The Lopetet and Lotelengorait communities in Kapoeta
North County, Eastern Equatoria State, say they are happy after an NGO offered
them water yards.
“I would like to register my sincere thanks to the FAO and
OPRD for the great work they are doing. We are very grateful,” said Epone
Emmnauel Lolimo, commissioner, on behalf of the beneficiaries.
The Solar-powered water systems were installed by the
Organization for Peace Relief and Development (ORPD), with support from the UN
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Unlike traditional handpumps, solar-powered systems can
be used for water storage and can supply water for multiple purposes, making
water available to a larger population, according to UNICEF.
This reduces walking and waiting times, and can make
water readily accessible to schools, health-care facilities, and entire
communities.
“The communities will be relieved from this tiresome
experience of always having water challenges and traveling great distances to
get water for livestock and humans,” Lolimo added.
Lack of food and clean drinking water has been one of the
major problems facing communities in greater Kapoeta, particularly Kapoeta
North and East counties, which witnesses drought and famine annually.
The pastoralist communities also participate in
subsistence farming, mostly sorghum, maize, and leafy vegetables which supplement
their dairy diets.