Project Overview: Health Education and Development Society (HEADS) partnered with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to execute a transformative initiative in the village of Basti Aziz Abad, Tehsil Paharpur, District Dera Ismail Khan. This project aimed at restoring link roads and culverts through a cash-for-work activity.
Community Demographics: Before the completion of the scheme, there were 1810 households who were benefiting from the village of Basti Aziz Abad. After the scheme, an additional 350 households were added from surrounding villages Girsil, Thata Balochan and Gebi, bringing the total to 2160 households. The estimated population facilitated through the cash-for-work activity was 14040 including 1685 men, 1825 women, 4914 boys and 5616 girls.
Pre-Flood Situation in Basti Aziz Abad: Before the devastating flood in 2022, Basti Aziz Abad was a community facing economic challenges compounded by limited access to resources. The village relied heavily on agriculture and daily wage labor for livelihoods. The local infrastructure, particularly link roads and culverts, was in need of repair, and the residents faced difficulties due to the lack of proper connectivity and accessibility.
Post-Flood Situation in Basti Aziz Abad: The flood in 2022 exacerbated the economic struggles in Basti Aziz Abad, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and disrupting the community’s economic activities. The flood’s impact on link roads and culverts made transportation difficult, affecting the overall connectivity within the village and neighboring areas. This created additional hardships for the residents, limiting their ability to access essential services and engage in economic activities.
Cash-for-Work Activity by HEADS and IRC Organizations: In response to the post-flood challenges, HEADS organization, in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), initiated a cash-for-work activity in Basti Aziz Abad. The project aimed to address the immediate economic needs of the community by involving local residents in the restoration of link roads and culverts. This initiative not only provided a source of income to the participants but also contributed to the overall rehabilitation of the village’s infrastructure.
Economic Situation: The fertile lands surrounding Basti Aziz Abad provide an ideal environment for agricultural activities. The community engages in diverse farming practices, cultivating crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane, and other seasonal produce. Besides crop cultivation, some community members also involved in livestock farming, contributing to the overall agrarian economy of the area. Given the rural nature of the area, daily wage work is a significant source of income for many residents. Individuals may find employment in various labor-intensive tasks, such as construction, agricultural labor, and other community-based initiatives. Seasonal variations in agricultural activities often create opportunities for additional daily wage work during peak farming seasons. Some individuals in the community may secure employment in government sectors, taking up roles in education, health, administration, or other public services. Government jobs often provide a sense of stability and come with associated benefits, contributing to the economic well-being of the employed individuals and their families. In addition to formal employment, community members may engage in entrepreneurial activities, establishing small businesses or participating in local trade.
Initial Scope: The project’s preliminary assessment identified the need for restoring 3 kilometers of link roads and restoration of culverts. However, the remarkable engagement of the local committee and community members propelled the project beyond its initial scope and achieved a total of 6 km.
Community Initiative: Motivated by a strong sense of ownership, the community not only successfully restored 6 kilometers of link roads but also actively contributed resources for the installation of 7 extra pipe culverts and restoration of 5 small bridges as well. This collaborative effort extended beyond the immediate community, with nearby residents from Girsil, Thata Balochan, and Gebi also benefiting from this initiative. The utilization of machinery, particularly tractors, significantly improved the efficiency of clearing the link roads. Furthermore, the local community widened the road, addressing its previously challenging condition. The transformation is evident as the road, once difficult for a single vehicle to traverse, has now been restored to a level where two vehicles can comfortably move side by side upon completion of the project.
Humanitarian Support: While IRC and HEADS organization provided crucial cash support to 15 laborers over a 14-day period, the community members voluntarily bolstered the workforce on-site. This collaborative effort proved instrumental in achieving the ambitious goal of restoring 6 kilometers of roads within the allocated 14 days.
Outputs:
Link Roads Restored: 6 kilometers
Culverts Installed: 9 (Including community-contributed pipe culverts)
Days of Labor Supported: 14 days for 15 laborers
Culverts Installation: 7 numbers
Restoration of small bridges: 5 numbers
Sustainability Factor: The success of this initiative extends beyond immediate outputs. The active involvement of the community not only enhanced project outcomes but also fostered a sustainable approach to development. By integrating local resources and expertise, the project has laid the foundation for ongoing community-led initiatives.
Statement from a community elder: Mr. Inayat Baloch expressed his gratitude towards the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the Health Education and Development Society (HEADS) for selecting their area for the cash-for-work initiative. He commended the organizations for their sincere and dedicated approach in executing the project, emphasizing their meticulous monitoring of ongoing work and ensuring its completion with high quality.
According to Mr. Baloch, the local residents are genuinely pleased with the outcomes of the project facilitated by IRC and HEADS. He conveyed their collective appreciation and anticipation for future initiatives of a similar nature. Mr. Inayat Baloch looks forward to continued collaboration, hoping that the organizations will consider and undertake more initiatives that positively impact the community in the future.
Conclusion: This success story exemplifies the impactful collaboration between HEADS, IRC, and the local community. Through the restoration of crucial infrastructure, the project not only improved accessibility but also empowered the community to take charge of their development. The sustainability factor ensures that the positive changes initiated by this project will continue to resonate in the community long into the future.
