Barriers to Clean and Safe Water Access in Juba: AA-QQ-RD Framework on SDG 6 in South Sudan

Juba, the capital city of South Sudan while, presenting a unique case as a rapidly growing city in a post-conflict country, its water infrastructure has been severely affected by decades of conflict, leaving it inadequate and underdeveloped. This study was conducted with the main objective of establishing factors causing the inadequacy of clean and safe water among households in Juba City. This study employed a proposed AA-QQ-RD (Availability, Affordability, Quality, Quantity, Reliability, and Distance) framework. The research employed a qualitative methodology, gathering data through in-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with household heads, government officials, and community leaders. The findings reveal significant challenges across all components of the AA-QQ-RD model. Availability of water is severely impacted by poor infrastructure which collectively disrupt water distribution while affordability issues arise from the high cost of water. In addition, water quality is compromised at multiple stages posing serious health risks while quantity of water is insufficient, particularly in larger households and densely populated areas. Further, reliability is undermined by irregular water supply and frequent service interruptions whereas distance to the nearest water points is a significant barrier with many residents traveling long distances to fetch water. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive infrastructural improvements, effective regulatory frameworks, and community-driven initiatives to address these barriers. The study's implications for Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) highlight the critical need for coordinated efforts to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.