By William Madouk
South Sudan faces persistent challenges in accessing clean drinking water, managing sanitation and controlling recurring floods.
The country is now exploring potential support from South Korea to address these problems and develop its water resources.
Adut Kiir, South Sudan’s Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs, held talks with the president of Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) on cooperation in water supply, sanitation, flood control and hydropower.
One key ambition is to connect at least 80 per cent of Juba’s population to water services while expanding access beyond the capital.
According to a statement from the Office of the Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs, Adut called for support to “extend water connections to at least 80 per cent of Juba’s population and expand access beyond the capital.”
Achieving that goal would require substantial investment, careful planning and a strategy for extending networks to underserved communities.
Beyond taps: The need for safe water and sanitation
Adut also called for support to develop water treatment plants in Juba and elsewhere in South Sudan, as well as “investment in sewage treatment systems to address waterborne diseases and improve public health.”
Improved treatment and sewage management could reduce risks from unsafe waste disposal, particularly in urban areas where sanitation systems face growing demand.
However, such projects would require reliable funding, maintenance and effective management. The announcement did not specify their cost or construction timelines.
Adut Kiir, South Sudan’s Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs, and K-
Water firm staff [photo by Senior envoy press unit]
The talks also addressed South Sudan’s potential to generate electricity from its water resources.
Adut expressed interest in “unlocking South Sudan’s hydropower potential, particularly the Fula Dam project,” describing it as an opportunity for further exploration.
Developing the Fula Dam and other hydropower infrastructure could expand electricity generation and support economic activity.
But projects of this scale require major financing, technical expertise, environmental assessment and long-term planning.
The discussions with K-water could lead to further technical cooperation, but the statement did not confirm funding, a construction schedule or a commitment to build the dam.
For now, Fula remains an area for exploration rather than a confirmed project.
Floods continue to threaten livelihoods
Water management is also linked to recurring floods that affect communities and farmers across South Sudan.
Floods can destroy crops, damage homes and displace families, increasing humanitarian needs and pressure on vulnerable households.
Adut highlighted the need for “sustainable solutions to protect communities, farmers, and agricultural production from recurring floods.”
Potential cooperation could help identify ways to reduce flood damage, although the announcement did not name specific projects or locations.
Adut Kiir, South Sudan’s Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs, exploring K-Water firm [photo by Senior envoy press unit]
K-water has experience in international water and infrastructure projects, including hydropower development in Pakistan and the Philippines, water supply projects in Indonesia and digital twin technology in Saudi Arabia. That background could support technical discussions with South Sudan.
Adut also emphasized institutional partnerships, including “exchange programmes, scholarships, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen local technical expertise.”
Building local skills would be essential for operating and maintaining treatment plants, hydropower facilities and other infrastructure over time.
Training and technical exchanges could also strengthen expertise in water-resource management and infrastructure planning.
Will the talks deliver results?
The engagement reflects efforts by the Office of the Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs to pursue partnerships supporting South Sudan’s water security, public health, agricultural resilience and infrastructure development.
The ambitions are substantial: expanding water connections in Juba, improving sanitation, reducing flood damage and exploring hydropower.
But the statement announced no signed agreements, confirmed financing or implementation timelines.
The next challenge will be turning the discussions into practical plans with clear funding, responsibilities and delivery schedules.
For communities facing water shortages and recurring floods, the engagement’s value will depend on whether it produces tangible improvements.
For now, South Sudan has opened talks with a potential technical partner; whether they can turn its water and hydropower ambitions into reality remains to be seen.