Annual Report 2009-10 - Sustainable Development Policy Institute

Annual Report2009 - 2010Ministry of Special Initiative (MoSI), district government and NGOs, Dissemination of the needfor HWTS such as SODIS through public theatre and poster competitions among children fromschools, colleges and universities. Acknowledging women's role in securing water and food forthe household, a rally will be organized to demonstrate the need of streamlining HWTS such asSODIS through an action plan.A formal launch of the project was held at the federal level with relevant stakeholders. Followingthe successful launch of the initiative HWTS working group was formulated with the individualsfrom MoE, MoH, Ministry of special Initiative, Media, NGOs, civil society organizations, UNagencies, Academia, Chemists and water experts. The first meeting of the working group helpeddivide it into 3 sub groups with specific responsibilities. These groups included technical groups,advocacy groups and policy groups. The aim of this working group is to develop a plan of actionto assist the Government in the successful implementation of the National Drinking water Policyin the larger interest of the masses.For further details contact Ms. Mome Saleem. mome@sdpi.orgSituational Analysis of Drinking Water: Facilities in Pilot Districts of Mansehra andKhanewal in Pakistan.2.2 million deaths are attributed to poor water and sanitation facilities and 60% of total childrendeaths may be attributed to contaminated water. The captioned study was carried out by SDPIfor the Ministry of Special Initiative, Government. of Pakistan through support by ABT Associatesinitiative to assess the gaps and needs of the area and the barriers that existed to improvethe existing structure of the water supply and services. The diagnostic study identified the gapsin 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 Punjaband NWFP province for an assessment exercise respectively. The study aimed to identify thedifferent sources of drinking water, its coverage and chemical analysis of randomly selected watersamples in pilot districts. Findings of this study are serving as a benchmark for its replicationin 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, tubewells, hand pumps & local body's water supply system) werechecked for possible water contamination. It was observed that even the water, which is safe fordrinking at source may get contaminated at point of use. SDPI recommended that HWTS maybe promoted in these districts (and across the country) for ensuring improved supply of drinkingwater.For further details contact Mr. Talimand Khan. talimand@sdpi.org24S u s t a I n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t P o l I c y I n s t I t u t e