The overarching goal of the USAID/OTI Sudan program is to strengthen Sudanese confidence and capacity to address the causes and consequences of the political marginalization, violence, and instability that has consumed the country for nearly 50 years.
Working within the context of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the OTI Sudan program focuses on promoting the emergence of responsive
and effective civil authorities, establishing peaceful dialogue within and among communities, fostering the emergence of an active civil society, increasing the availability of independent information, and protecting vulnerable populations from grave human rights violations and related abuses.
Providing Income-Generating Activities and Basic Public Services in Malakal
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| USAID/OTI employed local day laborers to rehabilitate drainage ditches, culverts, and foot bridges in Malakal in southern Sudan. |
Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in January 2005, large towns and cities in southern Sudan have witnessed an increase in population as internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees have returned home or resettled. Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile State, is one of many urban centers in southern Sudan suffering from an inability to meet the basic needs of its expanding populace. Sanitation is poor, clean water remains a luxury, and the threat of a cholera outbreak is high. Moreover, the city's pre-existing clan militia activity in combination with the intensifying competition for scarce resources is increasing the potential for conflict and instability. In response, USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) is providing support to improve sanitation systems in Malakal.
In partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation and the Adventist Development and Relief Association, USAID/OTI employed 1,000 local day laborers to rehabilitate drainage ditches, culverts, and foot bridges in Malakal. In addition, USAID/OTI built pit latrines for 175 IDP and returnee families. This activity helped address the city's sanitation issues and also provided income-generating opportunities for local workers.
USAID/OTI's support to the local authorities in Malakal is essential for the stability of the region, as the city is a major crossroads for commerce between northern and southern Sudan. The project is one of many activities USAID/OTI is implementing in southern Sudan during this crucial transition period. Other major efforts include the reconstruction or rehabilitation of roads, schools, and hospitals to help meet basic needs.
For further information, please contact:
In Washington, D.C: : Victoria Rames, Program Manager, Tel: (202) 712-4899, vrames@usaid.gov
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