(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has signed a partnership agreement with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to deliver a major flood mitigation and water infrastructure project worth $9.98 million (about 45.9 billion South Sudanese Pounds).
The project will run for one year and is part of the World Bank supported Regional Climate Resilience Programme for Eastern and Southern Africa. It is designed to help communities that have been severely affected by floods and those facing growing water shortages in several states across the country. Beneficiaries are expected in Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes and Upper Nile.
Planned interventions include the rehabilitation of dikes and drainage systems, restoration of community hand pumps and water yards, and the distribution of fishing nets to strengthen food security in flood hit areas. The project will also create short term employment opportunities for local communities, providing an immediate boost to household incomes.
| Project Funding | Value in SSP | Value in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Flood Mitigation and Water Infrastructure Project | 45.9 billion SSP | $9.98 million |
UNOPS will be responsible for carrying out technical assessments, procurement, and construction, while also leading community engagement activities. The agency has committed to ensure that environmental and social safeguards are respected throughout implementation.
Speaking during the signing, Achier Manyuat John, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, said the government is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of project funds. He added that the initiative reflects the country’s determination to work with international partners to address the recurrent challenges of floods and climate pressures.
Petronella Halwiindi, UNOPS Country Manager in South Sudan, described the project as an important investment in resilience. She said the initiative will not only deliver sustainable infrastructure but also provide protection for vulnerable communities against recurring flood disasters.
South Sudan has in recent years faced increasingly severe flooding, with large parts of Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile counties experiencing displacement, loss of farmland and destruction of livelihoods. The new project is expected to provide a model for practical solutions to climate related risks while contributing to national efforts on disaster preparedness.
The government has previously stressed that without stronger investment in water infrastructure and climate resilience, recurring floods could continue to undermine development prospects in agriculture, trade and local economies. The new partnership with UNOPS is therefore seen as a critical step toward strengthening both infrastructure and community resilience in one of Africa’s most climate vulnerable countries.
UNOPS to Build Flood Defences in South Sudanese States
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Parties Involved | Government of South Sudan (Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation) and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) |
| Project Value | $9.98 million (about 45.9 billion SSP) |
| Funding Source | World Bank financed Regional Climate Resilience Programme for Eastern and Southern Africa |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Target Areas | Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes, and Upper Nile States |
| Planned Activities | Rehabilitation of dikes and drainage systems, Restoration of hand pumps and water yards, Distribution of fishing nets, Short term job creation for communities |
| UNOPS Role | Technical assessments, procurement, construction, community engagement, environmental and social safeguards |
| Government Commitment | Transparency and accountability in project implementation (as stated by Undersecretary Achier Manyuat John) |
| UNOPS Statement | Delivering sustainable infrastructure to protect communities and enhance resilience (Petronella Halwiindi, Country Manager) |
| Context | South Sudan faces recurring floods displacing communities, damaging farmland, and undermining development |