Water shortages worsen in West Darfur's El Geneina

Residents of several western neighborhoods in El Geneina, the capital of Sudan's West Darfur State, are facing worsening difficulties in accessing drinking water. The prolonged supply disruptions, lasting several months, and rising costs have placed an increasing burden on households, particularly displaced families. The situation has become increasingly challenging for residents who rely on piped water, which was previously supplied once a week.

A representative of the Emergency Response Rooms Coordination Council stated that the council is making concerted efforts to address the city's water shortages. The council has equipped 22 solar-powered wells to help improve access to water. However, despite these efforts, the water supply remains highly irregular, with some residential neighborhoods receiving water two or three times a week, while others receive supplies only once a week or once a month.

A resident of the Al-Jamarik neighborhood in El Geneina reported that households had previously received piped water once a week, but the situation had deteriorated progressively over recent months. The water supply initially stopped for a period before resuming at intervals of approximately once a month. However, the resident stated that the water supply had now ceased altogether, forcing families to purchase water from alternative sources.

Displaced residents have alleged that individuals identified as members of neighborhood committees have been collecting 10,000 Sudanese pounds from households in exchange for water services. In some areas, water supplies were briefly restored after an interruption lasting approximately three months, following the introduction of a 20,000 Sudanese pound charge for the service. However, the water flowed for only about three hours before the supply was cut off again.

A displaced woman living in one of El Geneina's western neighborhoods stated that she and other displaced families had initially expected their living conditions to improve upon arriving in the city. However, the situation deteriorated shortly afterwards, with water supplies becoming increasingly erratic. According to the displaced woman, water sometimes reached their neighborhood once a week, while interruptions could last two weeks or, in some cases, an entire month.

The worsening water crisis has compounded the difficulties facing displaced households already struggling to meet their basic needs. The rising cost of water has placed additional pressure on limited family incomes, with a barrel of water costing between 6,000 and 7,000 Sudanese pounds. An official described El Geneina's water crisis as a complex administrative problem involving multiple interconnected challenges.

Despite substantial support from humanitarian organizations and oversight by local authorities, the water crisis in El Geneina persists. Several neighborhoods have been without water for prolonged periods, highlighting significant disparities in access to the essential service across the city. International humanitarian organizations are involved in water provision in the city and hold weekly coordination meetings with the relevant authorities to address challenges affecting water services.

Key points

• The water crisis in El Geneina is a complex administrative problem involving multiple interconnected challenges.
• 22 solar-powered wells have been equipped to help improve access to water.
• Displaced residents have alleged that individuals identified as members of neighborhood committees have been collecting money from households in exchange for water services.