BY SEFRIANO ATHEI
The recent strike by foreign water tank drivers has left thousands of families in the South Sudanese capital, Juba, struggling with a severe water shortage, exposing the fragility of essential services and the far-reaching consequences of unresolved disputes. What began as a labor protest has escalated into a humanitarian crisis, threatening the health, well-being, and dignity of our citizens.
The immediate impact on citizens
For days, taps have run dry across neighborhoods, forcing residents to find alternative water sources. Those with the means have resorted to purchasing water from private suppliers at inflated prices, while others, particularly the most vulnerable, have been left to collect water from unsafe sources. This raises concerns about a potential outbreak of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery.
Water is not just a basic human right, it is essential to public health. Without access to clean water, hygiene becomes impossible, increasing the risk of illness, especially among children and the elderly. Schools, hospitals, and businesses have also been severely affected, with many forced to suspend operations due to the lack of water.
The root cause of the strike
At the heart of the ongoing water strike is a decision by the mayor of Juba City Council (JCC) to reduce the price of a barrel of water from SSP 5,000 to 2,500. While this move was intended to ease the financial burden on citizens, water truck drivers from Eritrea and Ethiopia, who supply much of Juba’s water, have expressed strong opposition. They argue that the reduced price is unsustainable due to the rising cost of fuel and additional fees they face.
The drivers highlight that the reduced price fails to account for increasing fuel costs, which are critical for running their trucks. Additionally, they are burdened by fees collected by traffic police at various checkpoints. With these ongoing expenses, the reduced rate of SSP 2,500 per barrel leaves them unable to cover their costs, leading to the strike.
Efforts to resolve the crisis
To resolve the strike, JCC Deputy Mayor Thiik Thiik Mayardit met with the Eritrean Ambassador to South Sudan. The involvement of diplomatic channels underscores the seriousness of the situation, as both sides seek a solution that can end the disruption and restore water services to the city.
This high-level engagement highlights the importance of collaboration between local authorities and international stakeholders in resolving a crisis that affects both the drivers and the wider community.
The need for urgent solutions
The priority now is to mediate the dispute between the city council and the drivers to find a fair resolution that addresses the drivers’ concerns while ensuring affordable access to water for citizens. The Mayor’s office, local authorities, and diplomatic representatives must work swiftly to resolve the impasse.
Beyond the immediate crisis, structural reforms are necessary to prevent similar disruptions in the future. The government must consider sustainable pricing models that balance the needs of both water providers and citizens. Additionally, backup plans should be developed to safeguard water access during labor disputes or other emergencies.
Building resilience for the future
This crisis serves as a wake-up call, exposing vulnerabilities in the water supply chain. Moving forward, it is critical to invest in public water infrastructure to reduce dependence on private suppliers. The government must also improve regulatory frameworks that account for the financial realities faced by suppliers while ensuring water remains affordable for citizens.
Community engagement will also be key to building resilience. Initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, community-run water stations, and education on water conservation can help reduce reliance on centralized systems and empower citizens to take an active role in ensuring water security.
Conclusion
While the current water strike may be resolved soon, its impact will resonate long after the taps are turned back on. This crisis has highlighted deep-seated issues in how we manage essential services, with both workers and citizens paying the price. As we work towards resolving the current situation, we must look ahead to build a more sustainable and equitable water system—one that ensures every citizen has access to clean water while addressing the legitimate needs of those who provide this vital service.
The author is a former Executive Secretary in the Office of the Government Chief Whip in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and a political activist. He currently works with the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice (CIGPJ) which is committed to addressing pressing social issues affecting the community and aims to contribute positively to society through advocacy and awareness, focusing on health, education, and infrastructure.
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