First war refugees from Ukraine in Konz

The first Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Konz. So far, 22 people (as of March 7, 3 p.m.) have contacted the municipal administration, which then advises, mediates and registers.

The official registration office for refugees from the Ukraine who need accommodation is the reception facility (Afa) in Trier (Dasbachstrasse 19), but nobody is turned away in Konz either. "We want to help quickly and unbureaucratically and look at what we can do in each individual case," says the first councilor of the Konz municipality, Guido Wacht.

The EU countries have agreed on a uniform approach to the current situation. Therefore, anyone who lives with acquaintances or friends is asked to at least register with the Citizens’ Registration Office. This is the only way the authorities can know how many people have actually arrived and get a correct picture of the situation.

In the meantime, the phones in the social affairs department of the Konz municipal administration have not been ringing. “So far, private individuals have offered us apartments and even houses in which more than 130 refugees from Ukraine can be accommodated. We experience an overwhelming willingness to help,” says Hermann Feilen from the department. "For organizational reasons, if you want to make an apartment available, it is best not to contact us by phone, but by email to ukrainehilfe@konz.de - stating contact details as well as the location, size and equipment of the apartment. We'll call you back as soon as possible," he explains. The apartments are then reported to the district responsible for coordination in the region.

"Of course, as a municipal administration, we also have accommodation for war refugees ourselves - both in the city of Konz, as well as in Obermennig and Kommlingen," says First Deputy Guido Wacht. "However, since we expect greater demand, we are currently trying to be able to provide more apartments."

In addition, the municipal administration is looking for other people who can translate if it should be necessary. “We have employees who can mediate in case of language barriers and we already have contacts with Ukrainians who live here with us and can help. But since we don't know how many refugees will come to us, we'll be grateful if more volunteer translators get in touch."

The number of Ukrainians fleeing the war in their homeland is increasing every day. Most recently, more than 1.7 million people were spoken to. Many are currently still in the countries directly neighboring Ukraine – for example in Poland. "That's why we wrote to our sister city Puck in Poland and offered the administration there help if it was needed."

In addition, the administration is in intensive contact with the local and regional aid organizations, which are also important players through their networks.

Guido Wacht emphasizes: "We are doing our utmost on all sides to provide support in this emergency situation. Of course, we will not forget those in need of help from other countries and will continue to look after them.”