Experimental Water Pumping at Al-Manara Station Aims to Restore Supply in Omdurman

In a significant move to address the water crisis, experimental pumping of water has commenced at Al-Manara station in Khartoum, Sudan. The initiative, attended by Governor Ahmed Osman Hamza and other officials, aims to restore the water supply to the northern areas of old Omdurman.

The project is a critical step towards alleviating the severe water shortages that have plagued the region. The northern areas of old Omdurman have been particularly affected, with residents facing daily challenges in accessing clean water. The experimental pumping at Al-Manara station is expected to bring much-needed relief to these behavior change communities.

Why this matters: The restoration of water supply to northern areas of old Omdurman has significant implications for the daily lives of residents, particularly in the context of ongoing conflict and displacement. If successful, this initiative could pave the way for further infrastructure improvements and provide a model for other regions facing similar crises.

The backdrop of this initiative is the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has caused widespread destruction and displacement. Over 1.2 million people have been uprooted within Sudan, and about 400,000 have fled to neighboring countries. The conflict has severely impacted Khartoum and Darfur, with intense fighting, shelling, and looting reported in various middle east neighborhoods.

Residents in Khartoum and Omdurman have described the dire conditions they face daily. Mohammed Saleh, a 37-year-old resident, said, "The neighborhood where we live in the center of Omdurman is looted publicly on a daily basis without anyone intervening to prevent it, with clashes and shelling continuing around us." Another resident, Waleed Adam from the Khartoum East district, added, "You see them right in front of you, taking cars, money, gold, whatever they can get their hands on."

The experimental pumping project at Al-Manara station is a symbol of hope for the residents of old Omdurman. While the conflict continues to pose significant challenges, initiatives like these demonstrate efforts to improve living conditions amidst the turmoil. The success of this project could pave the way for further infrastructure improvements and provide a model for other regions facing similar war crises.

During the experimental pumping's progression, the focus remains on ensuring a stable and reliable water supply for the affected areas. The involvement of high-ranking officials, including Governor Ahmed Osman Hamza, highlights the importance of this initiative. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the project's effectiveness and its impact on the local behavior change communities.

Key Takeaways

• Experimental water pumping begins at Al-Manara station in Khartoum, Sudan.
• Aims to restore water supply to northern areas of old Omdurman.
• Region has faced severe water shortages due to ongoing conflict and displacement.
• Initiative could pave way for further infrastructure improvements and provide a model for other crisis-hit regions.
• Success of project crucial for improving living conditions amidst conflict.