As of March 31, 2015, there are 259,232 refugees residing in South Sudan. Most have fled due to the constant clashes between Sudan and South Sudan, the army of South Sudan and militias or the aftermath of the Dec. 2013 violence which was allegedly sparked by a coup attempt. The refugees’ new home has almost no infrastructure and is cut off from trade for six months out of the year due to seasonal flooding. Delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid becomes almost impossible.

South Sudan was born a war-torn country. When Sudan gained its independence in 1956, it was with the promise of full political representation for the southern part of the country. When this representation failed to appear, the south mutinied. In Jan. of 2005, an agreement was finally reached to allow the south six years of autonomy, which would be followed by a referendum on independence. In Jan. 2011, South Sudan officially became independent. Since then, the government has been plagued by militias, border disputes and droughts.

Recent partnerships, however, have the potential to improve the lives of South Sudanese refugees. In 2013, the Pacific Architects and Engineers, Incorporated, PAE, partnered with the U.N. Refugee Agency to build necessary infrastructure in the Upper Nile region.

Over the past two years, PAE has drilled over 50 water holes, installed low-maintenance water filters, laid 250 kilometers of road, helped relocate refugees to a less flood-prone part of the Upper Nile region and repaired and maintained an airstrip for easier transportation and aid deliveries. When fighting prompted the temporary evacuation of some 300 humanitarian personnel in 2013, PAE was there to help, saving many lives in the process.

PAE has a long history of building the capabilities of its clients. As a company specializing in infrastructure, aviation, training, national security and logistics, it has worked with NASA, USAID and the U.N., among others. PAE’s immense background of experience and innovation has made the projects in South Sudan a success.

PAE’s experience in South Sudan is only one of thousands of partnerships forged between the private sector and the public sector. PAE’s experience is an example of a business doing well by doing good.

– Marina Middleton

Sources: CIA World Factbook, PAE 1, PAE 2, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, UNHCR, Youtube
Photo: Reid Steel