On March 18, the Secretary of the City Council and Acting Mayor, Viktor Shakyrzian, together with the Head of the "Ship of Help" Charitable Foundation, Mykyta Plyasov, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. In particular, it concerns the implementation of an inclusive route project.
The design has already been completed, and in the coming days, work will begin on the development of a pedestrian pathway that will connect key points in Rivne with inclusive infrastructure. The goal of the project is to ensure guaranteed accessibility along the route for wheelchair users and other categories of people with limited mobility.
"We continue working toward creating a barrier-free environment in Rivne, and the signing of this memorandum is an important step in that direction. All work on creating the barrier-free route on Petliura Street will be carried out in accordance with modern norms and standards. The Strategic Development and Investment Department is coordinating this project, while the Department of Infrastructure and Public Amenities is responsible for its implementation. Barrier-free infrastructure is not just about supporting veterans—it’s also about caring for the elderly, young parents, and all residents who need a comfortable and accessible urban space," said Viktor Shakyrzian.
The route will connect the Administrative Services Center (CNAP), the Regional State Administration, a new business coworking hub, the theater, the employment center, and more. To implement the project, the "Ship of Help" Charitable Foundation has allocated up to UAH 8 million in funding. The foundation has also financed the purchase of two interactive information kiosks for the CNAP.
"I’m currently overwhelmed with a sense of joy because the project team is not only pointing out existing problems but also taking responsibility and solving them. For the first time in Ukraine, a private foundation is investing in urban infrastructure to create a state-of-the-art inclusive space that meets EU-level standards. And let’s remember the rule—it’s not veterans who should adapt to civilian society, but civilian society that should adapt to them," noted Mykyta Plyasov.
Photos: Dzerkalo Tyzhnia, Ship of Help Charitable Foundation.