By Simon Deng
Thousands of residents in Kwerjik are set to benefit from improved access to clean drinking water thanks to a new solar-powered borehole. The Türkiye Diyanet Foundation, in collaboration with the Peace Light Foundation, constructed the system, which features an automatic pumping system and two water tanks capable of supplying approximately 4,000 liters of water daily.
For years, Kwerjik residents have relied on a nearby stream for their drinking water, a source that becomes increasingly dirty and unsafe during the dry season as water levels drop. The new system is expected to provide a safer and more reliable water source, significantly reducing health risks associated with contaminated water.
Mary Sebila, a 31-year-old mother of three, described the community’s long-standing dependence on the stream.
“As residents of Kwerjik, water is very important. The building of this water pump is so helpful. We used to fetch water from the stream, and that water is dirty, especially when the water level drops during the dry season,” Sebila stated.
“We appreciate the support provided by partners; getting clean drinking water is becoming difficult without this support. We have many people here who need water; we cannot even estimate the number.”
Machar Butic, the chief of Kwerjik, expressed gratitude to both the South Sudanese and Turkish governments for providing clean drinking water to thousands in the area.
“We have received a water point. We had a water pump before, but it broke down, and people returned to square one. We have thousands of people staying here, and we need enough clean drinking water,” he said.
“We appreciate the work done through the bilateral relationship between South Sudan and Turkiye. We appreciate Turkiye for providing Kwerjik with clean drinking water, and we want services to be provided so that we are comfortable.”
Butic also highlighted the need for more aid agencies to assist Kwerjik, Natoro, and Nus with water, especially given the distances involved and the prevalence of waterborne diseases.
Albino Mayom Awer, the youth representative in Kwerjik, emphasized the critical importance of the support from the Turkiye Diyanet Foundation and the Peace Light Foundation.
“We thank Turkiye Diyanet Foundation for the support given to the citizens of South Sudan. We are happy for this support and for the presidents of South Sudan and Turkiye working to solve the water problem in Kwerjik.”
Suzan Karaba, the women’s representative in Kwerjik, reiterated the challenges of water scarcity, noting that people often fetched water from unsafe shallow streams.
“We have been in trouble for having inadequate water for drinking. We want more support. This area needs enough water. You have seen school children have no water; they travel long distances to get water, and that requires more supply.”
Osman Turk, the African representative for the Turkiye Diyanet Foundation, affirmed the commitment of the Turkish government and people to support their “brothers and sisters” across South Sudan.
“We are happy and excited to be here in Kwerjik. We come from Turkiye as sisters and brothers to provide a gift in the form of a borehole. Water is essential for survival, and we are determined to support our sisters and brothers,” Turk said.
“We hope the bilateral relations between our two sisterly countries and peoples will grow strong. We intend to undertake another project. Water is very important for everybody, and this facility must be protected from damage.”
Monyror Luol Monyluak,the Director General for Peace Light Foundation, stated that the Turkiye Diyanet Foundation has pledged to provide more water facilities to alleviate water access issues nationwide.
“We are drilling boreholes in Kwerjik so that no one is thirsty due to lack of water. The Turkiye Diyanet Foundation has made efforts to build this water pump in Kwerjik, and there is a promise to bring more boreholes for the people across South Sudan.”
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