The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has handed over two solar-powered water yards in Aweil Centre County, Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State, the German agency said on Monday.
The project, implemented in partnership with aid agency Welthungerhilfe (WHH), comprises water yards in Longwurkech and Dong Abel village. The handover ceremony on Oct. 8 brought together officials from the State Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the Aweil Centre County Agriculture Department, and community members.
Each facility is fitted with motorised solar pumping systems, elevated storage tanks, tap stands and animal drinking troughs. The two yards will serve at least 600 households, or about 3,600 people, providing water for domestic use, livestock and small-scale gardening.
The primary aim is to improve access to clean water and reduce recurrent water challenges, which place a heavy burden on women who often walk long distances to collect water. The project will also supply water for community tree nurseries and off-season vegetable production, aiming to reduce conflict over the resource and improve household sanitation.
Lack of access to clean water in the area significantly impacts health and livelihoods, hindering development.
The water yards are also intended to improve access to water for tree growing, a vital measure for addressing climate-related challenges and maintaining ecosystem balance.
The construction was preceded by training for local communities and administrators in micro-catchment management to ensure environmental sustainability and improve natural resource management.
GIZ and Welthungerhilfe have established community management committees to operate the water yards, oversee tree planting and address natural resource management challenges.
GIZ works on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Germany supports the long-term development of South Sudan in areas including rural development, water and sanitation, and sustainable agri-food systems.