Upgrades to Underground Crossings: New Initiatives by the Utility Company
The Odesa Electric Utility Company manages 12 underground crossings, 8 elevators for persons with disabilities, 10 pumping stations, and 14 stormwater pumping stations.
As part of their maintenance plan, the company oversees 2120 light points, 32700 meters of cable lines and overhead power networks, 58 pump units, 150 electric motors ranging from 1.5 to 125 kW, as well as 310 power supply panels and 48 automation panels.
Staff regularly perform cleaning of underground crossings and pumping stations, repaint walls after acts of vandalism, remove advertising materials, conduct minor stair repairs, replace electrical equipment, and perform preventive maintenance on electrical and lighting systems.
Since the beginning of 2024, repairs have been carried out on the stairs of the underground crossing near the Odesa railway station, restoring 40 square meters of granite tiles.
Restoration of façade cladding has also taken place at underground crossings located at Vodoprovidna Street (12 sq. m) and Panteleimonivska Street (6 sq. m).
Current repairs to electrical equipment, including the replacement of light fixtures, bulbs, and circuit breakers, have been completed in 10 underground crossings.
Additionally, the utility company has painted the electric elevators for disabled individuals located in the underground crossings near the railway station (8 units).
These elevators, like the crossings themselves, often suffer from vandalism. During inspections, utility workers regularly document vandalism incidents, including broken electrical equipment and graffiti on walls. A recent incident was recorded on September 6, when unknown individuals damaged the elevator platform, and on September 18, the walls of a freshly painted crossing were vandalized.
The Odesa City Council once again appeals to residents and visitors to treat the community property with care. Deliberate destruction of city property leads to criminal liability.
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Responsibility for Damage to Municipal Property
Criminal Code of Ukraine Article 194. Intentional Destruction or Damage to Property
1. Intentional destruction or damage to someone else's property that causes significant harm is punishable by a fine of up to fifty (850 UAH) non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens, or community service for a period of one hundred twenty to two hundred forty hours, or correctional labor for up to two years, or restriction of freedom for up to three years, or imprisonment for the same term.
Article 296. Hooliganism
1. Hooliganism, that is, gross violation of public order motivated by open disrespect for society, accompanied by particular audacity or exceptional cynicism, is punishable by a fine of five hundred (8500 UAH) to one thousand (17000 UAH) non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens, or arrest for up to six months, or restriction of freedom for up to five years.
2. The same actions committed by a group of individuals are punishable by restriction of freedom for up to five years or imprisonment for up to four years.
