Water sources in the Juba Valley are few, and generally they are contaminated and in disrepair, resulting in frequent cholera outbreaks.
As the water supply has become scarce, conflicts have arisen between communities vying for water for their families and herds.
World Concern is working in these communities to restore and refurbish broken-down wells so that families and their livestock can have clean water.
We are also training the communities on how to maintain and manage the wells. And in order to reduce the spread of disease, we are installing latrines and teaching families about hygiene and sanitation.
Because of this program, 50,000 people now have access to clean water in the Juba Valley. Thirty-five wells or water sources have been rehabilitated so far, and 385 wells have been chlorinated.
No major cases of cholera outbreaks or rampant cases of water-related diseases have been reported since the start of this program.
Even the animals are benefiting: 28,000 animals now have access to clean and safe watering areas. The distance animals used to travel to get to the nearest watering point has been greatly reduced, so fewer animals are dying from exhaustion.
Now there is much less conflict over water. Communities that used to disagree and fight over water now cooperate and discuss community issues sitting under a tree together. Some elders have called this project amani (peace).
