El Fasher, April 25(Darfur 24) The city of El Fasher, North Darfur, is facing a severe water crisis after the main water supply network went out of service following the Rapid Support Forces’ control of the Golo and Shagra reservoirs, west of the city, months ago.
The General Administration of Urban Water explained that four main water distribution stations have completely stopped operating due to repeated attacks on water infrastructure, particularly in the Awlad al-Rif neighborhoods, leading to a complete disruption of the water supply.
The director of the department, Engineer Khaled Ishaq, previously told Darfur 24 that the widespread destruction of the reservoirs had caused the shutdown of the drains and the main station. He pointed out that the current situation threatens a humanitarian disaster, given the inability of operating wells due to fuel shortages.
Residents confirmed that the price of a barrel of water had risen from 4,000 to 10,000 Sudanese pounds due to the scarcity of diesel and the rise in the price of a gallon on the black market to 250,000 Sudanese Pounds.
Citizen Babiker Abdullah indicated that donkey carts have become the only means of transporting water, while some station owners have begun to consider switching to solar energy as an alternative solution.
He added, “In light of this situation, the army has contributed to providing fuel to operate some stations, alongside community efforts led by youth initiatives.”
He added, “Despite these efforts, the crisis continues, especially in the northern neighborhoods, where a barrel of water sells for around 7,000 Sudanese pounds, an amount beyond the means of many residents and displaced persons.” Regarding its availability and the increased consumption of water with the rising temperatures in the summer.
The owner of a water well north of the city told Darfur 24 that he travels throughout the day into the city, despite the intense artillery shelling, to search for a can of fuel, which costs more than one million Sudanese pounds.
He pointed out that there is great difficulty in obtaining fuel and filling water containers at a price of 4,000 Sudanese pounds, with no additional cost to citizens.
Since last May, El Fasher has been under a tight siege by the Rapid Support Forces, which seek to control the city as the last stronghold of the Sudanese army in the Darfur region.