(JUBA COUNTY) – More than 5,000 displaced people living in the Gumbo refugee camp on the outskirts of Juba are now better protected from the rainy season after Salesian missionaries distributed waterproof tarpaulins to families.
The intervention comes at a time when South Sudan continues to experience one of the world’s most complex humanitarian emergencies. The country has endured 12 years of internal conflict, made worse by the ongoing war in neighbouring Sudan. Thousands of people continue to cross the border daily, fleeing violence and insecurity, and many have settled in camps like Gumbo.
In Gumbo camp, where more than 6,000 displaced people survive in difficult conditions, the rainy season poses serious risks. Many families had been living under worn plastic sheets that had deteriorated due to extreme weather, including high heat, strong winds, and heavy rains. Without adequate shelter, women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities faced heightened risks of disease, flooding, and the loss of their few belongings.
With support from the Provincial Planning and Development Office, the Salesians launched an emergency response targeting the 750 most vulnerable families. Quality UV-resistant tarpaulins were purchased and distributed, with each family receiving two sheets, enough to cover their shelter.
Father Leo Arokianathan, who leads the project, said the initiative was more than a material donation. “It was not just about delivering materials, but about ensuring the dignity of these people and showing them that they are not alone. The seemingly simple gesture has had a profound impact. More than 5,000 people, including 3,610 women, now sleep in dry conditions, protected and with a greater sense of security,” he said.
A mother in the camp who received the tarpaulins described the impact: “The sheet is more than just a roof. It is the difference between a peaceful night and a frightening night in the rain.”
The tarpaulins also help families preserve privacy and protect essential items such as clothes and cooking utensils from being damaged by water.
Humanitarian organisations working in South Sudan continue to stress the urgent need for shelter assistance. According to aid workers, the provision of waterproof materials, though simple, has a life changing effect on vulnerable families during the rainy months.
| Item Distributed | Number of Families Assisted | Total People Reached | Estimated Women Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|---|
| UV-resistant Tarpaulins (2 per family) | 750 | 5,000+ | 3,610 |
