Participants selected from different communities of Akobo in the rebel-administered 'Bieh State' on Saturday completed a six-day training in sustainable water committee management.

The training was organized by Nile Hope Development Forum Office in Akobo East sponsored by UNICEF Water and Sanitation (WASH) program. Participants were trained in hygiene promotion, water treatment, solar energy power operation, and boreholes rehabilitation and maintenance.

Akobo East County Director of Urban and Rural Water Sanitation Bile Chuo Wounthouw appreciated the initiative initiated by Nile Hope Development Forum and said that the trained water committee will help maintain the existing boreholes and water pipes in the county.

Speaking at the conclusion of the six day training, Manager of Water and Sanitation John Bilok said that the workforce will be able to run or maintain the over 80 handpumps, boreholes and 15 motorized boreholes in the county.

Akobo has a water distribution system in urban areas but less safe drinking water avaialble in rural areas where many people still depend on river water.