Local authorities and residents in Rubkona County are celebrating the restoration of clean water sources and strengthened community peace initiatives that are transforming lives in the flood-affected region.
Community leaders say the initiative has brought new hope to thousands who previously faced water scarcity, insecurity, and displacement due to conflict and climate shocks.
The renewed access to clean water has also reduced tension among residents, improved safety for women, and promoted cooperation across communities.
The initiative is part of the European Union–funded “Building Resilient Communities” project, which aims to strengthen local structures and enhance resilience in conflict-affected areas of South Sudan.
The program, launched in January 2024, is implemented by a consortium led by Save the Children, in partnership with Tearfund and the Coalition for Humanity (CH).
Since March 2023, Tearfund has supported Rubkona communities through peace awareness campaigns, community dialogues, and the rehabilitation of water points across all eight payams.
According to Mr. John Kangkang Kuo, County Director of Peacebuilding, the organization’s interventions have empowered residents to take ownership of local peace efforts.
“Together with Tearfund, we have empowered communities through peace sessions and established peace champions in all payams,” Kangkang said.
“Their work in spreading peace messages and resolving conflicts has restored trust and unity in our communities.”
At the state level, Mr. Peter Par Tap, Director General at the Unity State Ministry of Peacebuilding, commended Tearfund’s contribution to stability and development.
“Their interventions in peace dialogues, radio programs, and local court rehabilitation have strengthened the rule of law and coexistence,” he said.
Peace Champion Gatjuol Khor Chadop noted that before boreholes were rehabilitated, women often walked long distances and faced harassment while fetching water.
“Now, with nearby boreholes, families feel safer, and disputes over water have reduced,” he said.
Local resident Elizabeth N’Kangle added that communities have formed savings groups to maintain the water facilities.
“We collect small contributions to repair them ourselves,” she explained. “This clean water has changed our lives.”
Officials and residents alike emphasized that peace and access to basic services remain inseparable pillars for lasting stability in Rubkona County.
The EU-funded Building Resilient Communities project supports conflict-affected areas of South Sudan through peacebuilding, climate-smart agriculture, natural resource management, vocational training, and sustainable clean water systems all designed to promote community-driven resilience and amplify the voices of women, youth, and children.
