16 September 2008, 12:01
Russian Ministry for Emergencies: 33,000 refugees return to South Ossetia
The Information Department of the Ministry for Emergencies of the Russian Federation has reported that almost 33,000 persons, who had left South Ossetia after Georgia's attack, have returned to their homeland. In total, according to the Federal Migratory Service, over 34,500 persons had left the Republic.
"As of today, 32,837 residents of South Ossetia have come back to their homes," the Ministry for Emergencies has reported.
According to the Ministry, now the Republic has practically all the conditions in place for normal residence. The main works on the water line are over, the centralized water supply of the city of Tskhinvali has been restored, the pressure testing of the mid-pressure gas main is over, the stop valves on gas supply lines to apartment houses are now checked; in total, 878 houses are ready for gas supply, and the readiness of the gas-distribution network of Tskhinvali makes 96 percent.
"The city has opened two centres, where residents can receive building materials to repair their houses and apartments; such materials have already been issued to 471 houses and 1340 apartments," the ITAR-TASS reports with reference to the Ministry for Emergencies.
Till the end of this year, the residents in South Ossetia will be exempted from communal payments, and they will be provided with free medical services, education and transport, the "Interfax" reports.
Tskhinvali is still operating two tent-based temporary accommodation camps for 630 persons and three stationary accommodation facilities for 370 persons. 167 victims, including 17 children, are still treated at medical institutions.
In total, 10,300 tons of humanitarian goods were brought to South Ossetia, including 659.9 tons from foreign countries and international organizations.
