Joy and relief swept through communities in Aweil Centre County as residents of Longwurkech and Dong Abel villages celebrated the commissioning of two newly constructed water yards, marking a major step toward solving years of chronic water shortages in the area.
The facilities, built with funding from the Government of Germany through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in partnership with Welthungerhilfe (WHH), were officially handed over on October 8, 2025.
The event drew state officials, local leaders, and excited residents who described the initiative as “life-changing.”
Each site is equipped with a solar-powered pumping system, elevated water storage tanks, and multiple taps stands designed to serve more than 600 households about 3,600 people.
Animal drinking troughs have also been installed to support livestock, a key livelihood for the local population.
“Access to clean water is a blessing we have waited for many years,” said a local elder during the ceremony. “Our children and women will no longer walk long distances to fetch water. This project has brought dignity and hope to our community.”
For years, families in Aweil Centre have struggled with limited access to safe water, forcing residents, especially women and children to walk several kilometers daily under harsh conditions.
The new water yards are expected to transform daily life and boost productivity by providing reliable water for domestic use, small-scale gardening, and livestock rearing.
The project also supports Assisted Natural Regeneration sites, community tree nurseries, and off-season vegetable production, linking clean water access to environmental protection and income generation.
Beyond infrastructure, the initiative emphasizes community ownership and environmental stewardship.
GIZ and Welthungerhilfe have trained local committees in micro-catchment management, water system maintenance, and conflict resolution to ensure sustainable use and prevent resource-related tensions.
“These water systems are not just about infrastructure—they are about resilience,” said a representative from GIZ. “We want the people of Aweil Centre to take charge of their water resources and use them to build a sustainable future.”
Germany remains one of South Sudan’s strongest partners in promoting peace, resilience, and sustainable development.
Through GIZ, Berlin continues to support projects in rural development, water and sanitation, local governance, and gender equality across the country.
Officials from the State Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the Aweil Centre County Agriculture Department praised the initiative as a symbol of international cooperation and community empowerment.
“This is not just about clean water,” said one state official. “It’s about healthier families, stronger livelihoods, and hope for future generations.”
As the sun set over Aweil, residents gathered around the newly installed taps—some drawing water for the first time in months, others simply watching in gratitude.
For them, the clean water breakthrough marks not just the flow of water, but the start of renewed life.
