Volodymyr Groysman: Local authorities must take the lead in forming programs to address pressing regional issues

Local authorities, using the tools of financial decentralization, the State Regional Development Fund and subventions for socio-economic development, can independently set priorities in solving urgent regional problems and build local programs. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman during a meeting with regional media on Monday.

"At the local level, based on these or those priorities that exist you must form local programs. In fact, there is necessary funding", said Volodymyr Groysman, answering a question about the planned by the government measures to tackle the problem of providing the population with potable water in some regions of the country.

The Prime Minister stressed that in the framework of financial decentralization significant financial resource had been transferred. In addition, the draft Budget for 2017 contains the sum worth UAH 9 billion as expenditures of the State Regional Development Fund and subventions for socio-economic development.

Part of these funds can be transferred by local authorities through the State Regional Development Fund, for example in case of problems with water - to the construction of new wells, water supply pipes and water purification plants, explained the Prime Minister.

"Here is a task for the local authorities. They should determine a priority - what they think is best to do”, said Volodymyr Groysman. “It is important to ensure such leadership locally."

In turn, the Government will determine the essential directions for regional development. Thus, out of the planned UAH 9 billion in the State Regional Development Fund, the following year it is planned to provide financial resource to launch restoring of sports infrastructure: stadiums, sports fields, said the Prime Minister. "We will encourage and support it. But it is very important to hear initiative from the local government", said the Head of Government.