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South Sudan: Water Crisis Leaves Thousands Thirsty
18 Apr
Summary
- Thousands queue from 3 AM for water in Chemedi, South Sudan.
- Lack of infrastructure hinders water access despite river proximity.
- Health and education services are severely impacted by shortages.
In Chemedi Payam, Upper Nile State, South Sudan, a dire water crisis is affecting approximately 58,000 residents, predominantly Sudanese refugees and returnees. Many wake at 3:00 AM to queue for water, highlighting the severity of the scarcity. The problem stems not from a lack of water sources but from insufficient infrastructure for extraction, treatment, and distribution.
Limited functioning boreholes and storage capacity mean residents rely on aid-delivered water trucking, which is increasingly threatened by funding shortfalls. This lack of reliable water access critically undermines health services, particularly for malnourished children and pregnant women, and has led to schools shortening their hours or parents withdrawing children.
The influx of people fleeing violence in Sudan has exacerbated the strain on existing water systems. Aid agencies are attempting to supply water from Renk, 80 kilometers away, but this is unsustainable given current financial constraints. Local officials and aid workers are urgently appealing for increased support to address the escalating water needs.
