The African Development Bank Group and UNICEF have launched a major emergency initiative to address the worsening water crisis in Port Sudan through an investment of approximately $58 million. The project aims to restore access to safe water and sanitation services for hundreds of thousands of people, particularly children and displaced families who are increasingly vulnerable to water shortages and waterborne diseases.
Port Sudan has experienced growing pressure on its water infrastructure due to the arrival of large numbers of internally displaced people. Existing water systems are currently meeting less than 40 percent of the city’s demand, creating significant public health and humanitarian challenges. The project seeks to alleviate these pressures by restoring critical services and improving living conditions for both displaced populations and host communities.
Financed through the African Development Fund and implemented by UNICEF, the initiative is expected to provide safe water access to as many as 750,000 people. Approximately 600,000 beneficiaries are located in Port Sudan, including a substantial number of internally displaced individuals. The project will also improve sanitation services for around 200,000 people and extend support to vulnerable communities in conflict-affected areas of North and South Kordofan.
The programme will focus on rehabilitating damaged water infrastructure, including water sources, pipelines, and distribution networks. It will also expand sanitation services, promote hygiene practices to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, and strengthen the capacity of local water authorities to ensure the long-term sustainability of essential services.
Special attention will be given to ensuring that vulnerable groups, including children and displaced families, have reliable access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Improved services in schools, healthcare facilities, and communities are expected to contribute to better health outcomes, reduced disease transmission, and greater resilience among affected populations.
The initiative combines immediate humanitarian assistance with longer-term investments in climate-resilient infrastructure. By restoring and strengthening water systems, the project aims to provide sustainable solutions that help communities cope with ongoing challenges while improving access to one of the most essential public services in Sudan.
