By Louis Loku
The Western Equatoria State Government, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and development partners have handed over three newly drilled boreholes to residents of Hai Gabat in Bazungua Payam, Yambio County.
The water facilities were constructed by Vision South Sudan (VISS), led by its Director, Emmanuel Wanga, following concerns from the community over limited access to clean and safe drinking water.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Western Equatoria State Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa thanked UNMISS and its partners for supporting the project and responding to the community’s water needs.
Governor Badagbu urged residents to take responsibility for protecting and maintaining the boreholes to ensure they continue serving the community.
He also called for continued technical support and training for the Water Management Committee responsible for overseeing the facilities.
“Our people need peace. Our people need basic services. Our people need protection and security so that our women can move freely without anyone creating problems for them,” Badagbu said.
Rahab Njoki, Head of the UNMISS Yambio Field Office, said access to clean water goes beyond public health and is also a protection concern, particularly for women and girls who often bear responsibility for collecting water for their households.
Njoki welcomed the participation of women in the Water Management Committee, saying their involvement in leadership and decision-making would contribute to the sustainable management of the new facilities.
The three boreholes are expected to ease the burden of water collection for residents of Hai Gabat and improve access to safe drinking water.
The project also highlights the importance of cooperation between the state government, UNMISS, local communities and development partners in addressing basic service needs in rural communities across Western Equatoria State.