Just a few weeks ago, Mission Easts’ International Director, Peter Drummond Smith embarked on a journey to Gaga Refugee Camp in Eastern Chad, a region where we plan to initiate a project within the current year.
Nestled just 30 km from the Sudanese border, the camp has become a refuge for many people fleeing the devastating war that erupted in Sudan back in April 2023. Gaga Refugee Camp stands as a testament to resilience, having been established during the Darfur conflict of 2003 and continuing to shelter refugees to this day. With its increasing population the need for essential resources like water is dire.
No shade and sandy soil
“My first thought on entering the camp was: ‘wow, these people really need water and would not survive for long without it’. It is just so hot and dry out here with almost no shade to shelter from the baking sun. You just see a landscape of sandy soil dotted with scrubby trees. I had arrived shortly after midday – with the sun high in the tropical sky and temperature at 45C.” Peter says.
Thankfully, Mission East’s trusted partner, Läkarmissionen / LM International International, is at the forefront, leading water and sanitation initiatives within the camp. They drill boreholes 60-80 meters into the rock to source water and put in place robust infrastructure including innovative solar powered pumps, tanks, and distribution pipelines, to ensure every family has access to life-sustaining water. They have also built clean latrines (toilets) and teach good hygiene practices to help prevent the spread of cholera and other diseases that can cause deadly epidemics in refugees camps.
In summary, it’s an incredibly productive project that we’re eager to further engage with.
