Water For Life

The Problem

The Solution

Water Facts

Sudan Appeal

Bangladesh Programme

Islamic Relief Action in Darfur

Two million people have been driven from their villages because of fighting that began two years ago in Sudan's troubled Darfur region. Today, the crisis is still unresolved, and they are unable to return home.

Farming abandoned across Darfur

Most of those who fled their villages are farmers; instead of working the land they have been forced to languish in the squalid refugee camps of Darfur. Local agricultural production has been ruined by the conflict – the planting season has been missed once again this year so there will be nothing to eat except handouts from the aid agencies.

Water and Sanitation

IR staff are drilling wells in and around the Kerinding II camp in Al-Geneina.

A total of 76 wells have been bored so far: 11 in the camp, 58 in neighbouring areas and another 7 in Azerni to the north of Al-Geneina. Hand pumps have been installed for 48 wells, and 196 people, both men and women, have undergone training as hand pump mechanics.

IR has constructed 270 latrines, 181 bathing cabinets and 252 communal showers. Water bladders that can hold 62,000 litres of water have been set up in Kerinding II. A set of 20 latrines were also installed in the camp school and nursery for children.

Water is supplied by tankers at least twice daily, but IR is planning to develop a more permanent water supply system in the camp.