The Ukrainian Red Cross, together with The Coca-Cola Foundation, helps to improve access to drinking water in the southern regions of Ukraine
The destruction of the Kakhovka HPP dam has created a catastrophic situation regarding fresh water in many regions of Ukraine. In particular, the local Verevchyna River in the Chornobaivka territorial community of the Kherson region, which was the main source of fresh water, has dried up. The remaining artesian wells are unable to supply residents with drinking water. Currently, the issue is being addressed by bringing in bottled water from Kherson and Mykolaiv. However, this temporary measure does not solve the problem globally. In addition, the road to Chornobaivka is dangerous due to the constant shelling of the village from the left bank of the Dnipro.
The Ukrainian Red Cross and The Coca-Cola Foundation are helping to resolve this humanitarian crisis by drilling a new artesian well in the village of Chornobaivka as part of a grant programme.
“Access to clean drinking water is vital for the health and well-being of the population. We support the efforts of the Ukrainian Red Cross to improve access to drinking water for affected communities experiencing water shortages. Ensuring sustainable access to drinking water remains a key focus of our work,” states Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation.
A range of other measures will also be implemented within the project framework to restore and improve water supply equipment for communities in other regions of Ukraine.
“Today, the Ukrainian Red Cross works in close coordination with the state sector, particularly with local authorities in the regions, so we know the needs in these regions. Moreover, we constantly respond to requests from local communities across the country. Since June last year, the problem of water shortages has been particularly acute in the regions that depended on the Kakhovka reservoir. Unfortunately, many communities in the Dnipro, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions still do not have enough water. It is important for us to support people and provide them with access to drinking water. That is why implementing this project is a priority in our activities,” says Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross.
The Coca-Cola Foundation allocated USD 300,000 to implement the programme. Since February 24, 2022, The Coca-Cola Company System and The Coca-Cola Foundation have committed over USD 35 million in charitable assistance to Ukrainians.
