JUBA – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) signed a crucial agreement with the South Sudanese government on Monday, marking the handover of operations for the large-scale Lologo water supply scheme in Juba.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed under the auspices of the German Head of Cooperation, Dr. Björn Niere, and involved UNICEF, the South Sudan Urban Water Corporation (SSUWC), and other relevant institutions.
This ambitious project will significantly improve access to clean water in Juba. The pipeline boasts the capacity to deliver 4.6 million liters of water per day, pumping it to three large reservoirs with 300,000-liter capacities each.
Drawing water from the Nile River, the system purifies and distributes it throughout the city, providing clean drinking water to over 100,000 people, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the conflict.
The Lologo water treatment plant receives vital support from the German government through the KfW Development Bank.
Obia Achieng, UNICEF South Sudan’s acting Representative, emphasized the importance of the handover for ensuring safe and reliable access to water for families and children.
“This is a significant milestone for the sustainable operation and secure water supply for many thousands of vulnerable residents in Juba,” stated Achieng in a statement seen by Sudans Post on Tuesday.
“The ongoing cooperation and partnership between the National and State Ministries and the Urban Water Corporation is crucial to ensuring families and children have safe and secure water supply, ultimately improving their health and wellbeing” Achieng added.
Achieng further revealed a generous additional grant of EUR 20 million from the German government specifically allocated for the system’s maintenance.
Dr. Björn Niere, Head of Cooperation, highlighted the project’s positive impact on Juba’s water provision, particularly for those most in need.
“Germany remains committed to supporting the people of South Sudan with large-scale water projects,” Dr. Niere stated. “We are proud to have funded the Lologo/Juba project, which will provide clean water to up to 100,000 people in Juba’s IDP camps and vulnerable host communities on the city’s outskirts.”
“With the South Sudanese authorities now formally taking over the responsibility for the new system, today’s event marks a significant milestone towards the sustainable operation of the new system and improving water access for the broader population, including those who are most in need,” he concluded.