Bor, South Sudan, Transforms Flood Crisis into Climate-Resilient Water Access
Bor, South Sudan, was submerged by the White Nile floods in late 2020, triggering an emergency response that evolved into a focus on long-term water access solutions. A $5.4 million water-supply project, funded by the Netherlands and South Korea, was completed and handed over to the South Sudan Urban Water Corporation (SSUWC) in November 2025.
This upgrade introduced a climate-resilient, solar-powered water treatment plant built on raised ground with flood protection. A 33-mile pipeline now connects 28 community kiosks, 704 households, seven schools, and a hospital, serving approximately 96,000 users—roughly 80% of Bor's population. Water is priced at 3,500 South Sudanese pounds per cubic meter, with regular customers paying about 2 pence for a 20-litre jerrycan.
Women, including kiosk manager Adeng Lek, lead the management of the kiosks, which provide both a reliable water supply and a social hub for the community. The availability of clean water has positively impacted education; since connection, St Andrew High School has seen improved attendance and performance, with students reporting a reduced risk of bilharzia due to purified water.
Despite this progress in Bor, only about 40% of South Sudan's 13 million people have access to drinking water within a 30-minute walk. Substantial investment and government funding remain needed as donor funding decreases. Approximately 30 core staff were trained for the plant, including electricians, pump mechanics, plumbers, and laboratory technicians, alongside accountants to manage revenue and reporting.
