"We must implement things in Crimea which have worked in other countries over a long period of time. Oman began collecting freshwater a long time ago, and today faces no issues related to desalination. The country collects water that falls as rain over the mountains, and all of this has been worked out and developed to a high level," Aksyonov noted.
Aksyonov also cited the example of Israel, which has significantly less precipitation than Crimea. "Nevertheless, there are no problems with agriculture in Israel," the prime minister explained.
Aksyonov noted that ultimately, "everything has already been conceived of by others before us on this issue. All we have to do is copy that which has worked successfully for others." He explained that the local government has already begun the development of a program which will help Crimeans learn how to collect rainwater. "We are currently allowing all this water to seep into the sea. We have more than enough water, and can deal with the situation without any outside help," he emphasized.
Last month, the republic's reservoirs filled up to full capacity following heavy rainfall, which is expected to supply the region with sufficient supplies for the summer holiday season and well into the fall.