Food & Water for Refugees in South Sudan

In a region already dealing with 5 years of flooding, the news earlier this month that Chotbora was overtaken by flood water was still a shock.   Several hundred villagers urgently collectied some of their personal belongings and were waiting, hoping to be rescued.  Mothers and young children standing on the few areas yet to be overtaken. 

Within a day the village was gone and several hundred people added to the already too long list of people who are displaced by flooding in South Sudan.  These are families we know.  We’ve worked helping people in Chotbora for nearly 15 years.  The families have all moved into still dry areas of Old Fangak or farther away to communities on the Nile River.  At last count the local officials say that over 20,000 people from surrounding villages have moved within the dike of Old Fangak. 

With this most recent crisis also comes affirmation.  We are working in the right place at the right time.  Increasingly villages and NGO partners are turning to us for our expertise and ability to respond to crisis.   Nearly every new well is now constructed with flood resilient platforms—a meter above the ground with easy access above the potential flood water. 

We are currently working on a fourth water tower.  Not only do the towers provide clean water for 1,500 people daily, they also are constructed with access to water points above the flood levels.  Even in the worst flooding, people can access clean water. 

Our agriculture team has identified 250 households that are still able to plant seeds and grow vegetables.  A seed distribution is planned in the next two weeks.  Our plan is to assess more areas and continue to work with farmers.  In some cases, with flood resilient farming!  Floating gardens.  The garden beds are made on top of native plants that float in the marshland.  Many parts of the world use this method during floods.  We will work with our farmers and train them so that they can do this in South Sudan. 

We are committed to continuing to provide new sources of clean water and to help these refugees at a time when it seems all is lost.  But all isn’t lost.  First, we are committed to helping with all our ability and resources and second, we have you.  Our supporters continue to give generously to help the people in South Sudan.  Very few agencies or NGOs are able to respond to the need as efficiently and quickly at Alaska Health Project South Sudan.  When you give to this project, the impact is immediate and life changing.   Thank you for your support.

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• More about our work in South Sudan.

Going the "extra mile" in this case means a lot.  In an area besieged by floods for over four years, we have become experts at transporting everything through the swamp.   Drilling rigs, gravel, cement, pipes.  Everything needed to complete a new water well.  But this week we crossed into new logistical territory.  The water in the swamp has receded.  Not enough to go overland but also not deep enough to use an outboard motor. (Five years ago, we could walk here).

We are moving materials to transform two hand pump water wells into water yards with towers and elevated tanks.  Once completed each water yard can accommodate 3,000 people daily.   It requires tons of material.  Heavy steel and iron pipes.  Two 5,000-liter water tanks for each water yard.  But our boat now is more like a raft.  The men moving the materials must push and pull the boat in knee deep water for several miles.  It's not easy but it is necessary.  It also requires many trips.

This is just one of the hurdles we jump working in one of the most remote areas of Africa in the middle of the continents largest swamp.

Your support of this project is changing the lives of many thousands.  Unlike other areas of South Sudan our work is in a roadless region.  With the flooding it has meant transport by boat, canoe, or anything that floats in order to reach the most vulnerable and needy populations.  So really, this current effort is just a continuation of what we always do.  Find a way to provide clean water.

In some cases, we've had to convert existing wells to "flood resilient" wells with elevated platforms.  These are at least 3 feet above the ground so that when the flood waters rise the well is still accessible   You might wonder how people grow vegetables and fruits in a flooded area?  They build dikes around their gardens and move the water out one bucket at a time.

Refugees need clean water, and they need food.  This project continues to provide both.  We innovate. We use local knowledge. We never give up.   Your gift today will bring food and water for the most vulnerable in South Sudan.  Thank you for your continued support.

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• Learn more about our work.