State Audit Launches Probe into Kyiv's Road Agency Over Soaring Repair Costs

Audit of Kyivavtodor Underway

According to Главком: The State Audit Service of Ukraine (DASU) has initiated an audit of the municipal corporation 'Kyivavtodor'. This investigation was announced by DASU Head Alla Basalayeva during her public annual report. The audit has already found that capital repair costs for municipal roads have surged dramatically, a trend that intensified following the onset of the full-scale invasion. Notably, the road fund received virtually no financing for the 2024-2025 period. This scrutiny comes at a critical time as Ukraine balances wartime infrastructure needs with fiscal responsibility.

Of particular concern is the critical state of the overpass near the Nyvky metro station. This structure underwent a major reconstruction less than a decade ago, in 2017, at a cost of 200 million UAH-equivalent to roughly 400 million UAH at today's exchange rates and prices. However, the overpass began to deteriorate almost immediately after the repairs were completed and is now being supported by new capital pillars.

Planned Audit of Ukrzaliznytsia

DASU specialists are also planning an audit of 'Ukrzaliznytsia', the state railway company, scheduled to run from March 23 to July 1, 2026. This audit will examine the company's financial calculations. It is known that Ukrzaliznytsia has appealed to the Cabinet of Ministers for a 16 billion UAH subsidy to support passenger transportation.

According to Roman Bokhin, the sharp increase in capital repair spending for municipal roads is unusual for Ukraine, as it is primarily seen in capable territorial communities and 'Kyivavtodor'. He noted that

“it is too early to discuss the audit results, but there are already many questions regarding the quality of road repairs in the capital. A glaring example is the overpass at Nyvky... An exceptionally large volume of funding is, in our opinion, being used partly inefficiently and, in some instances, unlawfully for road repairs”

- Roman Bokhin.

Alla Basalayeva also pointed out that 'Kyivavtodor' engages in non-typical activities beyond road repair, such as planting trees. Furthermore, DASU has completed a major audit of the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, which has received recommendations from auditors to change its approaches, particularly in planning routine repairs and road maintenance expenses.

The audit of 'Kyivavtodor' is part of a broader effort to control budget spending in Ukraine, especially under the strain of increased infrastructure costs due to the war. The condition of the Nyvky overpass highlights systemic issues with work quality and resource management that could have serious consequences for public safety. Audits of other state entities like 'Ukrzaliznytsia' indicate a wider trend toward tightening oversight of public expenditure and its effectiveness.