“Today it is very important to amalgamate hromadas not only quantitatively, but also on qualitative indicators. Although we are lagging behind the rest of Ukraine by the number of hromadas, we rank fourth in their quality. Own revenues increased by 2,5 times. I hope that next April we will hold elections in many hromadas, if we receive support from the deputies of the Verkhovna Rada.” This was stated by Pavlo Zhebrivskyi, head of the Donetsk Oblast State Administration during the forum “Decentralisation: the current state and prospects of development”, which is taking place in Kramatorsk today.

He stressed that the Donetsk Oblast is ready for decentralisation and requires this reform. According to Pavlo Zhebrivskyi, representatives of the authorities, businessmen, educators and activists are ready to join the changes in the oblast.

Serhiy Sharshov, director of the Department of Local Self-Government and Territorial Organisation of Power of MinRegion, noted that during the last reporting period, hromadas’ personal revenues increased by 150-170 percent.

“A significant increase in personal revenues has led to the fact that treasury balances have funds that are not spent. Hromadas are simply not ready for such revenues. Therefore, the Ministry is constantly conducting trainings of hromada representatives for efficient development of the territories,” said Serhiy Sharshov.