‘No drinking water, no school in Otash camp, South Darfur’

The residents of Otash camp for the displaced in Nyala locality have been suffering from a severe shortage of water for the past month. Many students left school because their parents cannot afford to pay the monthly fees.

An Otash camp elder told Radio Dabanga that three water pumps broke down five weeks ago. “Seven other engines have needed need maintenance for ages and only work at intervals,” he added.

He said that WEST, the governmental organisation in charge of drinking water provision to the camps, does not provide the fuel needed for the pumps.

School fees

The camp elder also reported that many students did not enrol in schools this year, as they cannot afford to pay the monthly fees.

“This year the schools imposed a monthly fee of SDG15 ($2.50) per student to be able to attract teachers, buy desks and books, and erect classrooms,” he explained.

He called on the authorities to provide fuel and spare parts “as soon as possible”, and on organisations working in the educational field to support the schools so that the children can continue their classes.