In Cherkasy region, a contract was signed for the reconstruction of the Palansky Lyceum worth UAH 182.44 million. In the project's budget, which is financed with the participation of the European Investment Bank, journalists found prices for certain building materials that significantly exceed market offers. They estimated the potential overpricing for only part of the positions at almost UAH 3 million.

This was reported on October 26 by the publication "Nashi Groshi" based on an analysis of the procurement in the Prozorro system.

The Construction Department of the Cherkasy Regional State Administration signed a contract on October 16 with the consortium "Regional Construction Initiatives". The contractor received the order without competition, as no one else submitted proposals for the open tender.

On which materials did journalists find possible overpayments

The journalists recorded the largest difference between estimated and market prices for rebar, building materials, and ventilation equipment.

In particular, rebar with a diameter of 16 mm was estimated in the budget at UAH 64,184 per ton, while one commercial offer was UAH 49,520. Non-plasticized polyvinyl acetate dispersion was budgeted at UAH 360 per kilogram, while offers were around UAH 175-209.

An even larger difference was found in the prices for ventilation ducts. Their estimated cost is UAH 3,520 per square meter, while in other procurements of educational institutions in Cherkasy region, similar materials were ordered for about UAH 1,200-2,000.

Also, fire detectors and sand were priced higher than the market offers found by journalists.

According to "Nashi Groshi" calculations, the total possible overpricing for the seven checked positions is about UAH 2.84 million. This is a preliminary journalistic assessment, not a loss amount established by controlling authorities.

Separate questions arose regarding the procurement of equipment for classrooms. The total cost of such sets exceeds UAH 14.6 million, but their composition is not described in enough detail for a full price comparison.

Reconstruction financed with participation of the European Investment Bank

The Palansky Lyceum in Uman district was damaged on the first day of the full-scale Russian invasion - February 24, 2022.

The reconstruction includes restoration of the building, utility networks, roof, heating and ventilation systems. It is also planned to arrange a shelter, a gym, and classrooms.

The project is being implemented with funding from the European Investment Bank and local budget funds. In 2026, the bank is to finance works for UAH 5.63 million, and in 2027 - for UAH 100.83 million. Value-added tax is covered from the local budget.

According to journalists, 189 students study at the lyceum. Thus, the amount of the new reconstruction contract corresponds to approximately UAH 965 thousand per student. At the same time, the project includes not only repair of classrooms but also restoration of infrastructure and construction of a shelter.

Completion of reconstruction under the new contract is planned by the end of 2027.

Previous contractor did not finish work

Reconstruction of the lyceum has been ongoing since 2023, but previously set deadlines were repeatedly postponed.

Initially, reconstruction was carried out by the company "Klasyka Komfortu", with which a contract for UAH 139.66 million was signed in November 2023. Subsequently, the client ordered additional work, but the project could not be completed.

As Suspilne Cherkasy reported, in May 2026, the leadership of the regional construction department explained the termination of the previous contract by non-compliance with work deadlines.

Due to unfinished reconstruction, children were forced to study in other premises, including the building of the local starosta administration. Part of the classes were conducted remotely.

The terms of the new contract provide for the possibility of the client checking the cost of materials and adjusting prices if obvious overpricing is detected. Whether the department will use this mechanism after the publication of the journalistic analysis is currently unknown.

Based on materials: "Nashi Groshi", state procurement data, Suspilne Cherkasy