New Reservoir in Terekeka County Provides Water for Farmers and Cattle Herders

Chronic water shortages have long fueled competition between farmers and cattle keepers in Terekeka county, often sparking raids and violence. To address both the humanitarian need for irrigation and the underlying trigger of conflict, UNMISS launched a quick‑impact project that placed a fresh‑water reservoir near the Rego community. The artificial lake, about 3,200 square metres in size, was sited far enough from fields to limit grazing pressure yet close enough for farmers to draw water for crops. By offering a shared, reliable source, the project aims to lower the incentive for cattle to wander onto farmland.

Construction began without a suitable access road, prompting local farmers and herders to bring tools and clear a pathway for heavy machinery. The Point Investment Company, UNMISS’s local partner, noted the enthusiasm of the Rego payam community during the build. Within a month, workers uncovered an underground aquifer that began filling the basin naturally, eliminating the need for a cement liner that could have contaminated the groundwater. The discovery created a self‑replenishing reservoir that can sustain the community even during the dry season, demonstrating how swift, collaborative effort can deliver lasting infrastructure.

Since the hand‑over ceremony, new cattle camps have emerged around the reservoir, encouraging displaced members of the Wonduruba Mundari community to return home. The reservoir offers farmers and cattle herders a shared source of water. Whether the shared water source will reduce cattle-related violence remains uncertain. For many residents, the reservoir represents not only a practical water source but also a symbol of renewed unity and the possibility of a more peaceful future in Rego.