Water supply for Sudanese refugees at Farchana camp

For almost two years, there has been no drinking water point near the nutrition centre or its surroundings, let alone at Farchana.

Camp residents, including schoolchildren, refugees, returnees and host populations, are finally smiling again. “You can't imagine my joy and gratitude for this water hydrant,” says matron Fawzia, who assists women in labour. Next to her is a local woman who is delighted with the construction of the mini drinking water supply, as it means she can now use water for washing dishes and clothes. 'I'm really relieved about the very long distances I had to travel to Ouadis to fetch poor-quality water for my household needs. It's such a relief! Thank you so much.”

For the head of the health centre's nutrition department, this water tower is making a real difference to the lives of patients, carers and the general public. “Water is life,” he says. “Without it in a health centre, everything else is a waste of time. We have to keep the premises clean, we have to drink it, and we have to wash to work.” Water is essential to relieve patients, most of whom are children and women. It's especially important for severely malnourished children, as we can only prepare their meals with drinking water,” admits the health centre manager. The drinking water mini-adduction system has six standpipes and is equipped with a solar-powered pumping station to fill a 30 m³ water tower.

Clean Water Brings Smiles to Schoolchildren

Two of the six standpipes are located in the schoolyard at Farchanan.  In the past, pupils would run to the houses to quench their thirst at recess time. But now, as one enthusiastic pupil explains, all they have to do to quench their thirst is take a few steps. “You know, we have a school canteen here, so after eating, we have to drink water. So this hydrant is a blessing for us. Thank you!” notes another student.

The drinking water point is a godsend for learners and teaching staff, according to the school's Deputy Director. 'As you can see, it's break time and everyone is currently drinking water. We're really pleased about one thing, which is its proximity to the school. It means that children don't have to go home to get water before coming back to class”, he explains. He then prays to God to bless the donors and World Vision staff for providing this blessing. He urges the organisation to do its utmost to ensure there are no interruptions to the drinking water service.