Kherson residents complain about the lack of shelters and the consequences of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant explosion

Kherson residents complain most about difficulties with employment, access to healthcare and unfair distribution of humanitarian aid. The citizens are also concerned about the lack of shelters, the effects of flooding and the inaction of the authorities.

This is evidenced by the results of an online survey conducted among respondents by the Kherson Community Foundation "Zakhyst".

Kherson residents face numerous challenges, including not only daily shelling. According to the results of the survey, the most painful problem was difficulties with employment - 52% of respondents mentioned it.

Other pressing issues include a large number of stray animals - 37%, difficulties in obtaining medical care - 35%, and unfair distribution of humanitarian aid - 34%.

Screenshot: Kherson Community Foundation "Zakhyst"

Shelters and bomb shelters, or rather, their lack or poor quality, also cause concern among the citizens. This issue was mentioned by 32% of the survey participants. 28% of respondents each mentioned constant power outages and the consequences of flooding the city after the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant explosion.

In addition, according to the survey, Kherson residents complain about interruptions in water supply (13%), gas supply (8%), irregular garbage collection (7%), poor street cleaning (5%), long curfews (5%) and the lack of cable internet (5%).

In their open-ended responses, citizens also mentioned such problems as the threat of enemy FPV drones, mined areas, corruption and inaction of local authorities, crime, drug addiction, difficulties with children's education, and difficulties with renting housing. Despite the war and constant shelling, people want to solve basic social issues that affect their quality of life on a daily basis.

The majority of Kherson residents also believe that the territory on the site of the Kakhovka reservoir should be used for good. Some residents are in favor of building modern hydraulic structures, while others are in favor of creating a nature reserve. Nevertheless, 25% of the townspeople are still concerned about the situation that arose after the dam was blown up. The ideas of creating a nature park or reserve (53%) and developing infrastructure for water intake and irrigation (61%) are the most supported. At the same time, most respondents complain about the lack of proper communication from the authorities.

Анна Бальчінос