The aid group Oxfam has constructed latrines, water systems and bathing stations for thousands of people and dispatched additional aid workers to Wau following a spate of ethnic violence in the town.

Oxfam have constructed 105 latrines, 42 bathing shelters and 9 hand washing facilities for people shelter under the production of peacekeepers near a UN base in the town, while constructing 75 latrines, three water bladders, 40 bathing shelters and rehabilitating 30 latrines and 2 boreholes at a displacement site at the Catholic Church.

They have also distributed jerry cans, buckets, soap, and plastic sheets.

According to Sally Cooper, the group's Advocacy and Campaigns Manager in Juba, the aid group's work mainly focuses on the UNMISS camp and the Catholic Cathedral where more than 22,000 IDPs are seeking shelter, protection and services.

“In the coming days, Oxfam will continue its work at the UNMISS camp and the Catholic Church. We will also establish an Oral Rehydration Point at UNMISS to treat diarrhoea cases,” she said.

Zlatko Gegic, Oxfam Country Director in South Sudan, pointed out that some displaced people whom he met in Wau “lost their entire families and households, escaping the violence with nothing but their bare lives.”

“I am deeply saddened by horrendous stories of violence and suffering. Oxfam has spared no efforts from the very onset of the crisis to provide life saving assistance to those most in need and I am very glad that our team has managed to organise and deliver an impressive support in such a short period of time,” added Zlatko.

He also said that Oxfam is currently working to expand humanitarian assistance to other areas outside Wau.

Photo credit: ICRC