Open defecation. (Courtesy).

South Sudan’s government has reportedly earmarked 56 million US dollars to bolster the presidential compact strategies, which include empowering communities to end open defecation by 2030.

The announcement was made at the Stockholm World Water Week in Sweden which gathered thousands of international leaders and experts this week to address the water and sanitation crisis.

The Compacts are part of the “Heads of State Initiatives” project aimed at advancing water and sanitation services worldwide, which was jointly launched during Stockholm World Water Week by the Government of the Netherlands, International Rescue Committee WASH, the UN-hosted Sanitation and Water for All global partnership (SWA) and UNICEF.

The initiatives are built upon clear commitments that encompass increased budget allocations, innovative sources of financing, and comprehensive plans for the construction of vital water and sanitation infrastructure.

This aims at improving public health, ending open defecation, and increasing climate resiliency.

In an email to Eye Radio on Monday evening, the government of South Sudan has also pledged to expedite the passing of Water Bill 2014 to ensure a safe water supply.

Speaking at the launch event, the partners commended Malawi and South Sudan for their announcements:

“Clean, safe drinking water and safely managed sanitation services are not just human rights, but they’re fundamental building blocks for human and economic development and resilience in the face of climate change,” said Patrick Moriarty, the Chief Executive Officer of IRC WASH.

Meanwhile, Omar Abdi, UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director of Programmes said “Empowering children with access to safe water and sanitation is not just a commitment, but a testament to a brighter, healthier future.”

According to UN agencies, 63% of South Sudanese still practice open defecation due to the situation of conflict, poverty, and lack of infrastructure.