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BY SEFRIANO ATHEI
The current strike by international water tank drivers has left hundreds of households within the South Sudanese capital, Juba, combating a extreme water scarcity, exposing the fragility of important providers and the far-reaching penalties of unresolved disputes. What started as a labor protest has escalated right into a humanitarian disaster, threatening the well being, well-being, and dignity of our residents.
The speedy impression on residents
For days, faucets have run dry throughout neighborhoods, forcing residents to seek out different water sources. These with the means have resorted to buying water from non-public suppliers at inflated costs, whereas others, notably probably the most susceptible, have been left to gather water from unsafe sources. This raises issues a couple of potential outbreak of waterborne illnesses corresponding to cholera and dysentery.
Water isn’t just a primary human proper, it’s important to public well being. With out entry to scrub water, hygiene turns into unattainable, rising the chance of sickness, particularly amongst kids and the aged. Faculties, hospitals, and companies have additionally been severely affected, with many compelled to droop operations because of the lack of water.
The foundation reason behind the strike
On the coronary heart of the continuing water strike is a call by the mayor of Juba Metropolis Council (JCC) to cut back the worth of a barrel of water from SSP 5,000 to 2,500. Whereas this transfer was meant to ease the monetary burden on residents, water truck drivers from Eritrea and Ethiopia, who provide a lot of Juba’s water, have expressed robust opposition. They argue that the diminished value is unsustainable because of the rising value of gas and extra charges they face.
The drivers spotlight that the diminished value fails to account for rising gas prices, that are important for operating their vehicles. Moreover, they’re burdened by charges collected by visitors police at varied checkpoints. With these ongoing bills, the diminished charge of SSP 2,500 per barrel leaves them unable to cowl their prices, resulting in the strike.
Efforts to resolve the disaster
To resolve the strike, JCC Deputy Mayor Thiik Thiik Mayardit met with the Eritrean Ambassador to South Sudan. The involvement of diplomatic channels underscores the seriousness of the scenario, as either side search an answer that may finish the disruption and restore water providers to the town.
This high-level engagement highlights the significance of collaboration between native authorities and worldwide stakeholders in resolving a disaster that impacts each the drivers and the broader neighborhood.
The necessity for pressing options
The precedence now could be to mediate the dispute between the town council and the drivers to discover a truthful decision that addresses the drivers’ issues whereas making certain reasonably priced entry to water for residents. The Mayor’s workplace, native authorities, and diplomatic representatives should work swiftly to resolve the deadlock.
Past the speedy disaster, structural reforms are vital to stop comparable disruptions sooner or later. The federal government should think about sustainable pricing fashions that stability the wants of each water suppliers and residents. Moreover, backup plans ought to be developed to safeguard water entry throughout labor disputes or different emergencies.
Constructing resilience for the longer term
This disaster serves as a wake-up name, exposing vulnerabilities within the water provide chain. Transferring ahead, it’s important to spend money on public water infrastructure to cut back dependence on non-public suppliers. The federal government should additionally enhance regulatory frameworks that account for the monetary realities confronted by suppliers whereas making certain water stays reasonably priced for residents.
Neighborhood engagement may even be key to constructing resilience. Initiatives corresponding to rainwater harvesting, community-run water stations, and training on water conservation will help cut back reliance on centralized methods and empower residents to take an lively function in making certain water safety.
Conclusion
Whereas the present water strike could also be resolved quickly, its impression will resonate lengthy after the faucets are turned again on. This disaster has highlighted deep-seated points in how we handle important providers, with each staff and residents paying the worth. As we work in direction of resolving the present scenario, we should look forward to construct a extra sustainable and equitable water system—one which ensures each citizen has entry to scrub water whereas addressing the respectable wants of those that present this important service.
The creator is a former Govt Secretary within the Workplace of the Authorities Chief Whip within the Transitional Nationwide Legislative Meeting and a political activist. He presently works with the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice (CIGPJ) which is dedicated to addressing urgent social points affecting the neighborhood and goals to contribute positively to society by means of advocacy and consciousness, specializing in well being, training, and infrastructure.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles revealed by Radio Tamazuj are solely these of the author. The veracity of any claims made is the accountability of the creator, not Radio Tamazuj
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