UN calls on all parties to ensure access to safe water in Donetsk [EN/UK]

KYIV, 17 March 2016 - The United Nations is concerned about the continuing impact of the armed conflict in Donbas on civilians. Currently, availability of clean water for over 300,000 people living in the Donetsk area is at risk because staff of the Voda Donbassa water treatment plant were evacuated on 13 March due to increased insecurity in the area.

The plant normally provides half of the demand for treated water for Donetsk city and the surrounding area. At present, we know that at least 30,000 people living in Avdiivka are experiencing water shortages. Local authorities are providing water through trucks to schools and kindergartens but this is not a sustainable solution. Officials indicate the city has sufficient water reserves until this Thursday.

“Disruption of the water system is a serious problem. If the water station does not resume operations immediately, the consequences for innocent civilians are severe. I call on all parties to the conflict to respect civilian installations”, said Neal Walker, Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine. “Access to reliable and safe water supply is of particular importance for children and women. Disruption of basic services for undetermined periods of time severely impacts on the most vulnerable”, said Giovanna Barberis, UNICEF Representative in Ukraine.

For further information contact:

Ann-Dorit Boy, Public Information Officer, OCHA Ukraine, +380952847322, boya@un.org