In previously occupied areas of Ukraine, recovery can only begin once land has been verified as safe. In Bucha, where conflict left deep physical and social damage, the clearance of explosive hazards is a necessary first step before essential community infrastructure can be rebuilt.

In spring 2024, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) supported a multidisciplinary recovery initiative in Bucha by clearing a designated site intended for the construction of a new medical facility focused on trauma and mentalhealth care. The facility will serve local residents affected by the violence experienced in the area and represents a critical investment in long-term community recovery.

Rapid clearance to enable reconstruction

Thanks to GCS's established local presence and experience working with Ukrainian state authorities, permission for clearance was secured quickly, allowing work to begin without delay. GCS teams, composed of trained local deminers supported by international experts, cleared an area of 19,052 square metres in under two weeks, enabling the project to move forward on schedule.

The speed and reliability of the clearance effort were supported by the use of GCS's own technology and operational capability, including remotecontrolled mechanical demining systems such as the GCS-200, alongside sensor and dronebased assessment tools. These assets allowed contaminated ground to be processed efficiently while reducing risk to operators.

From clearance to handover

Once clearance activities were completed and the site verified as safe, it was formally handed over to the City of Bucha in midMay. The cleared land can now be used for construction, allowing work on the medical facility to proceed for the benefit of the local population.

The Bucha project was carried out as a pro bono contribution, with GCS donating its time, expertise and resources to support early recovery efforts and demonstrate practical commitment to Ukraine's reconstruction.

Safe ground as the basis for recovery

Projects such as this underline the role of explosivehazard mitigation in enabling rebuilding, not as a parallel activity but as a prerequisite for progress. Without clearance, infrastructure projects cannot begin, investment cannot be realised and communities cannot regain a sense of safety.

By combining local deminers, international operational experience and mechanical clearance technology, GCS supports the creation of safe environments in which civilians can rebuild their lives and essential services can be restored.