Lainya County Commissioner and ICRC officials inaugurate the new water supply system. (-)

Over 5,000 individuals in Lainya County will now have access to clean and safe drinking water, following the completion of a solar-powered water supply system by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Built in collaboration with local authorities and communities, the Lainya Water Supply network is made up of a solar-powered system covering the eight neighborhoods of Lainya town, with eight kiosks established for distribution.

The two-year project consists of two newly drilled boreholes, equipped with solar water pumps.

According to ICRC, the upgraded water supply system has increased the daily water production capacity from 11 cubic meters to 116 cubic meters, benefiting an estimated 5,000 to 7,500 residents in Lainya.

The old water system was damaged during the second South Sudan conflict that broke out in July 2016.

The influx of displaced people and returnees has since added pressure on the town residents and made access to water a challenge.

Florence Gillette, ICRC Head of Delegation in South Sudan, said armed conflict and violence has made it a challenge for South Sudanese to access to safe and clean drinking water.

Gillette said the infrastructure system will significantly boost daily water production capacity, thus ensuring improved access to clean water for the community.

“With this new water system, we hope to bring positive changes to the communities in Lainya and help create a sustainable living environment.”

The strategically located kiosks are designed to be easily accessible, particularly for women and children, promoting safety and convenience.

Florence said that to ensure the long-term sustainability of the water supply project, a water management and steering committee has been established, comprising members from the local communities responsible for the efficient operation of the system.

For his part, the Commissioner of Lainya County Emmanuel Khamis Richard said the government will make sure the water supply system is sustained and manageable.

Khamis said the rehabilitation of water supply system will help in providing clean drinking water for the community and returnees.

“I would like to appreciate our partners the ICRC for the support. We are going to take the responsibility as the government to ensure the sustainability of this project,” he said.

“Number two; we are going to expand this water network to cover more areas in the town so that it can be able to meet the population demands in the town our people who have gone to refugee camps are now coming back in lager numbers and they need clean drinking water.”

Some of the beneficiaries of the water supply initiative in Lainya expressed their joy and appreciated ICRC for providing them with the safe and clean drinking water.

Mathew Ladu, a traditional leader, said the project will alleviate the suffering of women who used to cross long distances to fetch water.

“Water helped us, particularly the community. It also helped women and young children who struggled to fetch water,” Ladu said.

“After the project was completed in Lainya, we are highly satisfied and extend our praise to the International Committee of the Red Cross for constructing the water project in the center of Lainya.”

Harriet Roba, another beneficiary of water project said the infrastructure will have a positive impact on the lives of women and children in Lainya County.

She said before the project, women and children had to suffer long-distant travels through unsafe roads to get water for domestic use.

“Sometimes we had to travel a long distance to fetch water, which posed difficulties for school children, causing them to arrive late at school,” she said.

“Now that water is close to homes, children and women can easily access it with a cup or a bucket at the water point.”

“Some of the water points have reached homes and can be obtained without any hassle. Therefore, we are happy to have water near us.”

The Lainya project is an example of ICRC’s efforts to support people in South Sudan affected by the armed conflict and other situations of violence.

The inauguration of the project was attended by key figures including Center Equatoria state Minister for Housing, water and physical infrastructure Friedrick Ladu, Minister for Gender, Child and Social welfare Huda Laila.

Other are the Commissioner of Lainya Emmanuel Khamis, Commissioner of Yei River Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa, senior government officials, and senior officers of organized forces in Lainya County.