Introduction: In the wake of the devastating 2022 flood in District Dera Ismail Khan, which left communities struggling with damaged infrastructure and scarce resources, Health Education and Development Society (HEADS) and International Rescue Committee (IRC), through Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) project, stepped in to provide crucial assistance. IRC and HEADS collaborative efforts focused on addressing the urgent needs of flood-affected areas, including villages of Draban Tehsil, under the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) component. Recognizing the dire need for clean drinking water, the rehabilitation of the water supply scheme in Chudwan became a pivotal intervention, aiming to restore access to safe and regular drinking water.
Background: After the devastating flood in 2022, Tehsil Draban in District Dera Ismail Khan suffered extensive destruction and a breakdown in essential services, impacting both human lives and local infrastructure. The Water Supply Scheme selected by HEADS and IRC for rehabilitation and solarization was initially requested by the District Administration due to continuous appeals from the local communities. Subsequently, the Mayor of Tehsil Draban also requested IRC for an immediate intervention and solarization of the scheme in the Chudwan area, as it was the only system serving ten villages and was facing functionality issues due to power outages.
It is worth noting that the water supply scheme in Chudwan supports approximately 60,000 to 70,000 people from the ten villages of Chudwan, Gattar, Kot Mosa, Gara Buki, Thalian, Jhoke Dirkhan, Korri Hoti, Korri Jamal, Moga, and Marro.
Implementation: Following a meticulous assessment, HEADS and IRC identified the rehabilitation and solarization of the water supply scheme in the Chudwan area as a critical intervention within the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) component. Given that this scheme serves approximately 60,000 to 70,000 individuals across ten villages, its restoration was deemed crucial due to a lack of funding sources and continuous power outages in the area.
The scheme is now nearing completion, which will be marked by significant enhancements, including the installation of fencing around the ponds, the addition of newly installed solar panels, the placement of green netting over the ponds, and the rehabilitation of a 50,000-gallon overhead water tank.
Achievement: Transformative Impact of Water Supply Scheme
The rehabilitation and solarization of the water supply scheme in Chudwan have profoundly transformed the local community. Led by HEADS and IRC, this initiative has restored essential water services and significantly improved the quality of life for approximately 60,000 to 70,000 residents across ten villages. Before the intervention, the community faced severe challenges due to frequent power outages and a lack of reliable funding, which disrupted the functionality of the water supply scheme. The comprehensive rehabilitation efforts—including the installation of solar panels, fencing around the ponds, green netting, and the refurbishment of a 50,000-gallon overhead water tank—have ensured a consistent and sustainable water supply.
This project’s successful implementation has led to several significant achievements. The restored water supply scheme now provides uninterrupted access to clean water, essential for daily living, agriculture, and sanitation. The solarization of the water supply system has mitigated the impact of power outages, ensuring a steady water supply while promoting the use of renewable energy. With reliable access to clean water, the incidence of waterborne diseases has significantly decreased, contributing to better overall health and hygiene in the community. Additionally, the consistent availability of water has supported local agriculture and livestock, vital sources of livelihood for the residents, thereby boosting the local economy. The community is now more resilient to future disruptions, with an infrastructure designed to withstand challenges and continue to support the population.
Mr. Mateen Babar, a local resident of Chudwan, commented on the impact of the water supply scheme: “This project has been a game-changer for us. We used to struggle with unreliable water access, but now we have a consistent supply that has improved our daily lives and health. We feel more secure and hopeful for the future.”
Previously, the water ponds posed a significant risk, with both local inhabitants and animals occasionally losing their lives due to drowning. Now, with the installation of fencing around the ponds, children and other community members are well protected from such dangers.
The completion of this project stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of HEADS, IRC, and the local administration. It showcases how targeted interventions can lead to sustainable and transformative outcomes for vulnerable communities.
Sustainability and Future Plans:
The sustainability of the water supply scheme in Chudwan is paramount to its long-term success and impact on the community. By integrating solar energy into the system, we have not only ensured a reliable and eco-friendly power source but have also significantly reduced operational costs. This shift towards renewable energy not only guarantees a steady water supply but also reinforces the scheme’s resilience against fluctuations in the local power grid. Moreover, regular maintenance schedules and community training programs have been established to empower local operators of the drinking water supply scheme with the skills and knowledge needed to sustainably manage and operate the water supply system. Through these initiatives, we aim to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, thereby ensuring the scheme’s continued functionality and effectiveness.
Handing Over of the Scheme to the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED):
As the rehabilitation and solarization of the water supply scheme in Chudwan nears completion, it is imperative to ensure its continued stewardship and effective management. To this end, the scheme will be handed over to the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), a department specializing in water supply and sanitation infrastructure management. This transition of responsibility signifies a milestone in the project’s journey, marking its integration into the broader framework of public health infrastructure.
The PHED, with its expertise and resources, will assume the role of overseeing the operation, maintenance, and future development of the water supply scheme. Through collaboration with local authorities and community stakeholders, the PHED will work to uphold the scheme’s sustainability and effectiveness in serving the needs of the community. Furthermore, the PHED will be responsible for implementing any future upgrades or expansions to the system, ensuring its continued relevance and impact in the years to come.
In conclusion, the handover of the water supply scheme to the PHED represents a strategic move towards ensuring its long-term sustainability and impact on the community. By entrusting its management to a specialized department, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing reliable and safe water access to the residents of Chudwan and neighboring villages, both now and in the future.
