 and South Sudan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) have signed a $9.98 million agreement to implement a flood mitigation and water infrastructure project aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable communities.){kind=link}
By: Ginaba Lino
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and South Sudan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) have signed a $9.98 million agreement to implement a flood mitigation and water infrastructure project aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable communities.
The project Funded by the World Bank through the Regional Climate Resilience Program (RCRP) for Eastern and Southern Africa, aims to strengthen flood resilience and expand access to safe water in flood-affected and water-stressed areas across South Sudan.
Speaking at the signing, the Undersecretary of the Ministry, Hon. Achier Manyuat John, outlined that the one-year project will be implemented through five key components. These include: Maban County Flood-Affected Refugee Hosting Area, Bunj Town, and Kaya Refugee Areas: Dike repairs and drainage pipe installation works, with a budget of $3,049,109.
Upper Nile State, Maban County: Rehabilitation of hand pumps in refugee-hosting areas, allocated $1,530,301, Eastern Equatoria State: Supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of 60 hand pumps and 8 water yards, with a total cost of $2,727,226.
Jonglei State (Aduar to Jalle): Community dike repair, Bor Town drainage channel cleaning, shaping, and culvert installation, amounting to $989,375, and Jonglei and Lakes States: Rehabilitation of 10 hand pumps in Jonglei, 10 in Lakes, and 3 water yards in Lakes, budgeted at $933,141.
Hon. Achier stressed the importance of community participation, local labor engagement, and adherence to environmental and social safeguards to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.
“As custodians of public resources, the Ministry is fully committed to transparency and accountability in delivering these critical interventions,” he said. “We will ensure that all activities meet the highest standards of governance while delivering tangible benefits to vulnerable communities.”
Petronella Halwiindi Kasaka, UNOPS Country Manager in South Sudan, hailed the project as a significant milestone that reflects the government’s commitment to building resilient communities capable of withstanding the effects of climate change.
She reaffirmed UNOPS’ dedication to supporting South Sudan’s development priorities:
“UNOPS is proud to partner with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation to strengthen South Sudan’s resilience to climate change,” Kasaka said. “This project reflects our commitment to delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions that protect lives, restore essential services, and empower communities to adapt to a changing climate.”