Why is clean water so important to chiefs in South Sudan?
Last year, the GEMS Development Foundation installed a well in Majok Goi, South Sudan. We caught up with Amet Ruay Bol, the paramount chief of Majok Goi, to ask him why clean water is so important for his village.
What is your name?
My name is Chief Amet Ruay Bol. I am 60 years old and married with 4 wives and 18 children!
Which tribe are you chief of? How long have you been chief?
I’m Dinka and I’m Chief for Dinka and other tribes that are residing in my village! I have been a Chief for (30) years!
Can you describe the dry season? How long does it last? How does that impact the villagers?
Yes, dry season, is the year which rainfalls are not available anymore in the areas, and we term that here as the year of dry seasons! It takes long time about (5) months respectively! It created a lot of disorder, many diseases break out because of lacking of Clean water for drinking and many domestic animals dead because of dryness and that has very bad impact to villagers to control or managed!
Do you have families migrate to other areas during these seasons? How does it affect the food supply?
Yes, in the year of dry seasons, many people migrate with their families and animals looking for water for animals in other areas! It may be long some time and maybe short time, it depends on the year of the rains!
What impact does having access to clean water have on your village?
Availability of Clean water for my village is the first priority and has positive impact to my community! I have 25,000 people in my village that need clean water and each well brings greater health and happiness for my people.
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