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In a collaborative effort to improve access to clean water, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sudan, the State Water Corporation of Kassala, and Kassala Local Authorities have inaugurated two new solar-powered water pumps in Kassala City. This initiative aims to significantly increase the daily water supply in the Eastern and Southern sections of the city, boosting capacity from 200,000 liters to 450,000 liters per day. This enhancement will provide a more reliable and sustainable source of safe drinking water for residents, including host communities and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The “Solar Systems for Water Pumps in Kassala State” project, funded by UNDP and supported by the UNDP Crisis Bureau, is designed to address the city’s ongoing water shortages, exacerbated by frequent power outages and rising fuel costs. With the new solar-powered pumps, Kassala City will have a continuous water supply, unaffected by electricity disruptions.
Surayo Buzurukova, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for Programme in Sudan, emphasized the importance of sustainable water management, stating, “The water crisis in Sudan demands immediate and coordinated intervention. Our initiative in Kassala moves beyond temporary relief to foster long-term water resilience. We are empowering communities to manage their water resources, ensuring access for generations to come.”
Al Bahi Mohammad Ahmed Al Bahi, Manager of the State Water Corporation of Kassala, praised the project’s impact, noting, “Our stations used to run on electric power, and the power cuts lasted more than eight hours a day. Now, with solar energy, the plant operates around the clock, and water productivity has increased. Areas that were suffering from thirst now have a consistent water supply.”
Traditionally, Kassala City relied on boreholes along the Gash River, but inconsistent electricity hindered water delivery. The newly solarized pumps, officially handed over to the State Water Corporation on August 8th, ensure a stable water flow, regardless of power outages.
Looking ahead, three more solar-powered water pumps are planned to further enhance Kassala City’s water supply. This project is part of UNDP Sudan’s broader efforts to improve water security across Sudan, particularly in crisis-affected areas. Since the conflict’s onset in April 2023, UNDP has supported the establishment and solarization of over 30 water yards, delivering approximately 13 million liters of clean water daily to over 850,000 people nationwide.
UNDP remains committed to partnering with local entities to provide essential services and promote long-term resilience, contributing to peace, social cohesion, and sustainable recovery across Sudan. |
