk region are in the final stage of readiness. Additional installations are being set up. This is reported by the Ministry of Reconstruction.

Foundations have already been laid, walls built, and waterproofing applied.

Other works are ongoing at three sections of the pipeline:

• Inhulets – Southern Reservoir (Kryvyi Rih): Builders are working at the pump stations, pipe installation is 93% complete.
• Marhanets – Nikopol – Pokrov: Builders are working at the pump stations, pipe installation is 98% complete, and backfilling of the pipe is underway.
• Zaporizhzhia – Tomakivka – Marhanets: Builders are working at the pump stations, pipe installation is 99% complete, and backfilling of the pipe is underway.
  Engineers-consultants and independent technical oversight representatives are working on each section. Additionally, with the support of the USAID “Economic Support for Ukraine” Project, a comprehensive technical audit of the project documentation for the construction of all three pipeline sections will be conducted.

Snow, freezing rain, and frost – in such conditions, builders are working around the clock on the construction of the main water pipeline in Dnipropetrovsk region.

Currently, work is being done at the pump stations, maintenance chambers, and under-road crossings. Additional work has been added: it is necessary to remove ice from the reinforcement and heat the concrete structures. After the ice and snow melt, the water will be pumped out.

The main water pipeline is one of the most important projects of the Reconstruction Agency. Its length is 145 kilometers (over 300 km of pipeline in one string). 93% of the pipeline has already been installed. Almost 1,000 people and 400 units of equipment are working at the three sections of the pipeline.

The Reconstruction Agency began working on the project from the first days after the explosion of the Kakhovka HPP. Construction started simultaneously with the design process.

Meanwhile, engineers-consultants and independent technical oversight representatives are working on each section. Additionally, with the support of the USAID “Economic Support for Ukraine” Project, a comprehensive technical audit of the project documentation for the construction of all three sections of the pipeline will be conducted.

All reports, along with the results of the audit and expertise, as well as cost estimates for each type of material, will be published immediately after the completion of the expertise.

We remind you that due to the explosion of the Kakhovka HPP by the Russians, nearly one million people from Kryvyi Rih, Marhanets, Nikopol, Tomakivka, Pokrovsk, Maryanske, and other nearby settlements were left without water.

The comprehensive reconstruction of the most affected settlements, the protection of energy infrastructure, a 145-kilometer water pipeline, roads, bridges, and border crossing points: the priority projects of the Reconstruction Agency.
The largest and one of the most important projects of the Agency is the construction of the main water pipeline for more than a million residents of communities affected by the explosion of the Kakhovka HPP. The pipeline will carry 550 thousand cubic meters of water per day. This is more than enough to completely resolve the water supply issue. To ensure that people receive water faster, over 1,000 workers and 400 units of equipment are working around the clock in three shifts at the site.

Today, the Reconstruction Agency is working on the reconstruction of 46 facilities in 9 regions, and within the framework of an experimental project, on the comprehensive recovery of 5 affected settlements. This includes over 300 facilities to be built in these settlements.

“We protect energy facilities on three levels. The first level is passive protection – gabions and big bags. 103 facilities in 21 regions have already been protected. The second level is protection from drones and Shaheds: 22 substations and 63 autotransformers. We are building structures in 14 regions. The third level is missile protection: protection for 22 substations is also part of projects in 14 regions.