MINSK, 21 June (BelTA) – The contact group on Ukraine will prepare measures to ensure the uninterrupted operation of water infrastructure, BelTA learned from the OSCE's special representative in the trilateral contact group on Ukraine in Minsk Martin Sajdik on 21 June.
Martin Sajdik said: “The trilateral contact group has unanimously backed the proposal by Ertugrul Apakan, head of the OSCE's special monitoring mission to Ukraine, in favor of preparing measures by the next meeting to ensure the uninterrupted operation of water infrastructure.” In particular, the measures will apply to water pipelines and pump stations in the area of Vasilyevka, Petrovskoye, and Krasny Liman.
Water supply and payments for the service were also discussed by the subgroup on economic affairs. It is worth noting that the second payment for water supply in several areas of Lugansk Oblast has already been made since the end of May. It has allowed providing water to people in those areas. Participants of the working group have yet to work out a stable mechanism for paying for water supply.
According to Martin Sajdik, water supply is closely related to ceasefire, the withdrawal of forces and assets, and mine clearance. Over 2 million people on both sides of the contact line in the Donbass area depend on the common water supply system, which operation is sometimes interrupted by gunfire among other things.
