Yevhen Malnev (Odessa Housing Association): “We are near the building of the “Polytechnic” Housing Cooperative to continue our conversation about the energy modernization of the building. I propose to go to the basement to discuss the work that has been done in the building.”
Leonida Tonkovych, head of the housing cooperative: “I have been working as the head of the Polytechnic Housing Cooperative for the past 12 years. Our building is 52 years old. It is currently in good condition. It was the first house in this residential area. Supporting walls are 60 cm thick.
Your house participated in the Habitat for Humanity and ComAct projects. What did you get as a result of this cooperation?
Leonida: After communicating with representatives of the Odessa Housing Union, they offered to insulate the heating pipes in the house, which gave really good results. The residents of the building immediately felt positive changes: the temperature in the apartment rose by 2-3 degrees.
What was the basis for your decision that these works would have a positive effect?
Examples of completed projects which implemented similar types of work were presented to us. The association representatives also provided consultations. The cost of the insulation of the heating pipes has become affordable for the residents of the houses thanks to the financial support of these projects. At the moment, we have agreed on insulating the heating pipes. The application for the installation of a heat station has been submitted. I hope that it will be installed by the beginning of the heating season.
Are you satisfied with the result?
Yes, both the residents of the house and I, as the head of the cooperative, are very pleased with the result. Our premises have a completely different aesthetic appearance. Old rusty pipes were replaced with new ones, insulated. At the moment, it’s cool in the basement, but warm upstairs, as it should be.
Do you use the basement as a shelter?
Yes, from the beginning of the war, we started to use the basement as a shelter. We established water tanks and equipped the basement with a toilet. As you can see, we are currently standing in this shelter.
What about your future plans about the thermal modernization of the house? What else would you like to do?
First of all, we need to replace the heating station. Later we want to replace the risers in the apartments.
There are vulnerable people in your building. How do you plan to enlist their support?
Up to now, residents of 20 apartments have received hygienic materials. They were very pleased because their financial situation is quite difficult. And these goods are absolutely necessary for them.
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