(BOR COUNTY) – A new solar powered water treatment plant was inaugurated in Bor today, bringing safe drinking water to over 96,000 residents and marking a major step forward in improving access to clean water in Jonglei State.
The project was funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented by UNICEF South Sudan in partnership with the Government of South Sudan. The facility is among the largest water supply systems in the country and is expected to significantly reduce waterborne diseases while improving public health in the region.
During the inauguration, representatives from the Netherlands Embassy highlighted the importance of trust and cooperation in achieving lasting change.
“Turning water from the Nile into safe drinking water for 96,000 people in Bor — that is what this new facility makes possible,” the Embassy said in a statement.
Officials emphasised that the plant’s sustainability will rely on effective local management and community responsibility. Authorities were urged to ensure that revenue from water payments is reinvested to maintain and expand the service as the facility is handed over to the South Sudan Urban Water Corporation.
The solar powered system will reduce reliance on fuel based water pumps and lower operational costs, while providing a reliable supply of clean water to households, schools, and health centres across Bor. The plant also supports environmentally friendly solutions in South Sudan’s water sector by harnessing solar energy.
Bor Solar Water Plant Key Facts
| Feature | Details | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Population Served | 96,000 residents | Improved access to safe water |
| Energy Source | Solar power | Reduced operational costs and carbon footprint |
| Implementing Agencies | UNICEF South Sudan, Government of South Sudan | Effective local and international partnership |
| Funding | Netherlands, KOICA | International support for development |
| Public Health | Waterborne disease reduction | Enhanced community health and hygiene |
With proper management and community engagement, the facility is expected to provide safe and reliable water for decades to come.