Bor residents face shortage of drinking water as dry season approaches

BOR – Residents of Jonglei state capital, Bor, are grappling with a severe shortage of clean drinking water as the dry season approaches. With most citizens relying on rainwater for drinking, the situation has become dire.

Peter Garang Nhial, the acting head chief of Makwau suburb, highlighted the challenges, pointing out that many boreholes were destroyed by flooding in previous years, submerging large areas.

He called on the state Ministry of Housing, Land, and Public Utilities and Bor Municipality to address the issue urgently, emphasizing the critical importance of water.

“We, the citizens in the town, are being affected by this issue of clean drinking water. Although the Urban Water Corporation has started its work, they have not reached other parts of the town,” said Garang.

He urged authorities to drill new boreholes and extend water access to the neglected areas of Bor town, particularly those affected by previous flooding.

“We hope and call on you to extend the water supply to other parts of the town so that it reaches the vulnerable people,” Garang said.

“Most of the boreholes were destroyed during flooding, and people are expecting clean drinking water. When you drill a borehole, you will see a long line forming,” he added, expressing concerns about the safety of women who often fetch water, especially with the increased risk of criminal activities in the town.

Akur Ajak, a resident of block one, appealed to the state government, particularly the Bor Water Station, to extend water pipes to other areas. She emphasized the challenges faced in accessing clean drinking water, stating, “Without enough clean water, life is too hard for us.”

Nyanwech John, a resident of block three, highlighted the difficulties they anticipate in securing clean water as the dry season approaches. With the only borehole in their area broken, obtaining water has become a formidable task.

She mentioned that they now travel long distances to fetch water and sometimes need to sleep overnight at the borehole due to high demand.

Efforts to obtain comments from Bor Municipal Council were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.