In Chad's far-flung eastern desert, a dire need for water is blighting lives and fueling deadly violence over access to wells. Even in Abeche, the country's second-largest city, taps often run dry. Rapid urban development and a growing population of over 500,000 have exacerbated the problem. While some areas have a water distribution system, it can be unreliable. In 2019, the government launched a project to increase water production, but many still lack access, especially in rural areas. Water access inequality and disputes over resources can turn deadly, with recent clashes leaving dozens dead.
Water Scarcity and Violence
The water shortage has led to violent conflicts. In April, a dispute in Wadi Fira province over a water well resulted in violent clashes, leaving 42 people dead. Six months earlier, a similar dispute in central Hadjer-Lamis province killed 33 people. These incidents highlight the urgent need for investment in water infrastructure.
Government and NGO Efforts
The government has taken steps to address the water crisis. In 2019, a project in Biteha, 35 kilometers from Abeche, tapped into groundwater to supply two water towers. Project manager Bakhit Diki Barkai stated that the situation has improved, aiming to produce 25,000 cubic meters by the end of the year. However, more investment is needed in infrastructure like dams and spreading weirs to meet the needs of the population, livestock, and agriculture.
President's Warning
President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno recently warned at an international forum that water scarcity leads to poverty, suffering, and conflicts. Chad, a country vulnerable to climate change, must invest more in water infrastructure to prevent further crises.
