UNICEF: Improving water supplies along the contact line (Donetsk and Luhansk) Phase III

completed

Many internally displaced people from the conflict in eastern Ukraine have fled to the government-controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. The social infrastructure in both oblasts is strained and there is a risk of drinking water supplies failing. The infrastructure for water extraction, treatment and distribution is outdated and inefficient. A lot of water is lost in the distribution network due to leaks, some of which are serious. Maintenance is limited. According to an estimate from 2012 (last available figures), 38% of water networks need to be replaced. However, due to a lack of budget allocations, only 1.9% have actually been replaced since then. The condition of many water pipes, pumping stations and filter systems is dilapidated. The program is divided into the following areas of support: Support for the primary water supplier (i.e. Voda Donbassa) in providing clean drinking water through effective water treatment measures; Supporting secondary water suppliers (i.e. vodokanals) in the programme region (government-controlled areas in the north and south of Donetsk Oblast) by assisting in the operation of water treatment plants, providing equipment and materials to respond to damage caused by the conflict or poor maintenance; supporting village and town councils in the programme region (government-controlled areas in the north of Donetsk Oblast and in Luhansk) in the development, repair and rehabilitation of their decentralised water systems; providing the most affected population with essential hygiene items; supporting the Ministry of Education in the development of materials for hygiene promotion in educational, health and social institutions and developing and implementing a complementary media campaign on hygiene promotion; ensuring an emergency water supply in the event of a failure of the supply system. UNICEF will be involved in the implementation of the measures. A total funding amount of EUR 4.3 million will be made available.