Access to Ukraine construction registers back for first time in a year

The Ukrainian government has restored public access to construction registers on the dedicated websites, in a first since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than a year ago.

Access to the construction e-systems, like many other registers, was suspended in February 2022 to prevent Russians from using open data to wage aggression against Ukraine.

In total, 90 to 95 percent of previously open data in Ukraine was hidden from the public since the full-scale war started.

After lengthy negotiations with security services, Ukraine’s ministries of digitalisation and reconstruction came up with a list of data that does not pose a threat to national security and allows for renewing access to some registers.

This includes a public map of construction with permits for construction works, information on a specific construction project, and information on construction by address.

"Now it will be easier for journalists and the public to monitor urban development and fight corruption," minister of digitalisation Mykhailo Fedorov was quoted as saying.

Oleksandr Kubrakov, minister of community development, territories and infrastructure in turn said that "public control will significantly help prevent any abuse during the construction process."

Ukraine’s construction sector e-system was developed by the ministry of communities, territories and infrastructure in cooperation with the ministry of digital transformation.