Juba is in the grip of a severe water crisis as water tank vehicle owners are striking to protest water prices prescribed by the Juba City Council (JCC), which they say are too low and will make them incur losses.
The decision to slash prices from SSP 5,000 to 2,500 within the city and 3,500 per drum in the suburbs has left many residents struggling to access water, but the impact is particularly dire for individuals with disabilities.
Augustino Wudu, the Chairperson of the South Sudan Union of Persons with Disabilities (SSUPWDs), said the impasse must be resolved expeditiously because his members are suffering.
“The strike has affected every citizen but it has become worse for the persons with disabilities. Many of us cannot travel far to fetch water, and without it, our health deteriorates,” he lamented and added: “We urge the authorities to recognize our plight and take swift action to resolve this crisis.”
Wudu stressed that access to clean water is not just a luxury but a fundamental right.
“When water tankers strike, it is not just an inconvenience, it is a direct assault on the livelihoods and well-being of common people,” he added.
Wudu’s voice resonates with many in the city who are grappling with the dual burdens of limited mobility and a lack of resources.
The ongoing strike has compounded an already precarious situation in Juba, where access to clean water has always been a challenge. With water delivery at a standstill, vulnerable residents, including those with physical disabilities, are left to fend for themselves, often forced to rely on family or neighbors for help.
As the situation worsens, community leaders are calling for urgent dialogue between the city council and water tank vehicle owners.
Wudu emphasized that immediate measures must be taken to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive the assistance they need.
“We must not forget that water is life. It is time for the authorities to step in and prioritize the needs of all citizens, especially those who are most affected,” he urged.
As Juba waits for resolution, the struggle for access to clean water remains a pressing issue, drawing attention to the broader challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the country.