PRESS RELEASE

UNAMID Chief launches water resource initiative in Darfur

El Fasher, 26 April 2011 – Greeted by hundreds of formerly displaced persons in the village of Kuma Garadayat, North Darfur, UNAMID Joint Special Representative (JSR) Ibrahim Gambari today launched a large-scale project aimed at helping to protect thousands of returnees in Darfur.

The village, located about 60km from El Fasher in North Darfur, is home to nearly three thousand returnees. JSR Gambari distributed a large number of high-capacity rolling water containers to women in the village. Within the next two weeks, UNAMID will be providing several thousand of these carriers to eight returnee villages throughout the region, as part of a series of recovery and development initiatives.

“One of the major sources of conflict in Darfur is access to water,” said the JSR. “Among our main priorities is to assist communities who want to return to their homes continue with their lives. And so I want to show you our commitment to seeking durable peace and access to water.”

Throughout the region, women and children are responsible for collecting water for their families. When venturing too far from their homes, they are often at risk of attack. The barrel-shaped rollers hold 75 litres, approximately four standard jerry cans, and reduce the number of trips needed to meet a family’s water need. Their design also relieves much of the physical burden of carrying water. With many Darfuris having to travel great distances to reach their nearest water point, the ability to carry more water in fewer journeys affords a greater sense of safety to these communities.

JSR Gambari distrubutes water carriers in Kuma Garadayat. Photo by Olivier Chassot/UNAMID

This initial distribution is the first phase of a wider initiative. Within a few months, the Mission plans to work with local partners to help distribute these carriers to other communities throughout the region and, eventually produce them locally. The eight villages were selected due to their poor access to water sources and severe drought during the dry season. Within these communities, priority was given to women heads of households, vulnerable persons and those living farthest from water points. 
                                                                                                                                                                 

Water carriers were also provided to a women’s cooperative in West Darfur to assist with the organization’s income-generating activities, which go toward supporting widows and women heads of households.

“This project is to make life easier and safer for women, and also to underscore the fact that water hasn’t only been a source of conflict, it is also the solution,” said the JSR. “It is our hope that their use will not only support former displaced persons but also help protect civilians as they return to resume their lives.”

JSR Gambari also pledged UNAMID’s support in start a number of projects aimed at training midwives, and helping to improve health and education in the village. 

Distribution of water carriers in Kuma Garadayat. Photo by Olivier Chassot/UNAMID

Communication and Public Information Division Media Contacts

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