The Russian-occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine are facing a growing humanitarian catastrophe, with some towns not having received any water for four months. The drastic water shortages are being blamed on endemic corruption and systemic mismanagement by Kremlin-installed authorities.
The cities of Donetsk and Makiivka have been some of the worst affected, with angry residents fearing outbreaks of disease. Officials have introduced emergency rationing in both cities, which have a combined population of around 1.3 million people. Andrey Chertkov – the acting chairman of the Government of the so-called DPR – warned people they would only get access to water once every three days.
In a public statement, he said: “The volumes [of water] that we have are not enough for manufacturing, agriculture, but first of all not enough to supply water to the residents of the republic.”
“In the coming days, Donetsk and Makiivka will switch to supplying water once every three days. Khartsyzk, Ilovaisk, Zuhres – once every two days,” he added. “We understand that this will create additional difficulties, but now we have no other way out.”
Residents have taken to social media to vent their anger at the Russian-installed officials and describe the ordeal they are facing. Pro-Russian collaborator Oleg Tsaryov said Donetsk was literally filling up with plastic bags of human waste.
“You can’t flush the toilet. It’s a common thing: people in Donetsk put a small bag in the toilet. And then those bags, the normal people throw them in the trash. Those who don’t, throw them under windows. Neighbours fight against this.”
Others have expressed fears about the sanitary situation in the city and the possibility of an outbreak of disease.
“The next stage is an outbreak of epidemics of intestinal infections,” one concerned citizen wrote.
“The leadership of the republic reports ‘upwards’ how wonderful it is ‘we build Donbas together’, ambitious projects of ‘New Vasyuki… an airport, business-class residential complexes, industry, etc. But there is no water!!!! How are they going to build housing if it cannot be supplied with water?”