UNDP Launches USD 3.5 Million Initiative to Improve Water and Sanitation in Sudan

NEW YORK, USA: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is proud to announce the launch of a transformative project titled "Support and Empowerment in the Water and Sanitation Sector in Sudan." This initiative, with a total budget of USD 3,500,000, aims to enhance access to safe and clean water for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable communities in the Kassala and Gedaref States.

Recent assessments have revealed that one of the most urgent needs for IDPs in Sudan is access to safe drinking water. According to data from the Ministry of Infrastructure and water departments, existing water networks are functioning at less than 40% capacity due to power shortages and increased consumption. Many IDPs are compelled to collect water from distant and often contaminated sources, which poses significant health risks.

The lack of access to clean water not only increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid but also adversely affects education and economic stability. Children often miss school to help collect water, while families face economic hardships due to the time and resources spent on this essential task.

The main objective of this project is to improve the water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions for conflict-affected and displaced populations. This

initiative will directly benefit 833,520 individuals and indirectly impact over 5 million people across the region.

Key activities include the establishment and solarization of 10 new water yards, the rehabilitation of 44 non-functional water points, and the creation of 54 water user associations, with a focus on female participation. The project will also distribute water collection containers, water treatment tablets, and hygiene kits to vulnerable households. Furthermore, it aims to enhance waste management by providing new collection machinery and steel containers for garbage.

In addition to these activities, educational materials will be developed to raise awareness about sanitation and hygiene, reaching approximately 10,000 people.

The UNDP is committed to ensuring that this project not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters sustainable solutions to water and sanitation challenges in Sudan. By leveraging community involvement and promoting hygiene practices, the initiative aims to create a healthier and more resilient environment for those affected by conflict and displacement.