Since June 2022, 10 Rivne communities have been a partner of the USAID HOVERLA Activity. Over this period, nine communities updated their development strategies with the HOVERLA support, and local government staff received hundreds of consultations and training on economic development, asset management, project management, leadership, citizen engagement, and more.

In addition to sustainable development support, the USAID HOVERLA Activity provided powerful equipment, such as generators, backhoes, chainsaws, mobile light towers, woodchippers and rescue kits, to help communities in particular form effective fire-fighting teams and respond to emergencies, especially during wartime.

Here are a few stories showcasing how USAID HOVERLA’s assistance helps Rivne communities tackle daily challenges.

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Saved from sewage collapse 

In July, one of the largest accidents in recent years occurred in Zdolbuniv — the central sewage collection tank was damaged. To prevent the community from being left without water during the hot season, the collector had to be urgently repaired. However, to start the repairs, it was necessary to stop sewage inflows from all of Zdolbuniv to the accident site. Several utility companies collaborated effectively, using equipment provided by the USAID HOVERLA Activity, such as a backhoe, generator, and motor pump. Thanks to this, the crisis was resolved within a few hours, preventing several streets from being flooded with sewage and restoring water to the residents. The drainage system now operates as usual, the utility workers have an action plan for similar emergencies, and the community feels more resilient and united.

 

 

The storm left no trace 

In the summer, a powerful storm hit the Rokytne community, causing significant damage. Some trees were uprooted, and downed power lines blocked the road. To quickly repair the damage caused by the storm, Rokytne quickly deployed the backhoe provided by the USAID HOVERLA Activity. Thanks to modern equipment, Rokytne’s residents managed to fully mitigate the storm's consequences within just one day and return to their normal pace of life.

 

 

Fire under control 

In October 2024, thanks to swift action and coordinated efforts, rescuers in the Sarny community of Rivne Oblast swiftly extinguished a landfill fire. With the help of a backhoe provided by the USAID HOVERLA Activity, they were able to cover fire hotspots, localize the fire, and prevent it from spreading. This essential equipment, plus the firemen’s training provided by HOVERLA, made all the difference in keeping the community safe.

 

 

Puppy rescued from a fire 

Recently, Vasyl, one of the volunteer firefighters from the Kostopil community, not only helped prevent a large fire in the village of Maly Mydsk but also saved a puppy. On August 22, during an especially hot day, local residents informed him that a nearby empty house had caught fire. He alerted his colleagues, and they all arrived at the scene. While waiting for the Kostopil rescuers, Vasyl heard barking coming from the burning house. As he approached, he saw a frightened puppy trapped in the flames. Vasyl managed to save Yuliy, the dog, and return him to his owners, who lived nearby. The fire was soon extinguished. Similar stories with happy endings would not have been possible without the high-quality equipment and protective gear — including special clothing, helmets, gloves, boots, and flashlights — provided to Kostopil's volunteer firefighters by the USAID HOVERLA Activity.

 

 

The USAID HOVERLA Activity helps communities overcome emergencies and supports the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine in strengthening the capacity and self-sufficiency of Ukrainian communities.