The Government of Japan has handed over two specialized utility vehicles and 20 personal protective equipment sets to the Communal company Voda Donbasa through the joint project of UNOPS and UNICEF “Sustaining Water Supply in Donbas Area”.
The project aimed to contribute to the safe working conditions for Voda Donbasa personnel, who are responsible for maintaining water supply in Donbas region. Personal safety of the personnel of the Voda Donbasa company is essential to ensuring uninterruptable water supply to all local population, basic hygiene and sanitary conditions, and overall normalization of life in the region. As a result of the project, approximately 11,000 personnel, including emergency dispatch teams of Voda Donbassa will feel more protected while maintaining access to water for almost four million residents in region.
“Since the Revolution of Dignity and the armed conflict in the Donbas region took place in 2014, Japan has been steadily supporting Ukraine, having allocated approximately USD 1.87 billion. It includes USD 47 million for the projects implemented by the UN and other international organizations in the eastern regions of Ukraine for the IDPs and the people suffered by the conflict. The UNOPS/UNICEF project “Sustaining Water Supply in Donbas Area” is one of such projects. We do hope that the utility vehicles and personal protective equipment sets provided will be used in a most efficient way and contribute to the sustainable water supply to the local people and the normalization of life in the Donbas region, said Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine H.E. Mr.Takashi Kurai.
“In 2018 alone, water supply in eastern Ukraine was disrupted 89 times, affecting millions of civilians, with an additional 19 incidents reported in the first three months of 2019. Armed conflict also limits access to essential repair of water systems. Over 30 water workers have been killed or injured since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, of which 3 in the last 3 months” said UNICEF Representative in Ukraine Ms. Lotta Sylwander. “Together with partners, we have been able to address some of the most essential needs, contributing to the safety of the water workers, who keep water running for the millions. UNICEF is grateful to the people of Japan for the generous assistance.
“For UNOPS it’s a great honour to expand the success of the strategic partnership established with the Government of Japan aimed at supporting Ukraine’s efforts to ensure stability and quality of life for its citizens. On behalf of UNOPS I would like to reassure the Government of Japan and of Ukraine that UNOPS will remain the reliable and efficient partner on the way to building a better future for Ukraine and its people” said Mr. Andriy Buryakovskyy, UNOPS Ukraine Office Country Manager.
