A number of smart infrastructure projects are being implemented in Mariupol. They include smart street lighting, bicycle parking near schools and universities, a smart stop and an automated water metering system. All of them will be implemented within the framework of the initiative ‘Mariupol – the city of the future’ with the support of the USAID project ‘Democratic Governance in the Eastern Ukraine’.
The projects were selected by Mariupol residents by electronic voting. We plan to implement them this year. Thus, the installation of more than 50 bicycle parking lots will contribute to the spread of an alternative mode of transportation that is environmentally friendly. The project is designed for schoolchildren, students and teaching personnel. About 2-3 thousand people per day will potentially be able to use the service.
Mariupol residents also supported the Smart Lighting project. Its goal is to install new luminaries with the use of LED technologies in Levanevskoho Str. from Mira Ave. to Mytropolytska Str. This will reduce electricity consumption and increase road safety.
Installation of ‘Smart stops’ with solar panels in Kuprina Str. and 12 information boards will help improve the level of satisfaction of the city population with the work of public transport. Residents of the city also supported the idea of establishing an automated water metering system in Left Bank district. This will increase the satisfaction of citizens with the received public services due to the clear collection and direct transmission of meter readings.
‘I think such projects are extremely important for the city. It will really improve comfort and bring us closer to European cities. For example, I am especially happy with bicycle parking and new lighting. It is very gratifying that such projects will be in Mariupol,’ student Oksana Marusova said.
The projects are possible due to the sincere support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Democratic Governance in Eastern Ukraine is a five-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to increase public confidence and trust among citizens and governments in the east, better understanding key reforms, new opportunities and social change. The project works in Donetsk, Luhansk and Kherson regions and aims to increase citizen participation in governance processes based on inclusive and democratic civic values, increase the efficiency of public services, integrate isolated and vulnerable communities, strengthen public identity and create opportunities for the region to lead democratic transformation in Ukraine.