The OSCE is addressing water problems in the areas affected by the August 2008 conflict in Georgia through a series of projects. One of these projects aims at restoring the capacity to regulate the level of water in the Zonkari reservoir. The infrastructure was under Georgian control until the August 2008 conflict. Since then, it has been operated from Tskhinvali.

Years of tension in the area have prevented essential maintenance. The mechanical parts of the dam do not work as they should, presenting a potential threat to those living downstream.