County-Wide Water Storage and Distribution Project
We all know the challenges produced by the pandemic—in many parts of the world, already-existing problems were exacerbated. We also know that access to water is crucial in combating any virus, especially COVID-19. WFSS is so excited to share that during 2020, an anonymous family foundation generously donated $100,000 to fund a huge initiative—the Pinydit County Water Storage Project. This project provides vital access to clean water to more than 10,000 residents in South Sudan.
This generous donation funded:
Construction of a new well with a solar-powered pump and raised water tower in Pinydit Center;
Underground piping to five water tap kiosks at the school, market center, garden, health clinic and animal trough;
Two new hand-pump wells at Mawuthou Area and Chur Primary School;
One well rehabilitation at Pinydit Primary School; and
Four hygiene training sessions—one at each well site.
Solar energy is abundant during the dry season in South Sudan. Using solar technologies, the sun’s energy is harnessed to pump water into the elevated water storage tank, and gravity allows the water to flow down through underground pipes directly to the water kiosks throughout the county. Residents simply turn on a faucet to fill their jerrycans. This technology decreases the distance and time it takes to collect water—and clean water leads to new opportunities for growing gardens for fresh produce, starting small businesses, and the ability to receive an education. The simple addition of access to clean water has a huge impact on the entire community—especially the women and girls tasked with daily water collection. Instead of walking miles each day for water, women and girls can start small businesses and receive an education.
When asked about the impact that this project had on the locals, Lion responded, “They’ve never received this type of help and now they realize that there are people out there that care so much about them. This project is a great hope that they’ve never seen in their lives.” This generous grant has provided hope to the community, allowing them to switch their focus to other activities.
WFSS is so grateful to the generous donors who made such a huge difference for the people within the Pinydit community. This project is watering the seeds of change in South Sudan.
