Chattanooga and Trostyanets: Building Bridges from Afar
Chattanooga has recently garnered attention not just for its picturesque landscapes but also for its commendable role in helping a war-torn Ukrainian town. The city has entered into a cooperative agreement with Troystanets, a town grappling with the aftereffects of conflict. During a visit to the Scenic City, Trostyanets Mayor Yuriy Bova sat down with local communities to discuss the ongoing rebuilding initiatives and lessons learned from this unique partnership. The conversation, facilitated with the help of a skilled interpreter, painted a hopeful picture of recovery amid adversity.
The Role of Chattanooga’s Community Working Group
Mayor Bova expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have unfolded, describing how Chattanooga’s community working group has had a significant impact despite the 8,000 kilometers between them. “Firstly, Mayor Tim Kelly and Ellis Smith engaged a team of volunteer architects to help us develop the vision and concepts of facilities to be rebuilt,” he noted enthusiastically. Trostyanets, once among the most heavily damaged areas, is gradually rising from the ashes thanks to international support. Every bit of help counts, and the city has opted for a “Build Back Better” principle, emphasizing safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility in their rebuilding efforts.
Progressing with the Rebuilding Process
So, how is all that work going? Mayor Bova shared that the rebuilding process is well underway. “Our goal isn’t just to recreate what was there, but to ensure that it’s better equipped for the future.” His enthusiasm was palpable as he reported that 95% of the town’s pre-war population have returned and that all schools and hospital functions are active again. Remarkably, around 1,000 people have returned to work at the local Mondelez factory, contributing significantly to the economic revival through tax payments that aid the overall rebuilding funding.
Learning from Chattanooga’s Urban Development
During his visit, Mayor Bova had his eyes open to the multitude of ways Chattanooga developed its spaces effectively. “We want to learn about parks, sports facilities, and how to activate abandoned areas,” he pointed out, admiring the city’s “City in a Park” concept. “Everything fits together nicely here; the promotion of your city’s plans is evident everywhere you look—from the streets to the facilities.”
Bova also noted how Chattanooga’s advancements in medical technology could serve as an inspiration. “The training programs here for mass emergencies and the operations of your fire departments are quite impressive.” He expressed that these would be vital in shaping their own emergency response systems as they continue their recovery journey.
A Call for Continued Support
Despite the noticeable progress, challenges lie ahead. “As winter approaches, our needs become even more urgent,” said Mayor Bova, acknowledging the hurdles they continue to face. He expressed deep appreciation for Chattanooga’s initiative in creating a donation platform aimed at collecting funding for generators to ensure essential services remain operational. “Every facility we rebuild is a step to bringing our people home, but we need continuous support.”
In Conclusion
The bond formed between Chattanooga and Trostyanets exemplifies the spirit of global solidarity. While Trostyanets emerges from the shadows of war, the support and knowledge shared by Chattanooga highlight the potential for renewal through community cooperation. And as Mayor Bova so aptly put it, “Each facility we rebuild encourages people to come back,” emphasizing the deep connection between recovery efforts and the traumas of displacement.
