Gravity Flow Clean Water for North Pakistan

Project Title: Installation of Gravity Flow Scheme in Muzaffarabad
Location: Muzaffarabad City, Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Beneficiaries: 500 households in Muzaffarabad City
Project Status: Successfully Completed
Purpose: Provide Clean and Sustainable Water Supply

Introduction

In response to the water scarcity challenges faced by the residents of Muzaffarabad, Alkhidmat Foundation has successfully installed a Gravity Flow Water Scheme in the city. This project is designed to provide a sustainable and uninterrupted water supply to approximately 500 households. The gravity flow system harnesses natural water sources from the surrounding mountains and delivers it to the community using the natural force of gravity, eliminating the need for expensive electricity-powered pumps.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this project were:

• Access to Clean Water: Provide reliable access to clean, drinkable water for the residents of Muzaffarabad.
• Sustainable Solution: Utilize a gravity-fed water system to ensure a low-cost, environmentally friendly, and long-lasting water supply.
• Improved Public Health: Reduce waterborne diseases by delivering safe water directly to homes, promoting healthier living conditions.

Project Implementation

The Gravity Flow Scheme was installed over the course of several months, involving extensive collaboration with local engineers, water management experts, and the community. The project involved:

• Identification of Water Source: The team identified a natural spring in the nearby mountains, which has a consistent and clean water flow throughout the year.
• Pipeline Installation: Durable pipelines were installed from the water source, running downhill and directly into the city, allowing gravity to transport the water to storage tanks and eventually to households.
• Community Involvement: Local community members were engaged throughout the process, contributing labor and helping with the placement of pipelines. This involvement has been key to fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for the project’s long-term success.

Impact on Beneficiaries

The installation of the Gravity Flow Scheme has had a significant and immediate impact on the community, benefiting around 500 households in Muzaffarabad.
Key benefits include:

• Sustainable Water Supply: The system provides a consistent supply of clean water directly to homes, eliminating the need for residents to travel long distances to collect water or rely on unreliable and unsafe sources.
• Health Improvement: With access to safe drinking water, residents are experiencing fewer waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and dysentery, leading to overall improved public health.
• Economic Relief: By reducing the need for electricity to pump water, families are saving money on energy costs, and the gravity system’s low maintenance needs ensure continued operation without significant financial strain.
• Women and Children’s Welfare: Women and children, who were traditionally tasked with collecting water, now have more time to focus on other productive activities, such as education and work, improving the overall quality of life in the community.

Challenges and Solutions

While the project was successfully completed, several challenges were encountered during implementation:

• Difficult Terrain: Muzaffarabad's mountainous landscape posed challenges for the installation of pipelines, but local engineers overcame this by carefully mapping the terrain and securing pipelines along stable paths.
• Seasonal Fluctuations: The water flow from the source can vary slightly with seasonal changes, but by constructing a reliable storage tank, the system can maintain a steady supply even during low-flow periods.

Future Plans

With the success of the Gravity Flow Scheme in Muzaffarabad, Alkhidmat Foundation plans to expand this model to other areas facing similar water access challenges. Future plans include:

• Community Training: Offering training to local residents on how to maintain and manage the system to ensure its long-term sustainability.
• System Expansion: Exploring the possibility of expanding the pipeline network to nearby villages and communities, benefiting even more people in the region.
• Water Conservation Awareness: Launching awareness campaigns on the importance of water conservation and sustainable water management practices to ensure optimal use of the available resource.

Conclusion

The Gravity Flow Scheme installation in Muzaffarabad has transformed the lives of 500 households by providing them with a reliable and sustainable water source. The system’s success demonstrates the potential for similar projects to address water scarcity in other mountainous regions. This project not only improves health outcomes but also enhances the overall quality of life for the residents, making clean water a reality for a previously underserved community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all our donors and partners for their support in making this project a success. Your generosity has had a lasting impact on the lives of the people of Muzaffarabad.