Food & Water for Refugees 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.

Links:

• Learn more about our work.

For more than 9 months now the war in Sudan has sent a tsunami of refugees into South Sudan and neighboring countries.  There is not a village in our area of South Sudan, large or small, that has not been impacted.  As you’d expect, the wave of refugees is taxing all sources of clean drinking water and making this project of highest need.  

As soon as the refugees left Sudan, they faced the severe consequences from the lack of clean drinking water. In November 2023 we learned of an outbreak of hepatitis C—particularly harmful to pregnant women. As they journeyed on the Nile River, drinking only contaminated water, many arrived in South Sudan sick and in too many cases it had fatal consequences for both mother and unborn child.

In Old Fangak, where our project is based, almost overnight we saw the waterpoints become overcrowded with people. The result was that many women would head to the river and fill their water buckets with the contaminated, unhealthy water. 

We have worked diligently to respond to this crisis.  At Old Fangak’s main water point we expanded the area where women fill their buckets making it easier and more sanitary.   We also built a small bridge to make access to the waterpoint safer. 

In the last three months we added 5 new water wells and have repaired over a dozen more.  On return from the Christmas holiday our team is setting out to continue this work.  Between now and June we can drill as many wells as funding and time will allow. 

It does not look like the war raging in the north sill stop soon.  This means that the water crisis facing refugees needs our urgent help.  With your help we will drill wells for safe, clean drinking water.  Please join today in this effort.  It will save lives. The need is greater then ever before.

Links:

• More about our work in South Sudan.