Fuel shortage halts water pumps in Tawila, North Darfur

The displaced residents of the three Tawila camps of North Darfur are experiencing a scarcity of fuel especially diesel. The knock-on effect is a lack of drinking water and rising prices.Tawila camps’ residents told Radio Dabanga on Friday that the diesel shortage has caused the water stations in the region to grind to a complete halt. The price of a barrel of water has risen to SDG 8 ($1.80). This has a further negative effect on livestock and vegetable farms that are now threatened by drought unless diesel reaches the camp from El Fasher, the state capital.In addition to these shortages, there is dire and urgent need for plastic sheeting due to the approaching rainy season. Residents have appealed to the state and local authorities to speed-up the provision of diesel and to the humanitarian organisations to provide aid urgently.Tawila residents raised similar issues to Radio Dabanga last month. Related: Fuel shortage leading to rising prices in North Darfur locality (4 April 2013)