Sudanese refugees sheltering in camps in eastern Chad are struggling to get clean water and ensure decent sanitation.
Development Diaries reports that about 40,000 people in Metche refugee camp are receiving just six litres of water per person for drinking, cooking, and washing, instead of the recommended 20 litres by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Some of the refugees are unable to even access six litres of water per day, especially those who live far from a water distribution point, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). With safe water in such a limited supply, people are forced to prioritise its usage.
After conflict broke out in Sudan in April 2023, large numbers of Sudanese refugees and Chadian returnees crossed the border into Chad.
In early September 2023, around 40,000 were resettled in Metche, a remote arid region 40 kilometres from Adré. Three months later, with the rainy season over, they face severe water shortages.
The lack of water, latrines and proper waste management poses serious health risks for these refugees.
There are concerns about the rise in cases of acute watery diarrhoea, especially among children under five who are already suffering from malnutrition.
While the MSF is working closely with the local community to provide 16,0000 litres of water daily to the camp, much is yet to be done to address the growing need for clean water and proper sanitation facilities.
Development Diaries, therefore, calls on all development partners working in Chad to provide much-needed support in addressing the water scarcity and other WASH-related callenges in refugee camps.
Source: MSF
Photo source: MSF
