Switzerland is helping to winterize Ukraine so that the people there can survive the cold season. One of the experts currently working for the humanitarian aid of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (DEZA) in the war-torn country is water engineer Yvonne Müller (44). The Obwalden native has worked for the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Corps and the International Committee of the Red Cross for 12 years. She took the time for Blick to answer a few questions about her job and the situation in Ukraine in writing.
Mrs Müller, where and what exactly are you working on?
Yvonne Muller: I am currently working in the north and northeast of Ukraine. The main goal there is to make destroyed houses habitable again. This is the most important task at the moment as winter approaches. In addition, I am engaged in purchasing urgent equipment, such as water pumps, welding machines or sewer cleaning equipment.
How long will it take?
I can’t say right now. Reconstruction will take a lot of time. We help where we are needed. When we have access to recaptured areas, as is currently the case in Kharkiv Oblast, we travel to the villages and discuss with the local building authorities or the operators of water supply stations what material is needed. Then we look at how we can get this material.
What is the situation on site?
The drone strikes over the past two weeks have also damaged critical water, sewage, heating and electricity infrastructure. In Ukraine, there is currently a lack of efficient equipment and building materials. Therefore, Switzerland has decided to supply Ukraine with sewer cleaning and inspection machines, dozens of pumps and motors and many more equipment. These goods have been coming in steadily over the past few months.
What difficulties do you encounter?
Safety is priority. Some areas in which we operate are still being shelled. Long project planning is not possible, decisions have to be made quickly. Another problem is the long delivery times for generators, for example. The lack of power is the biggest challenge right now, especially as winter is approaching.
How many people will benefit from your work?
That depends on where we help. When we repair destroyed homes, individual families benefit. We reach up to 600,000 people where we repair destroyed water and sewage systems.
How is the cooperation with the local authorities?
I’ve never been hugged so much at work. When we arrive in the devastated areas with our help, the joy is enormous. From simple citizens to source masters to local politicians.
How are the locals doing?
People are worried about the coming winter and there is great sadness for the fallen relatives. They are also afraid that the Russians will come back. They greatly appreciate that Switzerland is providing assistance on the ground despite the difficult situation.