South Sudan Launches Modern Water Supply System in Bor, Boosting Health and Resilience
The Government of South Sudan has unveiled a groundbreaking urban water supply project in Bor Town, marking a major step toward ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable water access for over 96,000 residents. The initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI), the South Sudan Urban Water Corporation (SSUWC), UNICEF, and international partners, aims to transform Bor into a model of climate-resilient urban infrastructure.
The new water system features a state-of-the-art treatment plant capable of processing 4,800 cubic meters of water daily, situated above the flood line to withstand climate challenges. It includes 28 water kiosks, a 53-kilometer expanded pipeline network, a tanker filling station, and a 750-cubic-meter steel storage tank to support the growing population. Additionally, the project employs off-grid solar energy (240 kWp), significantly reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
Minister Hon. James Mawich Makuach expressed optimism about the project’s impact: “I am very grateful on behalf of the Government of South Sudan for the commissioning of the new Bor urban water project, which will go a long way to prevent water-related diseases and improve people’s health in Bor town. I urge all users to pay for the water and the Bor water utility station to manage the system sustainably.”
The project has garnered praise from international partners. H.E. Paul Tholen, Ambassador of the Netherlands, emphasized the importance of community participation: “I am very happy that the people of Bor now have access to safe drinking water. To sustain this service, the public should pay their water bills on time, and the authorities should use the revenues to improve the system.”
The initiative not only addresses health issues but also promotes gender equality by reducing the time women and girls spend collecting water, often under unsafe conditions. H.E. Park Sungsoo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, highlighted the broader benefits: “Access to clean and safe water is fundamental to children’s health, nutrition, and overall well-being. This upgraded system is a transformative step toward a healthier, more resilient community, and it restores dignity to women and girls by easing their water stress.”
He also noted ongoing Korean support: “Beyond this project, Korea continues its contribution to peace and reconstruction efforts in Jonglei State through UNMISS and will maintain its support across humanitarian, development, and peace initiatives in South Sudan.”
UNICEF South Sudan Representative Noala Skinner underscored the system’s potential to uplift communities: “Access to clean and safe water is not just about meeting basic needs but giving every child the chance to grow healthy, learn, and thrive. The Bor Water Supply System can transform lives, empower women and girls, and build resilience against climate change. We are grateful to our partners and donors for turning this vision into reality.”
The Bor urban water project exemplifies a durable, climate-resilient model for sustainable water management in South Sudan, fostering peacebuilding, improving public health, and creating socio-economic opportunities through job creation and enhanced hygiene in schools and communities.
