Emergency Life Saving Assistance for Conflict Affected Populations 2 (ELACAP 2) First Quarter Report (April 1–June 30, 2016)

The program was implemented by Mercy Corps in partnership with UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations. The program's primary goal was to ensure access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities for the affected population. In the first quarter of 2016, Mercy Corps expanded its water supply services in the Bentiu PoC, increasing the capacity of the water supply distribution network. The organization also installed a second generator at the Sector 1 water point to ensure a reliable water supply. In addition, Mercy Corps rehabilitated 10 boreholes outside the PoC, providing access to clean water for over 5,000 people. The organization also conducted regular water quality testing, monitoring, and physical and bacteriological testing at boreholes, tap stands, and household levels. Mercy Corps also focused on sanitation infrastructure, prioritizing rainy season preparedness and prevention of outbreaks due to deteriorating sanitation facilities. The organization constructed 80 new semi-permanent communal latrines, maintained 153 existing latrines, and encouraged household-level latrine construction with a strong hygiene promotion component. In addition, Mercy Corps maintained 150 existing communal bathing spaces, constructed and maintained 50 new communal handwashing facilities, and maintained 22 communal laundry spaces. Hygiene promotion was a key component of the program, with a targeted and robust focus on promoting hygiene practices among the affected population. Mercy Corps implemented a comprehensive hygiene promotion program, including training and mentoring of hygiene promoters, distribution of hygiene materials, and promotion of good hygiene practices. The program's implementation was closely coordinated with UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations, ensuring a comprehensive and effective response to the emergency. The program's success was measured through regular monitoring and evaluation, including water quality testing, sanitation facility maintenance, and hygiene promotion activities. In terms of geographic focus, the program was implemented in Bentiu Protection of Civilian (PoC) site, with a focus on providing emergency water and sanitation services to 41,500 conflict-affected people. The program's implementation was also extended to Nhialdhu Payam, Rubkona County, where Mercy Corps implemented a core package of WASH services, including water supply, sanitation, and hygiene promotion. The program's timeframes were from April 1 to June 30, 2016, with a report submitted on July 31, 2016. The program's recommendations included continued support for the implementation of water and sanitation infrastructure, hygiene promotion activities, and capacity building for local communities to manage and maintain WASH facilities.