In cooperation with the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine and the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine, USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) has begun upgrading lighting systems at key border crossing points (BCPs) to improve illumination at night. A total of 875 LED lights are planned to be replaced or installed at road BCPs on Ukraine’s border with Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and Romania.
Between April and May 2024, ERA vendors installed 381 LED lights at eight road BCPs in Zakarpatiia Oblast – Dzvinkove—Lonia, Kosyno—Barabash, Vylok—Tiszabecs, Malyi Berezniy—U’bla, Solotvyno—Sighetu, Chop (Tysa)—Zahony, Luzhanka—Beregsurany and Uzhhorod—Vyšné Nemecké. The enhancement of lighting systems at Ukraine’s BCPs is a vital step in improving operational efficiency, safety, and security. Previously, in December 2023, the USAID Project had already upgraded lighting at two border crossing points on Ukraine’s borders with Poland (Volyn Oblast) and Slovakia, installing 479 LED lamps, which significantly improved lighting at night.
“We are thankful to our partners for their support of Ukraine and the rapid implementation of important projects for our country,” said the first deputy head of the Zakarpattia Regional State Administration.
These BCPs are part of the 44 priority crossing points on Ukraine’s western borders being modernized through ERA to strengthen the export logistics infrastructure of Ukraine. The lighting system improvements are essential for the smooth functioning of border operations and ensuring the safe and efficient flow of goods and travelers. The long-term benefits of this initiative include reduced maintenance costs, lower energy consumption, and a more robust and resilient border infrastructure.
“The upgrade of the lighting system at the BCPs managed by the Zakarpattia Customs contributed to improving the quality of customs control and clearance in the dark, improving the working conditions of the customs and border guard services, as well as the comfort of citizens crossing the border,” commented Oleksandr Semyrga, Head of the Zakarpattia Customs.
Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the Government of Ukraine, including the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (Ministry for Restoration), the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (Agency for Restoration), the State Customs Service, and Ukrainian Railways (UZ), to upgrade 42 of Ukraine’s border crossing points (BCPs).