East Darfur residents question water high prices

March 3, 2016 (ED DAEIN) – East Darfur state witnesses an acute crisis of drinking water, while the price of a barrel of water in some peripheral areas has amounted to SDG20(nearly $2).

The residents of East Darfur have appealed to the federal government and Darfur Regional Authority to speed up solving the drinking water issue in the state and the remote areas, which suffer water shortage and high prices in the service.

Several people in Ed Daein told Sudan Tribune that they stand in long queues at water distribution points in order to get water, especially in the morning and the evening.

They further said the difficulty of getting water is worse in the remote rural areas, especially with the onset of summer which could cause the death of large number of cattle.

Also, they complained the risen prices of water, whereas the price of a medium size water barrel reached (20 SDG) in Ed Daein, capital of East Darfur state.

A local official told Sudan tribune that the price of water has risen in accordance to a decree issued by the state’s governor office providing to temporally increase water price to 20 pounds for the barrel.

The state residents point an accusing finger to the governor, saying his decision serves the interests of the owners of water pumping stations.

They further say the DRA didn’t fulfil its pledge to establish a modern water network in Ed Daein, as the water problem is chronic and well identified.

(ST)