Serious water shortage in eastern Chad camp

Refugees facing threat of diseases as they use contaminated water from nearby valleys

Nearly 45,000 Sudanese refugees from the Brejean camp (eastern Chad) are suffering from acute water shortage after the water pump’s generator broke down, residents complained on Tuesday.

This has resulted in refugees traveling to nearby valleys in search of water for drinking and domestic purposes. The water from the valleys is, however, not suitable for consumption.

Refugees in the camp told Radio Dabanga that the water was contaminated by both human and animal waste and carcasses leading to the spread of waterborne diseases, especially among children.

The camp residents have appealed to the UNHCR, Red Cross of Chad and Eve Bakhit Adam, coordinator of the women’s camp who oversees the water supply in the camp, to take immediate action.