UNICEF helps to restore clean water supplies in Kherson
UNICEF is supporting the repair of water supply networks in Kherson, helping over 60,000 residents to regain access to clean water
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As 10-year-old Nastya and eight-year-old Yehor top up their pet hamsters' water supply, they recall how they lived without this precious resource for almost a month.
"We carried water from the river or wells. We had to walk far to collect water.”
The longest time the siblings were left without water was 26 days. During October and November, there was no water. The drilling wells where we usually collected water weren't working.
"Many people think that our water is from the Dnipro River. But residents of Kherson are the only ones who have about 140 drilling wells that use pumps to lift water from a depth of 100 to 120 meters. The pumps need power to operate, so when there was no power, there was no water.”
With funding from USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is supporting the repair of the Kherson water utility. Once it is completed, more than 60,000 residents will have uninterrupted access to clean water.
"When we came back to the city on 12 November, there was no electricity. We started everything from scratch. Thanks to the support we received, generators allow us to fill up our water trucks and deliver it to hospitals. We set up mobile water distribution points.”
Today, the water utility in Kherson employs 530 people. Before the war, it employed 920 residents and provided water to around 300,000 people.
UNICEF continues to provide emergency water supplies, such as the distribution of bottled water and delivery of drinking water, as well ensuring the repair and restoration of water supply and sewerage networks. Drinking water points have also been established in temporary accommodation centers, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and shelters.
Since the start of the full-scale hostilities in 2022, UNICEF has been able to provide access to safe water to 4,649,974 people across Ukraine, including nearly one million children. Support activities have included the provision of generators and mobile boilers for winter heating, water treatment chemicals and the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure. In addition, 1,559,304 people have received water, sanitation and hygiene supplies.
