11 November 2013- Seeking to assist about 300 households in Terekeka County, Central Equatoria State, with improved hygiene and sanitation, UNMISS launched a water filter production project there today.

The project, implemented by the Pan-Aweil Development Agency (PADA) with funding from UNMISS, is one of several Quick Impact Projects UNMISS is supporting in different states of South Sudan.

As part of its activities, UNMISS provides funds for selected communities in South Sudan to support small-scale activities and projects that help consolidate peace through strategic livelihood activities.

According to UNMISS Recovery, Reintegration and Peacekeeping Officer Lauro Ohiyu, Terekeka County experiences major challenges in accessing clean and safe water.

“The majority of the population in the county drink water collected from the river or ponds,” he said. “This leads to water-borne diseases such as guinea worms.”

To assist the population, UNMISS identified water filter projects as essential for the county.

Last week, PADA completed training of 28 youths in the production of bio-sand water filters, which will be made locally in the county. Once production is completed, the filters will be distributed among targeted households.