OCHA Georgia: Firewood distribution to the vulnerable people in South Ossetia

Local authorities, ADRA and UN OCHA would like to express their concern and make an appeal to the international community about the need for firewood distribution to the most vulnerable segments of the population in South Ossetia. This is considered to be a current humanitarian priority. For several years already, the international community has been providing firewood for the most vulnerable people, but this year no donor has been found yet.
The insufficient and costly electricity supply in South Ossetia, compounded with harsh winter conditions and widespread poverty, has forced people in recent years to cut trees extensively in order to cater for the heating in winter months. This is a matter of concern in itself. But there are people who cannot use even this alternative. The most vulnerable people in this regard are single elderly without family support or pension from abroad, as well as most vulnerable families in collective centers. The situation for many of them may turn out to be critical, and some may actually freeze to death without external support.=A0

ADRA, which is the only international NGO with an operational office in South Ossetia, is ready to carry out targeting, distribution and monitoring of firewood distribution. This would be done in close collaboration with local authorities, who can supply vehicles for distribution and other assistance. The total budget required for assisting 250 most vulnerable families in South Ossetia with firewood for this winter and stoves for some families is estimated to be approximately US$ 15,000. ADRA would largely rely on available trained staff, and almost the entire budget should go for the purchase of firewood and stoves.=A0=A0

Possible donors who wish to consider this appeal should contact ADRA office in Tbilisi or Tskhinvali.=A0Tel. 22 78 79, 25 07 87 (Tbilisi).

OCHA will provide assistance as necessary.