Price of drinking water soars in South Darfur camp

The price for drinking water has soared at El Salam camp for the displaced near the South Darfur capital of Nyala, as water supply stations have become ‘commercialised’.

Speaking to Radio Dabanga from the camp, Sheikh Mahjoub Tabeldiya said access to drinking water has become difficult over the last two months since the national organisation WEST stopped supplying fuel for the pumps, or salaries for the staff.

“Six of the water stations operating in the camp have turned into commercial stations after the organisation stopped supplying fuel and disbursement of the salaries of employees. This has resulted in soaring water prices,” Sheikh Tabeldiya said.

He appealed to WEST to resume its support for the water stations, especially considering the holy month of Ramadan is approaching.

The El Salam displaced also complain of the spread of diseases, lack of medicines.

Sheikh Tabeldiya revealed to Radio Dabanga that there are three health centres in the camp to serve 112,000 people.

He pointed out that while about 1,000 patients visit the three centres every day, each centre can only treat about 50 patients a day. “The patients cannot afford to pay for medicines from outside pharmacies.”

He called on the authorities and organisations to increase the number of health centres so as to increase the number of patients who can be treated per day, and to provide medicines.