“Now with installation of a borehole in our village, my children and I will no longer have to spend hours fetching water from far distance, which is often so risky by crossing roads, “Said Hellen. According to Hellen, many women like her face the same situation of lack of clean and safe water.
She appreciates Red Cross for rescuing their situation. “I wholeheartedly thank Red Cross for saving lives of my children and others within this village,” she exclaimed.
The SSRC is implementing an Integrated Health Improvement (IHI) project in Rumbek funded by the Finnish Red Cross. The project has improved water and sanitation situation in Rumbek. Previously, people fetched water from unsafe sources such as ponds and river, which has greatly lowered the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera which is devastating many communities across South Sudan now.
This borehole in Kolchit village of Rumbek Central County, Lakes State, is one of the seven water points drilled in different communities in Rumbek. “We also repaired 13 other water points,” said John Akken, SSRC Water and Sanitation (WASH) Coordinator.
The region’s access to clean water has enhanced sanitation standards, accessibility, reduced the prevalence of water-related diseases and eventually creating a population that is healthier and more productive.
Having a water point near her home, Hellen says she is able to grow vegetables around the borehole and sell at the market to generate income.
In the implementation of its auxiliary role, the SSRC works with authorities in carrying out assessments to identify communities that are most in need. “We conducted an assessment in collaboration with the government’s Directorate of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and the results showed that many people in the community get their water from ponds and unprotected wells,” said Michael Deng Kuau, the SSRC Project Coordinator.