(BOR, JONGLEI STATE) – The Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hon. James Mawich Makuach, has officially inaugurated the Bor Urban Water Supply System in Bor Town, Jonglei State, marking a major milestone in efforts to expand access to safe and reliable drinking water across South Sudan.
The inauguration, held on 6 November 2025, was attended by H.E. Dr. Riek Gai Kok, Governor of Jonglei State H.E. Paul Maria Tholen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Hon. Yar Paul Kuol, Managing Director of the South Sudan Urban Water Corporation and Mrs. Boss Noal Skinner, UNICEF Country Representative. Other senior officials, including state ministers, advisors and members of the legislature, were also present.
The project, powered by solar energy, is designed to provide clean water to an estimated 96,000 people in Bor, easing the daily burden on households, especially women and girls, who often walk long distances to fetch water.
Mrs. Skinner of UNICEF praised the initiative as a “transformative step” in improving health, hygiene, and community well-being. She credited the success of the project to strong partnerships among the Government of South Sudan, UNICEF, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Hon. Yar Paul Kuol of the South Sudan Urban Water Corporation described the system as a model for urban water development across the country. She expressed appreciation to the Ministry for its continued support and urged the Bor community to help protect the infrastructure.
Ambassador Tholen commended the collaboration among international and national partners, highlighting the Netherlands’ ongoing commitment to supporting water management, flood control, and community development in South Sudan.
Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok expressed gratitude to the Dutch government for its friendship and technical cooperation, calling the project “a symbol of trust and partnership for the people of Jonglei.”
In his address, Minister Makuach reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving water governance, building local capacity, and promoting innovation in sustainable water management. He announced plans to establish the South Sudan National Water Institute to enhance research and training in the sector.
He later thanked the Government and people of Jonglei for their hospitality and reaffirmed his Ministry’s partnership with the South Sudan Urban Water Corporation to ensure continued progress in providing safe, affordable water nationwide.
This project, officials said, demonstrates how collaboration between government and development partners can deliver real results for communities, helping move South Sudan closer to universal access to clean water.
| Key Figures | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Location | Bor Town, Jonglei State |
| Beneficiaries | 96,000 residents |
| Partners | Government of South Sudan, UNICEF, Netherlands, KOICA |
| System Type | Solar powered urban water supply |
| Launch Date | 6 November 2025 |