By Alan Clement
The Government of South Sudan has inaugurated an urban water supply system in Bor Town in Jonglei State.
At least 96,000 residents in Bor Town gained access to clean drinking water from Bor Urban Water Supply System.
Addressing the participants during the official launching of the urban water supply system on Thursday, James Mawich Makuach, the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI), appreciated the partners for bringing clean water to the population.
“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” he said.
Makuach reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening water governance during the commissioning ceremony.
“We are determined to build resilient systems that ensure safe water for all South Sudanese,” he said.
The Minister urged the resident to ensure sustainability, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring that services reach the people.
“I urge all users to pay for the water and the Bor water utility station to manage the system sustainably.” Makuach said.
Yar Paul Kuol, the Director for South Sudan Urban Water Cooperation (SSUWC), commended the milestone during the commissioning ceremony, emphasizing its significance for public health.
“This is a proud moment for Bor. Ninety-six thousand residents will now enjoy clean drinking water,” Yar said
The urban water supply system was implemented by UNICEF with support from the governments of the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea through KOICA.
This transformative and durable initiative provides safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water to 96,000 residents of Bor town, Jonglei State.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in South Sudan’s efforts to achieve long-term, durable solutions, strengthen climate-resilient and sustainable urban water supply systems, and ensure that vulnerable communities have access to safe water supply and improved sanitation services.
Noala Skinner, UNICEF Representative in South Sudan, described the project as a major achievement, emphasizing its impact on vulnerable groups and the importance of sustained partnerships.
“The new solar-powered water system will deliver safe water to tens of thousands of residents, easing the burden on families, especially women and girls who previously walked long distances to fetch water,” she said.
Paul Tholen, Ambassador of the Netherlands, praised the partnership and urged local authorities to take ownership and ensure sustainability.
He called on authorities to ensure that the money collected is used to improve the system.
“I am very happy that the people of Bor now have access to safe drinking water. In order to sustain this water service delivery, the public should pay their water bills on time, and the authorities should use the revenues to improve the system,” Tholen said.
Jonglei State Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok expressed gratitude to the Dutch government for its technical cooperation in water management and flood control.
The Bor Urban Water Supply System is part of ongoing efforts to improve access to safe and sustainable water across South Sudan.
The newly inaugurated urban water system includes the construction of a new conventional water treatment plant of 4,800 cubic meters per day capacity, raised above the flood line; an equipped water quality laboratory; 28 water kiosks; an expanded 53 km distribution pipe network; a tanker filling station; and a 750-cubic-meter steel storage tank that serves the town’s growing population.
The use of an off-grid solar energy system (240 kWp) reduces operational costs, carbon emissions, and dependency on diesel-powered generators, making it one of the country’s most climate-resilient and environmentally friendly public water infrastructure projects in South Sudan to date.