Distinguished colleagues, fellow Ukrainians.
Today we are holding an offsite Government meeting in the Kherson region. This month is the fourth meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers in the frontline regions.
It is an important practice to see what problems and challenges people and local authorities are facing.
Since the start of the year, the Government has allocated UAH 2.8 billion for the Kherson region. In particular:
We will continue to support and help the region.
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The first issue we raise in all frontline regions is the issue of fortifications.
At the request of the Armed Forces Command, we are constantly building and improving fortifications. The state of construction work in Kherson region was currently 97% complete.
The second issue in focus is the heating season and the situation in the energy sector.
As we promised, the overall picture in the energy system has now improved.
Repairs are ongoing. Recovery is in progress. Support programmes for the installation of additional small capacity generation facilities are in place. The results are visible.
Active preparations are also underway in the Kherson region. Khersonteploenergo already has 7 cogeneration units received as part of our cooperation with USAID.
We also ensure the autonomy of medical institutions. Out of 9 hospitals in Kherson region, 8 have backup heat supply, 5 have backup wells, and all 9 have backup power supply.
We continue to prepare for winter and increase the autonomy of critical infrastructure facilities.
The third issue is the local economy.
The agricultural sector is the main economic driver for the Kherson region. Therefore, rapid humanitarian demining is one of the elements of supporting the economic activity of the region.
Now Kherson region is the first in the country in terms of the extent of demining. It employs the largest number of sappers - more than 800 people. The plan is to increase this figure to 1,500 in a year.
This month we have launched an opportunity for farmers to apply for compensation for demining. This is a market element that will allow us to demine Ukraine in years, not decades.
There are also special Government support programmes for farmers in Kherson region.
In particular, farmers who cultivate up to 120 hectares in the de-occupied territories can receive up to UAH 8,000 of non-refundable assistance per hectare. Also, farmers who raise livestock receive financial assistance.
The provision of medical and educational services remains a priority for the region.
Together we have managed to fully restore 31 medical facilities. Another 37 have been partially restored.
We are setting up modular outpatient clinics in some communities. Funds have been allocated to create safe conditions in hospitals and schools.
In total, 49 educational institutions were equipped with shelters in the region last year. This year, the construction of three new shelters and the repair of another one has begun with a Government subvention.
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In addition, we have important decisions on the agenda today that also relate to supporting our communities and regions.
Thus, the Government has allocated UAH 258 million for the further implementation of the water supply project in Mykolaiv and Kryvyi Rih.
The funds will be used for activities related to the supply of water through the Dnipro-Ingulets canal. Thanks to this project, both Mykolaiv and Kryvyi Rih will have water.
We have also earmarked UAH 286 million in additional subventions for the communities that have been most affected and negatively impacted by russian aggression.
We are talking about the distribution of UAH 5.6 million. This is a critical element of support for these communities. In particular, UAH 5.6 million will be allocated to the communities of the Kherson region.
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We are extremely grateful to our soldiers who are deterring the enemy here in Kherson region. To everyone who teaches, treats, works and rescues under these very tough and dangerous conditions.
Thank you for this and for your contribution to our future victory.
Glory to Ukraine!