Implementing flood mitigation measures in South Sudan’s Rubkona County

Rubkona - Located in South Sudan’s Unity State, grapples with devastating impacts of seasonal floods which has disrupted livelihoods, uprooted families from their homes, exacerbating humanitarian crises in a region already burdened by conflict and lack of development. Recognizing the urgent need for effective flood management intervention, the second phase of the Enhancing Community Resilience and Local Governance Project (ECRP II) has initiated measures to mitigate these impacts and strengthen local governance.

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.  

As the country is at the blink of experiencing another round of flooding, these following measures are proposed to help mitigate the expected floods.

• Rehabilitation/Construction of dikes Rubkona and Panhiany Payams: Although Rubkona County comprises eight (8) Payams, IOM’s involvement is focused on the two areas most heavily affected by flooding: Rubkona and Panhiany Payams. Both Payams are protected by dikes constructed during previous floods (2022) and are in dilapidated conditions and need of urgent rehabilitation in many locations in both Payams.
• Improvement of drainage systems: ECRP II will invest in the rehabilitation of local drainage infrastructure to allow rainwater to flow away from local populations and institutions
• Reclamation of land and road rehabilitation: The project will rehabilitate the Makuach/Pakur road, improving access to Pakur and facilitating easier travel to Tong and Ding areas saving time and cost, enhancing travel safety, and living conditions of the people. This may also provide a vital avenue of travel during the flooding season.
• Capacity building for local communities and authorities:  The project has organized training sessions and workshops for local authorities, disaster response teams, and community members. These sessions cover flood preparedness, response planning, and sustainable practices to minimize flood impacts.
• Strengthening local governance through improved planning and coordination: ECRP II will support local governance structures to improve planning and coordination in flood response efforts.

“IOM was our most reliable partner during the 2020 floods. They prevented flooding, saved lives, and rescued Rubkona. I am confident that IOM will implement the proposed things we discussed here, and that I and my community of Rubkona Payam will be saved from the approaching flood” said the Head Chief, Rubkona Payam during a consultation meeting held with community representatives to find alternative ways of protecting the communities from flooding.

The efforts of ECRP II in Rubkona County represent a significant step forward in managing flood risks and enhancing community resilience. By focusing on both physical infrastructure and community capacity, ECRP II is helping to build a more resilient Rubkona County. Continued support and adaptation of these measures will be crucial in sustaining progress and addressing the ongoing challenges of flood management in South Sudan, and further investments in flood mitigation will be provided by IOM and ECRP around South Sudan to protect communities.