Mission Report, Ukraine, March 2017

The armed conflict that began in April 2014 continues to affect the population in eastern Ukraine. It has caused mass displacement, both within the country and across borders and continues to affect most of the population particularly those living on both sides of the contact line, subject to continuous ceasefire violations and a volatile security environment. An estimated 3.8 million people in Eastern Ukraine are in need of humanitarian assistance, with most of them, 2.9 million living in the non-government controlled areas (NGCA). Additionally, the government has registered approximately 1.7 million people as internally displaced people (IDPs); of these 800,000 to 1 million reside more permanently in the government controlled areas (GCA).

The conflict activity has significantly increased late January 2017 across eastern Ukraine, generating additional civilian casualties and humanitarian needs in several locations. Damage to houses and vital infrastructure, including electricity, water, as well as, schools and health facilities, has also been widespread. Of particular concerns, are the significant damages to key water supply and wastewater infrastructure, as the main water supply lines cross and run along the contact line, which in February alone, where over 880,000 people in the conflict-affected area of eastern Ukraine experienced water shortages for at least 24 hours. In addition, many more experienced water cuts for several hours. It is estimated, at present, that some 2.9 million people are currently, at risk of water shortages, as disruptions continue and hamper the ability of technical teams to conduct the repairs required due to the continuous insecurity. Repeated damages in Avdiivka and at Donetsk Filter Station (DFS) set off a domino effect of water, electricity and subsequent heating cuts, with service provision to more than 345,000 people in both GCA and NGCA, amidst freezing temperatures. In addition, to damage resulting from the conflict that impacts the functionality of water systems, several systemic factors, exacerbated by the conflict, affect critical operation and maintenance (O & M), along with repairs. It is estimated that the water supply company, Voda Donbassa, which serves populations on both sides of the contact line, lacks the financial sustainability and material inputs required to continue operations. This includes poor cost recovery mechanisms that is unable to achieve a viable and sustainable financial model; inability to repay debts incurred between the GCA and NGCA; constant threats by the electrical company, DTEK Donestskoblenergo (DTEK), to cut off power to an aging system that is inefficient and requires a high level of power supply to support water production and wastewater treatment; and lack of access to markets, reducing supplies of essential equipment and materials necessary to ensure adequate water and wastewater treatment and water quality monitoring.

In 2017, ECHO aims to continue to support integrated interventions targeting urgent and life-saving humanitarian needs among the most affected and vulnerable populations for protection, health, basic needs, shelter, food assistance and psycho-social support. Additionally, there is an increased focus on contingency planning and preparedness for immediate, emergency response, to ensure a rapid reaction to new potential displacements in 2017. As a result, the main objective of the mission was to provide an introductory overview of WASH and Shelter funded actions to date, and as part of the joint mission with the GTC Protection Expert, review the Protection, WASH and Shelter stragegy and operational framework for HIP 2017 funded actions.  This included a detailed briefing with the ECHO country team, highlighting updates of the humanitarian context and specifics on Protection, WASH and Shelter interventions in country to date.

ECHO (2016), Humanitarian Implementation Plan (HIP), Ukraine Crisis

OCHA, Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), November 2016

Since the beginning of the year, OHCHR verified 111 civilian casualties, including 20 deaths and 91 injuries, with most casualties caused by

shelling from artillery, tanks and MLRS

Which also effects heating systems throughout the region

4.5 million residents in Donetska and Luhanska oblasts are at risk, with 4.1 million currently affected: of those, 3.7 million people will need assistance in 2017,including around 200,000 displaced people

OCHA, Humanitarian Bulletin Ukraine, January - February 2017 (issued on 28^th February 2017)

In Donetska Oblast, the utility operates infrastructure worth 1.9 billion UAH, approximately, 73 million USD with an annual O & M and

repair investment cost of only 40 million UAH, approximately 1.5 million USD

Particularly, in Luhanska Oblast, where the supply company has been split due to the conflict

OCHA, Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO), November 2016