YALTA (Crimea, Russia), (Sputnik) — The problem with drinking water supplies in Crimea has not yet been solved, but it is no longer acute, more than 23 billion rubles ($366 million) have been allocated from the budget to address the issue, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
"Thanks God, Russia is rich in water resources. Here is the problem in Crimea, in the first stage, this issue was very serious, especially after [Crimea was] disconnected from the [water supply] channel by our neighbors. In general… the severity of the problem associated with drinking water has been removed," Putin said at the All-Russia People's Front event called "Forum of Action. Crimea."
He added that 23 billion rubles had been allocated to address the issue, and it was important that the money was spent "efficiently," and the desired result was reached.
Following the reunification, Ukraine completely stopped to supply Crimea with water, while Kiev was responsible for some 85 percent of the supplies. In part, the problem was eased after the transfer of water from Crimean River Buyuk Karasu into the North Crimean Canal, as well as the drilling of new water wells.
