South Sudan, the world’s youngest country marred by years of conflict and underdevelopment, is facing a severe water crisis that has hindered its development and caused widespread health and sanitation problems. The lack of access to clean, safe drinking water has become a ticking time bomb, threatening the well-being of the population and the stability of the nation.
According to the Water Resources Profile Series research by USAID and the Sustainable Water Partnership, South Sudan has an abundance of water resources with relatively low risks of over-abstraction and poor water quality.
Every individual in the country has access to approximately 3,936 m3 of the total annual renewable water resources which is above the water stress threshold established by the Falkenmark Index. Significantly below the criteria of 25% water stress, freshwater extraction accounts for only 4.23% of South Sudan’s total resource endowment or less than 5.7% on average across sub-Saharan Africa.
Against the backdrop of this discrepancy, the water crisis has persisted and is having a particularly severe impact on women and children who often have to walk long distances to fetch water, risking their safety and health.
Staggering statistics
Approximately 59% of South Sudan’s population, or about 6.3 million people, lack access to safe drinking water. This dire shortage means that families are often forced to drink contaminated water which leads to outbreaks of deadly diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and malaria, according to The Borgen Project.
Moreover, access to sanitation and hygiene facilities is critically low with just roughly 10% of the population having access to improved sanitation facilities. According to a report by Oxfam, more than 300 people share a single water tap at some migrant transit centers.
The critical need for immediate and long-term solutions to ensure that every citizen has access to clean and safe water cannot be overstated, according to UNICEF’s WASH.
Causes of water crisis
South Sudan’s water crisis can be traced back to several historical events. First and foremost, the decades-long conflict, including the Second Sudanese Civil War, has left the nation with extensive damage to its infrastructure. The war not only disrupted water systems but also displaced millions, making access to clean water even more challenging according to a World Bank report.
The conflicts and poor governance have also significantly impacted South Sudan’s water infrastructure and resource management.
Water crisis and human rights
Given the ongoing turmoil in the country, women and girls in South Sudan face numerous risks as they trek long distances to fetch water. These threats range from physical violence and harassment to abduction. According to the International Organization for Migration, the fear of sexual and gender-based violence is high among women in South Sudan and the absence of safe routes to water sources exacerbates these fears.
With regard to the impact on education, UNICEF’s report on education and water collection states that fetching water is a time-consuming task that takes 4 to 8 hours a day. For many girls in South Sudan, this daily chore takes precedence over their education. Having to walk long distances to water sources means that school attendance becomes sporadic, and the prospect of uninterrupted learning fades. Regular absenteeism leads to gaps in learning, making it challenging for schoolgirls to keep up with their peers.
Education is the key to unlocking potential but for many girls, the daily trek for water will slam that door shut and they will miss out on valuable educational opportunities which stunts their intellectual growth and limits their future prospects.
The health effects of the water crisis are severe and widespread. Many South Sudanese have no choice but to drink contaminated water which leads to waterborne diseases. These diseases, like cholera and diarrhea, thrive in water sources that are not properly treated.
- Waterborne Diseases: Without access to clean water, communities face an increased risk of diseases. Cholera, a deadly infection, can spread rapidly, especially in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. According to UNICEF, cholera and diarrhea remain the leading causes of death among young children in South Sudan.
- Lack of Proper Sanitation: Poor sanitation practices further complicate the crisis. Just 10% of the population has access to improved sanitation, contributing to the spread of disease (UNICEF).
- Guinea Worm Disease: Another harrowing impact is the resurgence of Guinea Worm Disease which is caused by drinking water that is contaminated by larvae. This affliction had almost been eradicated but has seen a resurgence due to the dire water situation (The Water Project).
Efforts to address the water crisis
Addressing the water crisis in South Sudan requires significant effort and dedication. Organizations and governments have initiated various projects to address the problem, focusing on well-drilling and water treatment.
- Water for South Sudan has been a key player in this and has drilled more than 600 wells across the Upper Nile, Bahr el Ghazal, and Equatoria regions. Every year, this non-profit organization sets out to drill new wells to meet the growing demand for clean water.
- Another notable effort is being made by Water Charity which recently rehabilitated 20 boreholes, benefiting around 50,000 people. This project ensures that existing wells continue to function efficiently, providing uninterrupted access to safe water.
- Various smaller-scale projects are also making a significant contribution. For example, organizations such as Wells for Hope have completed wells in villages like Luak Mayual and Atiaba, bringing fresh water directly to local communities.
These well-drilling efforts have significantly impacted the lives of many South Sudanese people. Clean water from wells reduces the prevalence of waterborne diseases, improves community health, and provides a foundation for sustainable development.
Water treatment plants are another critical component in addressing the water crisis in South Sudan. These plants ensure that water from natural sources is safe for consumption.
- UNICEF has played a vital role in restoring and constructing water treatment plants, such as the one that serves the inhabitants of Wau. This plant has effectively prevented cholera outbreaks by supplying safe drinking water.
- The UNMISS has innovatively funded solar-powered water treatment plants, especially in remote areas like Pieri. These plants use renewable energy to provide clean, potable water to both residents and returnees, helping communities to thrive.
- MENA-Water has implemented containerized potable water plants. These plants are crucial in areas where traditional infrastructure may be lacking, offering a portable and efficient solution to water purification.
These water treatment projects ensure that even in places with major infrastructural challenges, people still have access to safe, treated water. This technology is vital for preventing disease and promoting overall health.
While significant progress has been made, continued efforts are essential to ensure sustainable access to clean water for all citizens, according to Paul Mayom Akec, Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources who explained:
“By prioritizing water management, embracing innovation, and engaging local communities, South Sudan is laying the groundwork for a more water-secure future.”
