Partner: Ministry of Special Initiative, Pakistan and ABT Associates initiative.
Year: 2010
Locale: Mansehra and Khanewal
Team Members: Talimand Khan
Introduction:
2.2 million deaths are attributed to poor water and sanitation facilities and 60% of total children deaths may be attributed to contaminated water. The captioned study was carried out by SDPI for the Ministry of Special Initiative, Government of Pakistan through support by ABT Associates initiative to assess the gaps and needs of the area and the barriers that existed to improve the existing structure of the water supply and services. The diagnostic study identified the gaps in consultation with different stakeholders including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Local Governments (LGs). In the first phase, Khanewal and Mansehra districts were chosen from Punjab and NWFP province for an assessment exercise respectively. The study aimed to identify the different sources of drinking water, its coverage and chemical analysis of randomly selected water samples in pilot districts. Findings of this study are serving as a benchmark for its replication in other parts of the country. Focus group discussions were organized with relevant stakeholders, key informant interviews were conducted and water samples from random sites (including public, private, tube wells, hand pumps & local body’s water supply system) were checked for possible water contamination. It was observed that even the water, which is safe for drinking at source, may get contaminated at point of use. SDPI recommended that HWTS may be promoted in these districts (and across the country) for ensuring improved supply of drinking water.