EU and UNDP open new modular administrative service centre in war-torn Voznesensk

The new Diia.Centre will be a one-stop shop with all the services needed by more than 37,000 community residents and internally displaced persons.

To enhance the provision of essential and high-quality administrative services to residents of Voznesensk, Mykolaiv Oblast, with support from the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has constructed a new modular administrative service centre (ASC). This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve local infrastructure and service delivery in the wake of challenges faced by Voznesensk community.

The new modular ASC will provide more than 450 services in one building. It will operate as a Diia.Centre, a one-stop shop providing a comprehensive range of essential public services for citizens, where you can address several issues in one visit, including administrative services, business consulting, free legal assistance, banking services, access to co-working areas and much more. The building is also fully accessible for low-mobility population groups.

The total construction cost is US$288,500. Additionally, comfortable furniture and computer equipment for 27 workstations, as well as a server and passport station were purchased. This initiative was made possible by a significant contribution from Voznesensk City Council, which financed the purchase of four additional building modules and a lift. In addition, the international partners also procured a software and hardware package entitled “Administrative Service Centre in a suitcase”, to ensure service delivery in remote areas of the community.

Maryna Bobranitska, Head of the Department for Systemic Development of Administrative Services at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, commented: “The opening of the Diia.Centre in Voznesensk is an important step towards improving the accessibility and quality of administrative services for citizens,” she said. “We are proud that we can make modern services more convenient and accessible, creating new opportunities for every resident. The modern, inclusive, and convenient office will be an example of how the community can provide and develop public services. We thank the European Union and United Nations Development Programme for their strong and stable support in developing the ASC network in Ukraine, and restoring and developing administrative services in partner communities.”

Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, said that the European Union is proud to support the development of the new innovative administrative hub in Voznesensk community. “This initiative reflects our commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and building resilient communities in Ukraine,” he said. “By improving access to essential services, we are helping to strengthen the social fabric in areas that were heavily affected by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine”.

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, said that this initiative exemplifies UNDP’s dedication to supporting Ukraine’s administrative reform, upholding high service standards and making them more accessible. “By ensuring that public services are available to all, especially the most vulnerable, together with our longstanding partner, the European Union, we are fostering greater community resilience and inclusivity,” he said. “The ASC in Voznesensk stands as a symbol of the collaborative efforts with our international and national partners to build back better and create a sustainable future for all Ukrainians.”

Plans for the near future include integrating facilities for issuing driver’s licences and technical passports for vehicles, further expanding the Centre’s service capacity. Another forthcoming enhancement is the introduction of a mobile ASC vehicle equipped for two workplaces, and designed to extend the reach of services provided.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org