Chattanooga Steps Up to Help Trostyanets, Ukraine
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – In an inspiring show of friendship and solidarity, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly welcomed Trostyanets Mayor Yuri Bova to the city this week. The visit is focused on raising awareness and support for Ukraine as they grapple with the aftermath of the ongoing conflict with Russia. The partnership between the two cities was officially concluded about a year ago and is aimed at sharing knowledge and best practices to help rebuild the war-torn community of Trostyanets.
A City in Need
Just a year ago, Trostyanets was transformed into a battlefield, suffering through an agonizing 31 days of relentless attacks that resulted in severe damage to the city. Mayor Bova detailed that the estimated cost of damages is around $120 million. This staggering figure highlights the deep impact of the war, not just on infrastructure but on the lives of residents.
During his visit, Mayor Bova spoke passionately about how being partnered with Chattanooga is a lifeline for his city. “Chattanooga is a partner city for our city,” he shared with an air of hope. “We concluded the partnership agreement one year ago, and Chattanooga municipality initiated this visit to exchange the best practices.” This focus on community rebuilding and resilience is pivotal to Trostyanets’ recovery.
Learning from Each Other
One of the key objectives of Mayor Bova’s visit is to grasp how Chattanooga fosters a thriving business climate and develops social infrastructure that promotes not only economic recovery but also social well-being for its residents. “We want to learn from the city of Chattanooga, how to create a business enabling environment, how to develop social infrastructure, recreation, and how to promote tourism,” he said. Each of these elements is crucial for the recovery efforts in Trostyanets, and Bova is optimistic about what his city can achieve through cooperation with Chattanooga.
Generators: A Vital Need
One of the immediate priorities for Trostyanets is securing funding to provide essential services to its residents. Mayor Bova stressed the need for generators to ensure reliable electricity supplies for crucial facilities like schools, hospitals, and municipal buildings. “We need generators to ensure good electricity, good reserve electricity supply for schools, kindergartens, hospitals, municipal facilities, and they have to be good with good capacity,” he highlighted. The need for this equipment is urgent; it represents a step toward restoring normalcy in daily life for thousands of citizens.
The Resilience of the Trostyanets Residents
Perhaps the most heartening news shared during the visit was about the people of Trostyanets. Bova reported that an impressive 95% of the population has returned to the city since the fighting ceased. “This is what makes the city moving,” he said with a sense of pride and determination. The return of residents signifies hope and a collective effort to rebuild a vibrant community.
Fundraising Efforts
In the context of this partnership, Mayor Bova encouraged locals to support Trostyanets through donations. To get involved, individuals interested in helping the cause can visit the Chattanooga-Ukraine website to find more information on how to contribute. Every little bit counts and can make a huge difference in the lives of those affected by the human tragedy.
Conclusion
Through collaboration, friendship, and community spirit, Chattanooga and Trostyanets are forging a path toward recovery and resilience in the face of adversity. As the city actively works to support its partner, it’s clear that together, they can create a brighter future full of hope and possibilities.
