El Fasher , July 1?Darfur 24)
The General Administration of Urban Water in North Darfur accused the Rapid Support Forces of destroying and sabotaging water sources and supply lines west of El Fasher.
Engineer Khaled Ishaq, Director of the General Administration of Urban Water, told Darfur 24 that after invading villages in the Shagra and Golo areas last January, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) destroyed water sources and nearly completely damaged supply lines, exacerbating the suffering of residents in El Fasher.
Ishaq indicated that the RSF targeted water tanks and wells in Shagra al-Qoz, Shagra al-Wadi, and Golo Dam. They disabled centrifugal pumps, cut supply lines, and bulldozed the main water pipelines carrying water to El Fasher using loaders.
He added, “The General Administration of Urban Water recently managed to operate four wells using solar energy in Shagra to ease the burden on citizens. Unfortunately, the same forces stole the panels and operating systems, causing the station to shut down.”
Khaled also indicated that the main water station in the Awlad al-Reef neighborhood was also targeted, leading to the shutdown of the city’s main water drains.
He stated that the RSF forces stationed at Golo Dam are the ones responsible.
Ishaq confirmed that the destruction and sabotage of water sources, the cutting of supply lines, and the targeting of the main water station have completely halted water services in El Fasher. He indicated that private wells have alleviated the suffering of the population.
Darfur 24 was unable to obtain comment from the Rapid RSF at the Golo reservoir regarding these accusations.