VIACHESLAV SHAPOVALOV: CONSTRUCTION OF A PLANT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF DRINKING WATER IN MARIUPOL IS PLANNED FOR THE NEXT YEAR

Deputy Minister for Reintegration of the Temporary Occupied Territories of Ukraine Viacheslav Shapovalov chaired a meeting with the representatives of the Embassy of France in Ukraine and the representatives of BETEN INGENIERIE, which implements the project of construction of the drinking water plant in Mariupol.
Viacheslav Shapovalov noted the importance of this project.
«The issue of drinking water supply is acute for the whole Donetsk oblast, taking into account outdated water supply system and a number of environmental problems in the region, which certainly affects water quality. We must make every effort to improve the quality of life of our citizens. Currently this is a common strategic goal of the Government of Ukraine, our partners and friends - the Government of France and, of course, the local authorities», noted the Deputy Minister.
Shapovalov reported that the construction work is scheduled in 2022, and as of today several options for location site are being considered.
The issues of modernization and technical re-equipment of existing pumping stations and engineering networks within Mariupol city were also discussed at the meeting within the framework of project realization, which will allow to limit water losses and reduce energy costs.
In addition, further steps of the project realization with the support of the Government of France which envisages a comprehensivemodernization of utilities of the CE Popasna District Water Service Company inLuhansk oblast were discussed within the framework of the meeting.
In particular, in 2021 the Ministry for Reintegration of TOT aims to draft and consolidate with our colleagues from the Government of France the Framework Agreement between the Governments on official support of the project, and then submit it for approval to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for ratification.
Upon ratification of the agreement, the Ministry for Reintegration of TOT will ensure development of other regulatory documents, including the procedure for the use of funds. The implementation of the project in Luhansk oblast is also planned in 2022.
Let us recall that in February, the Governments of Ukraine and France signed an agreement under which the French side allocateda loan worth EUR 64 million to provide Mariupol residents with high-quality drinking water by construction of new facilities for purification of drinking water and reducing its losses in water supply networks.