Silent killer in high-rise buildings: Popenko explained how fictitious utility services take lives.

Mandatory patronage in cleaning smoke ventilation ducts

In 2024, there were 266 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in high-rise buildings in Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of 60 people. The head of the Consumers' Union of Utility Services, Oleg Popenko, drew attention to these statistics, citing information from the Gas Distribution Network of 'Naftogaz of Ukraine'.

Fictitious acts instead of real work

'Cleaning service for smoke ventilation ducts is not provided at all. No one cares,' Popenko stated. He explained that the companies managing high-rise buildings receive money for cleaning smoke ventilation ducts from residents, but the service does not actually exist.

Popenko noted that even when residents pay for the cleaning service of chimneys, it is not actually carried out. He provided examples where companies receiving orders for cleaning simply sign off on acts without performing any real work.

Millions of blocked smoke ventilation ducts

One of the main problems is illegal apartment renovations, which lead to the blockage of smoke ventilation ducts. According to Popenko, there are millions of renovated apartments in Ukraine, and consequently millions of smoke ventilation ducts that do not function properly.

Problems in the regions

In Kryvyi Rih, at least four fatalities were recorded due to non-working smoke ventilation ducts in high-rise buildings. The State Energy Supervision confirmed the lack of cleaning services for these ducts, despite their payment by residents.

Accountability for reforms in utility services

Popenko emphasized that the increase in fatalities from carbon monoxide is associated with reforms in the housing and communal sector. He stresses the need for control over the provision of utility services and the absence of documentary confirmation of these services, which turns management companies into 'sellers of air'.

Conclusion: The head of the Consumers' Union of Utility Services in Ukraine noted the rise in carbon monoxide poisoning cases due to ineffective smoke ventilation ducts in high-rise buildings. He also highlighted the issue of fictitious accounting and the lack of cleaning of smoke ventilation ducts, which can lead to serious consequences for residents.