Technology consultancy Isle has issued an update on water and sanitation workers directly affected by the war in Ukraine, and how Polish and Ukrainian water utilities are working together to help refugees fleeing the war-torn country.
The latest Water Action Platform webinar featured interviews with Klara Ramm, an expert working for the Polish Waterworks Chamber of Commerce (PWCC), and wastewater specialist Dr David Tyler at the European Banks for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD).
Poland borders Ukraine and is currently managing the influx of refugees from the ongoing crisis. The PWCC coordinates partnerships between Polish and Ukrainian water utilities.
“There are a lot of actions going directly to water utilities [in Ukraine] from Poland, for example providing equipment such as pumps, supporting recruitment – especially of Ukrainian women – and collecting donations. The financial support will be used for humanitarian and technical needs, including transport and much-needed water supplies,” said Ramm.
Examples of assistance that has been provided include the recruitment of Ukrainian refugees by Polish water utilities using a specialist website, and the coordination between 21 Polish water utilities to finance and transport 45,000 bottles of drinking water to eastern Ukraine.
The damage to infrastructure as a result of shelling and bombing and lack of electricity is severely impacting water and sewage services. To help tackle this, the Polish Waterworks Chamber of Commerce website also includes a list of equipment needed by water utilities in Ukraine to help repair the network, for example, water pumps, fuel, and power generators.
The full interview with Ramm is available to watch here, and live updates on the situation in Ukraine are available here.
The EBDR’s Dr Tyler discussed the impact on the countries neighbouring Ukraine, and how the influx of millions of refugees is impacting the provision of water and waste services. To help combat this, the EBRD has announced a €2bn recovery package to help impacted cities meet the increased demand.
The webinar, presented by Piers Clark, chairman at innovation and business consultancy Isle also included highlights from Isle’s recent CEO peer-to-peer sessions on carbon net-zero.
Water Star shines brightly
In addition, Paula Kehoe, director of water resources with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission was named a Water Action Platform Star for her work spearheading landmark legislation that allows for the collection, treatment and use of alternative water sources in buildings and districts within the Californian city.
The next Water Action Platform webinar takes place on Thursday 26 May 2022 at 7.30am and 4.30pm GMT. Click here to sign up to receive the invitation.
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