IsraAID Provides Safe Drinking Water in Mykolaiv for One Year
IsraAID, Israel’s leading humanitarian aid organization, is marking one year of providing safe drinking water in the Ukrainian port city of Mykolaiv. After a Russian attack severed the city’s water supply, IsraAID installed four water filtration systems across the city, restoring residents’ access to safe drinking water. Today, the organization operates 12 water distribution points in Mykolaiv and has provided four million liters of safe drinking water as part of its ongoing response to the war in Ukraine and its commitment to supporting vulnerable and displaced Ukrainian communities.
Background
In April of 2022, the water supply to Mykolaiv was completely severed after a Russian attack on the Kherson region destroyed the pipes that draw water from the nearby reservoir. The port city, located about 50 km east of Odesa, had no access to water for months. The municipality began pumping in “technical water” from a nearby estuary, however, the partially salty water was unfit for drinking and other household uses. In August of that year, in partnership with MASHAV, IsraAID delivered four reverse osmosis water filtration systems to the city and installed them in district administration centers throughout the city.
Expansion of Water Program
Over the course of the last year, IsraAID has expanded its water program in the city. Today, the organization’s 12 water distribution points are located in district administration centers, schools, and kindergartens. IsraAID has trained municipal workers on the care and maintenance of the systems, ensuring that they continue to run smoothly. To date, IsraAID has provided over 4 million liters of drinking water.
Adapting to Ongoing Hostilities
As hostilities continue across Ukraine, IsraAID continues to adapt. Last month, Russian rocket attacks injured at least 18 people and damaged large swaths of Mykolaiv, including a building that houses one of IsraAID’s water distribution points. The system was partially damaged, and IsraAID worked with the municipality to repair the system and continue providing water.
Impact on Residents
The distribution points are accessible for free to all the city’s residents. Maria*, an elderly woman who visits one of IsraAID’s distribution points every day to fill up her water jug said, “I live alone since my grandson was taken hostage in Mariupol. I can only carry one six-liter bottle, so I come to fill it every day. I use this water to drink, cook, and bathe. I’m grateful that this water point opened up in the building next to mine, I used to have to travel much further to get water.” Anna* and Ivan*, a young couple, visit the distribution point daily with dozens of bottles. They then distribute water to friends and family who have limited mobility or cannot get water themselves. “Our friend broke her leg recently,” Anna says, “so we started bringing her water too.”
Statement from IsraAID’s Head of Mission in Ukraine
“We are proud to mark this milestone of one year of access to safe water in Mykolaiv. It is part of our commitment to Ukrainian communities in the long term, and we will continue this effort for as long as we are needed. Water is such an essential need, and having access to safe, free drinking water makes a huge impact on communities that are already coping with so many challenges. It’s important to remember that every one of the millions of liters of water that we have provided supports the daily lives of real people enduring unimaginable challenges. Throughout all our programs – from mental health support to medical support and distributing essential aid items – we will continue to support the resilience of the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes.”
* Names have been changed for the safety and privacy of the residents.
Contact Information
Further information is available on request, including interviews with IsraAID Ukraine’s Head of Mission Alena Druzhynina, CEO Yotam Polizer, and other individuals involved in this operation.
Photos
A folder of photos showing IsraAID’s work in Mykolaiv can be found here. All photos should be credited to IsraAID/Oleg Samoilenko
Contact
Shachar May
Email: [email protected]
Phone/Whatsapp: +972586664969
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
- Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing.
Analysis
The article highlights IsraAID’s efforts to provide safe drinking water in the Ukrainian port city of Mykolaiv after a Russian attack severed the city’s water supply. Based on the content of the article, the following analysis can be made:
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
- Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
- Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing.
These indicators can be used to measure the proportion of the population in Mykolaiv who have access to safe drinking water and the proportion of the urban population living in inadequate housing.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. | Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing. |
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Source: israaid.org
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