DCA-NCA Ukraine
“There were no windows, no doors — nothing. Just ruins,” recalls Viktoriia Ivanova, a technician at Mykolaiv’s third heating district, describing the aftermath of a Russian strike in April 2022.
The explosion was so powerful that it tore heavy metal doors off their hinges. Every window was shattered, walls cracked, and the boiler house was left covered in glass and debris. At that moment, it was unclear whether the system could ever be restored. But for the staff, one thing was certain: the city could not be left without heat. In 2025, with support from DCA–NCA, the boiler houses in Mykolaiv were restored, allowing the city’s heating system to function again despite the ongoing war.
Despite the damage and constant danger, the boiler house staff continued working without interruption.
“We boarded up the windows with plywood, covered the holes with plastic sheets, and used small heaters just to keep ourselves warm. We worked in the cold and in darkness, making sure the system never stopped. We knew that an entire neighborhood depended on us.”Victoriia says
The boiler house is a critical facility for Mykolaiv. It supplies heat to nearly 3,000 residents living in more than 100 apartment buildings, as well as several schools, hospitals, and public facilities in the central and industrial parts of the city. During the winter of 2023, amid shelling and frequent power outages, staff manually monitored pumps around the clock to prevent the system from freezing. Debris from Russian missiles still lies in the boiler house courtyard.
Restoring critical infrastructure amid war
In 2025, the boiler houses in Mykolaiv received the necessary support. Within a project implemented by DCA–NCA Ukraine in partnership with ADRA Ukraine and funded by the European Union, the facility underwent a full renovation. New windows and doors were installed, entrance structures were reinforced, and insulation repairs were completed.
When the new windows were installed, we saw light inside the building for the first time in three years, It felt like we could finally breathe again”,Viktoriia says
This boiler house is one of seven facilities in Mykolaiv being restored under the project. By the end of the year, all seven boiler houses will be fully rehabilitated, significantly strengthening the city’s heating system at a time when Ukraine’s energy infrastructure continues to be targeted by Russian attacks.
In total, the restored boiler houses will benefit more than 16,000 people, ensuring access to heat for residential buildings, hospitals, schools, and other essential institutions. For Mykolaiv, a city that has endured repeated shelling and prolonged blackouts, functioning heating infrastructure is vital — especially during winter.
Preparing for winter, protecting communities
The renovation of boiler houses not only improves the reliability of heat supply but also enhances the safety and working conditions of the technical staff who have kept these systems running throughout the war. Many of them continued to work through air raids, power outages, and freezing temperatures to prevent humanitarian emergencies.
For Liudmyla and Oleksandr, who have worked at one of Mykolaiv’s oldest boiler houses since 1970, the renovation has brought warmth not only to the building but also to their hearts. This boiler house had never had its windows replaced since it was built, and for decades, cold wind and drafts made their work extremely difficult.
“For the first time in 55 years, it’s actually warm inside. We can finally focus on our work without shivering or worrying about drafts,”Liudmyla says
Oleksandr nods quietly, remembering the harsh winters of the past. “We kept going through air raids and freezing temperatures because the city needed heat. We couldn’t stop — even in darkness, even in the cold, we had to protect the people.”
With new windows and doors installed, the couple can see the fruits of their resilience. “It’s not just about the warmth,” Liudmyla says. “It’s about hope — for us, for the city, and for everyone depending on this place. We survived the hardest times together.”
Now, as winter grips Ukraine, the situation in Mykolaiv remains extremely challenging. Ongoing shelling and damage to the region’s energy systems make reliable heating a critical lifeline for thousands of residents. Thanks to the renovation of this boiler house, families can stay warm and safe, and Liudmyla and Oleksandr can continue their work with a sense of security and hope, even in the harshest conditions.
About the project:
The project “Winterizing Frontline Communities and Increasing Resilience” is aimed at supporting communities in Mykolaiv and Kherson Oblasts to ensure they have access to essential services during the winter months. The goal is to assist local communities in implementing projects that will improve infrastructure, enhance safety, and ensure access to critical services such as heating, water, and gas. Additionally, the project promotes the use of sustainable energy solutions like solar panels and trailers to provide energy independence. The project is supported by the Charitable organization ADRA Ukraine and funded by the European Union.
