Enhancing Access to Safe Drinking Water in Wau County

Wau, South Sudan - Access to safe and clean drinking water is a fundamental human right and a critical component of public health. In Wau County, located in the Western Bahr el Ghazal region of South Sudan, where water scarcity and sanitation issues have long posed significant challenges including spreading of diseases caused by drinking contaminated water. The second phase of the Enhancing Community Resilience and Local Governance Project (ECRP II) strives towards transformative impact, through the construction of boreholes and the establishment of a water ward in communities.

Building on the achievements of the proceeding and completed Local Governance and Service Delivery Project (LGSDP) and the Enhancing Community Resilience and Local Governance Project (ECRP I), the project seeks to improve access to services, strengthen flood resilience, and enhance institutional capacity for local service delivery and integrated disaster risk management at the national and local levels. It also includes an Operation & Maintenance (O&M) component intended to maximize the impact and sustainability of the infrastructure built under the project.

The project is funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Government of South Sudan in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) from January 2023 to March 2027.

The installation of six boreholes in Bagari Payam has contributed to the increased availability of clean water, reducing the reliance on contaminated surface water sources for approximately 300 people per borehole. Each borehole is equipped with a hand pump, ensuring that water is accessible even in remote areas.

“We came here two years ago, and we were struggling to get water, there was a Haffir [method of traditional water storage] here, and we used to share the water with animals but now we have access to clean drinking water” said a community member in Besselia Payam where IOM has constructed water distribution centers including boreholes and a water yard under the ECRP II project.

The water yard facility serves as a central point for water distribution, ensuring that clean water is readily available for an estimated 2500 people.

“Access to clean water from boreholes means that community members no longer need to travel long distances in unsafe conditions or spend several hours each day just to collect water. This time can now be redirected towards productive activities, such as education and economic productivity, thus fostering community development” said Alexander Bartoloni, ECRP II Project Manager.

Traditionally, women and girls bear the brunt of water collection duties. With the construction of boreholes and a central water yard, their burden has been alleviated, allowing them more opportunities for education and involvement in economic activities. 

As project implementation continues to progress, its lessons and successes will inform future and ongoing efforts to tackle water scarcity and improve living conditions in South Sudan. This initiative not only promises immediate relief but also contributes to the broader goals of sustainable development, aligning closely with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).