The government of South Sudan has initiated the construction of three water reservoirs in Eastern Equatoria State. This project aims to improve access to water for communities and livestock in areas affected by recurring dry spells and increasing pressure on existing water sources. The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation reported that preliminary works have been completed at the three haffir sites in Lupetet, Kalabolyang and Nadapal.
Preliminary works included opening access roads, pumping out water, establishing construction camps and conducting topographic surveys. The ministry stated that excavation at Lupetet has advanced, with embankment construction also progressing. At Kalabolyang, excavation has made significant progress, while embankment works are ongoing. At Nadapal, excavation is nearing completion, with embankment construction advancing under quality control measures.
The reservoirs are intended to provide water for households and livestock, helping communities cope with prolonged dry seasons and protecting livelihoods that depend heavily on agriculture and pastoralism. The projects come as parts of Eastern Equatoria continue to experience dry spells that have affected water availability, crop production and livestock conditions.
In September, the state government warned that drought had forced some pastoralist communities to move to neighbouring counties and across international borders in search of water and pasture. This raised concerns about pressure on host communities and the loss of livelihoods. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported below-average rainfall, prolonged dry spells and above-normal temperatures affecting water availability, livestock and crop production in several parts of South Sudan.
Haffirs are water-harvesting reservoirs designed to collect and store rainwater for use during periods of limited rainfall. They are particularly important in areas where communities and livestock depend on seasonal water sources, helping reduce pressure on existing supplies during dry seasons.
However, the ministry’s update did not disclose the total cost of the projects, their funding sources, the storage capacity of the three reservoirs or the number of people and livestock expected to benefit. It also did not provide a construction completion timeline or indicate when the facilities are expected to become operational.
The construction of these reservoirs is a significant step towards addressing the water scarcity challenges faced by communities in Eastern Equatoria. Once completed, the reservoirs will provide much-needed water for households and livestock, improving the overall well-being of the affected communities.
Key points
- The government of South Sudan has begun constructing three water reservoirs in Eastern Equatoria State to improve access to water for communities and livestock.
- The reservoirs are intended to provide water for households and livestock, helping communities cope with prolonged dry seasons and protecting livelihoods.
- The projects come as parts of Eastern Equatoria continue to experience dry spells that have affected water availability, crop production and livestock conditions.
