They don't have cars and few have bicycles. Everything is spread out and difficult to reach because of dangerous roads, SPLA checkpoints and gun-toting soldiers. Walking from one camp to another or to Aswa hospital can take days. On the two-lane dirt road into Atepi, Aswa and Ame, a Sudan government military tank bombed months ago by the SPLA sits immobile. They have no real markets and little money to buy anything.
Electricity is scarce, with generators at only the hospital and some relief agency compounds.
Within the camps, the people do what they can. Classes are held for children. Relief workers train locals and the displaced how to treat minor ailments and injuries. People cultivate corn, beans, sorghum, finger millet, sesame, squash, onions, peanuts and tomatoes and other vegetables. They plan to raise poultry and vaccinate the cattle.