Kimbi, Yei River State, South Sudan
The Republic of South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on 9th July 2011. The newest nation on earth emerged without paved roads, few doctors, hospitals or schools and an illiteracy rate near 90%. This was true nation-building from the basics of water to the intricacies of government and law.
In December 2013, conflict took place between forces of the government and opposition forces leading to the current civil war. Because of this conflict, wells and committees were abandoned and in need of rehabilitation. Thanks to recent peace initiatives in Yei, many are returning to their communities or making their way into abandoned villages that are closest to where they have had to resettle.
The Kimbi well fell into disrepair due to poor leadership within the community. The village elder is very old, and unable to lead effectively. However, the women will work hard to keep the new well in good order and ensure it does not fall into disrepair.The closeness to the airport military base makes it a safe place for community members to come home and re-establish life. With water available, this rebuilding is beginning and lives are getting pieced back together again. Families now have the space to plan for futures, children can focus on their school attendance rather than fetching water, and adults can focus on a business to provide much needed income for their families.
This project was undertaken as part of our campaign of projects that actively reduce carbon emissions. This project helped the community save their much needed wood which was previously being burnt daily to boil water. This project has also eliminated the many thousands of hours previously spent on walking to collect water.