Carbon-free water for the children of Balakot

Safe drinking water continues to be one of the most vital resources for the residents of Balakot, KP, Pakistan. Families who survived the devastating 2005 earthquake still face health risks due to reliance on contaminated water sources that carry carbon, dirt, and waste. This exposure contributes to waterborne diseases, including diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis, and skin allergies, with mortality rates among women and children remaining alarmingly high. Access to clean water is therefore a matter of life, health, and dignity.

AWARD Pakistan has taken significant steps to address this challenge. Community assessments and consultations have been conducted in eight mountainous rural areas to identify the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. The project team has started preparations for the installation of 32 hand pumps, ensuring each community will have reliable access to safe drinking water. The initiative also includes awareness sessions on hygiene, disease prevention, and proper maintenance of the hand pumps, empowering residents to manage and sustain these facilities effectively.

Although the installations are in the initial stages, the project has already generated enthusiasm and hope among local communities. Residents have expressed strong support for the initiative, recognizing the importance of clean water for their families’ health and well-being. This groundwork ensures that when the hand pumps are operational, they will be well-maintained and fully utilized, providing a sustainable solution to the ongoing water crisis.

AWARD Pakistan is committed to completing this initiative and providing safe, carbon-free drinking water to all targeted communities. With the support of donors and well-wishers, the project will protect lives, prevent waterborne diseases, and give children in Balakot the opportunity to grow up healthy, strong, and resilient. Together, we can create lasting change and ensure a safer, healthier future for these communities.

Safe drinking water is one of the most essential resources for the people of Balakot, KP, Pakistan. Many families who survived the devastating 2005 earthquake continue to face health risks due to reliance on contaminated water sources, which carry carbon, dirt, and waste. This exposure contributes to waterborne diseases, with mortality rates reaching up to 30% among women and children. Access to clean water is not just a necessity; it is a matter of life, health, and dignity.

AWARD Pakistan has successfully raised USD 20,489 to install hand pumps and water wells in four vulnerable communities across Tehsil Balakot, District Mansehra. These installations provide nearly 8,000 residents, including women and children, with safe drinking water, leading to a significant reduction in waterborne illnesses and improving overall community health. According to Mr. Mustafa, the project’s social mobilizer, the local communities have embraced the new facilities with care, ensuring their proper use and maintenance.

While this intervention has already transformed lives, several nearby mountainous villages still lack access to clean water. AWARD plans to expand this initiative by installing 32 additional hand pumps in six more remote villages, focusing particularly on the needs of children and women. This expansion aims to prevent illness, protect physical health, and give families a sustainable solution to a long-standing crisis.

AWARD appeals to donors and well-wishers to join this life-saving initiative. Your support will help provide safe drinking water, reduce preventable diseases, and ensure that children in Balakot can grow up healthy, strong, and resilient. Together, we can protect lives and secure a healthier future for these communities.