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Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Activities for Displaced Persons in South Sudan

February 23, 2024

Peace Winds teams in South Sudan recently completed a six-month water supply and sanitation project for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Hai Sabab IDP settlement in Melut County. Thanks to the help of the residents and local community, IDPs now have access to clean water, toilets, and hygiene education.

Water, sanitation, and hygiene have presented challenges for Hai Sabab. The settlement was developed in response to the influx of displaced persons fleeing to the Kodok, Malakal, and Melut districts from violence in Fashoda County in the north. Because it was established hastily as an emergency response, the camp did not have a source of clean water. Existing water wells and pumps nearby were broken, and residents were forced to collect water from reservoirs. In response, Peace Winds repaired the water wells and raised the foundation so they would be less susceptible to flooding. Handrails have also been added to the stairs so that elderly evacuees can collect water more safely.

Group of children stands around a water well surrounded by a small concrete wall and steps

Repaired water pump with raised foundation and added stairs

Even when residents have access to clean water, another challenge is that of the containers used to store it, which can often be dirty or damaged. Peace Winds distributed new water containers to them, with a particular focus on the elderly and disabled residents, to ensure their water will stay clean after they retrieve it.

Group of people in bright yellow safety vests sits in a row at a table while a large group of people wearing colorful clothing waits in front of the tables

Distribution of water containers

Man in a yellow safety vest stands on the left next to four people holding yellow plastic containers with the Peace Winds logo

Residents receive new water containers

In addition to providing clean water, Peace Winds carried out hygiene education activities in the Hai Sabab camp. The Upper Nile State is prone to flooding, and this combined with poor sanitary conditions makes it particularly easy for infectious diseases to spread. To maintain a more sanitary environment, our teams in South Sudan helped establish a hygiene awareness committee. This group of residents speaks to other IDPs at their homes or at public places like markets and water stations. The committee has been working to educate their peers on practices such as proper hand-washing, toilet use, and regularly cleaning water containers.

Man wearing a white Peace Winds polo shirt kneels on the dirt ground outside a white hut. Five children sit or stand in front of him, and there are tall green plants surrounding the area and clothes and pieces of wood on the ground

Hygiene committee member during a home visit

Young man wearing a red shirt uses a broom or brush with a long handle to clean the floor inside a toilet sheltered by corrugated metal panels

Hygiene committee member cleans a toilet

Finally, Peace Winds built toilets in the Hai Sabab camp as part of the recent program. Prior to this, toilets in the camp were simple, unsanitary, and few in number relative to the number of residents. Peace Winds built toilets with privacy sheds as well as solar-powered lights, making it possible for residents to use them after dark with peace of mind. Peace Winds staff also distributed cleaning supplies so that families would be able to clean and maintain their own toilets. 

Large group of people wearing brightly colored clothing stands outside near a small structure with corrugated metal walls

Newly constructed toilets

Young man wearing a red shirt picks up a brush from a pile of brightly colored cleaning brushes, brooms, and buckets

Cleaning supplies

Although the recent water, sanitation, and hygiene program has ended, Peace Winds maintains a presence in South Sudan and will continue working to serve those in need following crises and natural disasters. This program was made possible by support from Japan Platform and by contributions from individual donors. We are grateful for your continued support.