Juba, South Sudan, 17 March 2016 - The Government of Japan, based on its commitment to support the people of South Sudan and through partnership with Caritas Switzerland, supports 3,720 people in the village of Ido, located in the county of Torit, to improve their quality of life by providing them with access to drinking water.
On 17th of March 2016, the Ambassador of Japan to South Sudan Mr. Kiya Masahiko and Mr. Alex Voets, Acting Interim Country Representative of Caritas Switzerland, held an opening ceremony in Ido village together with community members, stakeholders and official guests and officially launched the project.
Almost every year, the population of South Sudan faces the challenge of storing water during rainy season to get through the dry season. In addition, adequate numbers of water sources and sanitation facilities are lacking throughout the country. Most of the existing facilities are in very poor condition. Also the level of hygiene awareness and of vectors of disease in South Sudan is one of the lowest worldwide and incidence of waterborne and hygiene-deficiency diseases is widespread.
Therefore, the Government of Japan decided to help improve access to drinking water and the hygiene conditions for rural communities in the country. Under “The project for better health in South Sudan through improved water supply”, Caritas Switzerland and the Japanese Government are cooperating for the period of 12 months to achieve this target for 3,720 people in Ido village. Caritas Switzerland has a strong expertise in providing development aid to South Sudan especially through water and education projects for more than 40 years.
The focus of the project will be on the provision of adequate infrastructure for water supply through the construction of a so-called rock catchment system. The new water source collects rain water. Beneficiaries are the people of Ido village who will utilize the new water scheme for drinking water instead of fetching water from unprotected sources. Caritas Switzerland additionally assures the promotion of sanitary activities such as simple hand washing facilities and latrines. Children and mothers, who are considered as promoters for behaviour change, participate in specific hygiene trainings. The combination of appropriate water sources and education sessions on sanitation and hygiene is important and essential. All these measures are contributing to the reduction of the number of water-borne diseases within a community and contribute to a better quality of life for the community members.
For further information, please contact the following
Embassy of Japan:
MATSUNAMI Yasuo (Mr.)
First Secretary, Economic Cooperation Section
Embassy of Japan in South Sudan
Phone: +211(0)959-003-152
E-mail: yasuo.matsunami@mofa.go.jp
Caritas Switzerland
Alex Voets (Mr.)
Acting Interim Country Representative
Caritas Switzerland
Phone: +211(0)966623517
E-mail: avoets@caritas.ch