In marking the World Water Day today, some residents of Juba say they cannot access clean drinking water, putting their lives at risk of waterborne diseases.

They say the price of water has tripled since the devaluation of the pound in December 2015.

A Jerri can of clean water that was selling at 11 is now selling at 32 pounds, and a drum of water distributed by tankers has risen from 10 to 30.

The residents told Eye Radio that some of them cannot afford to buy water and a purifier.

“The river water is very dirty. It is the one making some of us be sick. When go to the hospital they tell you that you have typhoid and Malaria,” said Jocelyne Nadia, resident Nyakuron.

The residents called upon the government to provide running water.

“If the government can listen to our voices let them bring for us taps here,” said Abdallah, Juba resident.

Only 55% of the people have access to safe drinking water in South Sudan, according to Oxfam.

Due to lack of clean water and proper sanitation, there have been several cholera outbreaks in South Sudan. As of July 31, 2015, there were 1,396 cholera cases reported in Juba and Bor Counties.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Dams Irrigation and Water Resources says the country is still faced with lack of proper infrastructure to ensure that the public have access to water.

Jema Nunu Kumba, who was speaking during celebrations of the World Water Day, said the government has established policies related to water resources and management and investment plans to improve the water resource sector.

The World Water Day is being celebrated under the theme: ‘Water for Jobs.’

The day set by the United Nations to create awareness on the importance of water.