Operating Season Highlight: Water Storage & Distribution System and School Latrine

WFSS is excited to share a special project made possible by a generous anonymous donor: The construction of a water storage and distribution system tower—including a water tower, underground piping, and three main water distribution kiosks (faucets)—and construction of a latrine (toilet facility) at Pian-tok Primary School.

This project benefits 2,000 community members in the Eastern Bank area of Wau, Western Bhar El Ghazal State, South Sudan.The main water distribution points are located at Pian-tok Primary School, Eastern Bank community, and the market. These projects will allow community members to easily access clean water, improve hygiene and sanitation, and create more sustainable habits.

The impact of this project primarily affects students and women. Before the installation of the latrine, students at Pian-tok Primary School had to walk miles to the bush to relieve themselves, missing lessons and oftentimes just going home. Girls are greatly impacted as they now have a place to practice proper hygiene and sanitation instead of skipping school due to their menstrual cycle. The new latrine serves 228 girls, 293 boys, and 15 teachers, providing the opportunity to further focus on education rather than worrying about where to use the bathroom. 

In addition to the new latrine, Pian-tok Primary School implemented a hygiene club consisting of 10 girls, 10 boys, and two teachers whose goal is to encourage proper hygiene in school and within the community. 

WFSS strives to create long-term sustainability with each project in structure and user training. An integral piece of this project included maintenance training of the water storage system and hygiene education training for the latrine users. The water storage maintenance person is responsible for overseeing the functionality of the solar-powered water pump, ensuring the cleanliness of the water tank, and maintaining the area surrounding the water storage unit. Hygiene club members are trained on safe hygiene practices to encourage proper hygiene behavior within the school and to the community at large.

WFSS is so grateful to have worked with this donor for a second time to help the people of Wau live healthier, happier lives.

Children at community kiosk (water faucet)