Solutions from Ukraine: new anti-radiation shelter in Dnipropetrovsk region can protect 900 residents

A new anti-radiation shelter is being constructed in the city of Pokrov, located in the Dnipropetrovsk region. This shelter is meant to accommodate up to 900 people, and the overall project has been allocated a budget of 147.8 million hryvnias.

The Ministry of Community Development, Territories and Infrastructure reports this.

What is the problem?

It should be noted that today, more than 600,000 children study remotely, and another 390,000 study abroad. The government plans to return at least 300,000 students to school.

"Our mission in transforming education is to build a system capable of forming professional and happy people for a new innovative economy. Citizens who are capable of protecting themselves and their homes from any threats. Ukraine has suffered significant educational losses, and the key prerequisite for improving the quality of education is access children to safe face-to-face education. That is why we are implementing the comprehensive "School Offline" policy, which aims to return approximately 300,000 students to school desks," Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Digital Transformation, said.

On July 31, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal proposed converting school basements into shelters. For institutions that do not have suitable facilities, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Emergency Situations will collaborate with regional military administrations within a week to devise technical solutions for equipping aboveground shelters.

What is the solution?

Hence, a new radiation-proof shelter with a capacity of 900 individuals is currently under construction in the city of Pokrov, located in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

How does it work?

The shelter will be located on the territory of Pokrovsky Lyceum No. 8, where almost 400 students studied before the full-scale war.

Currently, all schools in Pokrov conduct classes online. The availability of a new shelter is expected to allow children to resume in-person education.

According to the plan, the shelter will be a standalone underground structure 2.7 meters tall. It will have three exits, all equipped with stairs and an emergency vertical exit designed as a tunnel. The building is expected to remain in operation for 100 years.

The plan is to make the area above the shelter a green space and install sports facilities.

The total cost for the project is 147.8 million hryvnias, and it is expected to be finished by the end of 2024.

For reference:

In Mykolaiv, during a full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine, a new kindergarten was opened, which provides a safe shelter for small pupils. From now on, almost 200 children will return to the educational process.