Debt Collectors Hired by Mykolaivvodokanal to Recover 258 Million UAH from Residents

Tender for Engaging Collection Agencies

According to Главком: Mykolaivvodokanal, a municipal utility company, has launched a tender to hire collection agencies to recover unpaid debts from local residents. The expected cost of the procurement is set at 1.24 million UAH, while the projected amount to be collected is 6.2 million UAH. The tender was announced on June 22, with applications accepted until June 30.

Household Arrears

As of May-June 2026, total household debt to the company has surpassed 258 million UAH. Specifically, arrears for subscription fees exceed 42 million UAH. In a statement, Mykolaivvodokanal noted that 'over the past four years, nearly 47,000 subscribers have never paid their subscription fees, leading to the accumulation of significant debts.' As of January 1, 2026, total household debt stood at 235.4 million UAH, and by April 2026, it had risen slightly to 235.5 million UAH.

It is important to note that due to the ban on disconnecting water in residential buildings during martial law, some consumers continue to accumulate debts. The company's management emphasizes the need to address this issue. In May 2026, water utilities' debts for electricity exceeded 10 billion UAH, and the total debt of 31 water utilities reached 10.2 billion UAH by the end of 2025.

• Subscribers owe the most for water supply and wastewater services.
• Special attention is given to debts related to subscription fees.
• Funding for these services is covered by the water utility's budget.

The company will transfer the debtor registry to collectors in stages. A debt will be considered settled if the consumer makes payment during the contract period or within one month after its expiration.

This situation highlights the severe financial challenges faced by municipal utilities under martial law. The inability to disconnect water for non-payers complicates debt recovery, which in turn affects the water utility's financial stability. Engaging collection agencies may serve as one measure to address this issue, but it is crucial for consumers to recognize their obligations to pay for utility services.

The growing issue of unpaid household utility bills is not unique to Mykolaivvodokanal. Recent reports indicate that Ukrainian households now owe over 100 billion hryvnias in total utility debts. This alarming trend underscores the financial strain on municipal services and the urgent need for effective debt recovery measures across the country.