AfDB to finance South Sudan water and sanitation project with US$24.7m

To support a developmental project in South Sudan, African Development Bank (AfDB) board of directors have approved a commitment of US$24.7m. The project receiving AfDB finance is titled South Sudan Strategic Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Project.

The project entails rehabilitation of about 50km of Juba town distribution network and also related works such as metering and public water collections outlets. There will also be feasibility and engineering design for two other towns; under the jurisdiction of South Sudan Urban Water Corporation.

Additionally, the project will cover the development of solar powered water distributions systems; as well as promotion of sanitation and hygiene in high-density rural communities surrounding Juba. There will also be  development of capacity within the relevant water institutions.

The implementation for the project will be begin during the 2019/2020 financial year; while the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the South Sudan Urban Water Corporation will serve as the executing and implementing agencies respectively.

Benefits of the Project

Juba which is the capital city of South Sudan like many other urban regions in the country, is a victim of years of armed conflict and under-investment especially in the development and maintenance of basic water infrastructure. Because of the increased number of displaced people as well as rapid urbanization; already existing urban water supply infrastructure is experiencing a strain. Also there is an illegal supply of untreated water drawn from the Nile by private water tanker operators.

However, on completion of the project, the 300,000 people in Juba and surrounding Jubek state will be direct beneficiaries. Since 2012, AfDB have contributed over US$136.79 million in the development of various sectors in South Sudan.

This Strategic Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Project, aligns with South Sudan’s National Development Strategy (2018-21) and also AfDB’s 2012-21 Country Strategy Paper. The both strategies emphasizes on nation building through capacity building and infrastructure development.

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