About this project
Project Abstract:
Access to safe drinking water remains a critical issue in Pakistan. Currently, over 21 million people across the country do not have access to safe drinking water, that’s roughly one in every ten citizens. Of these, 16 million people are without clean water close to their homes.
A recent United Nations report highlights a concerning fact: although 92% of the population is covered by Pakistan’s drinking water supply system, only 36% of this water is considered safe for consumption. This means the majority of people are forced to rely on unsafe sources of water, exposing them to serious health risks.
The situation is even more alarming in marginalized communities, particularly among those living and working at brick kilns. These communities are often located in remote areas, far from basic infrastructure, and are deprived of essential facilities such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. Many families are trapped in cycles of bonded labor, with adults and children alike working long hours for extremely low wages. Illiteracy and poverty compound their vulnerabilities, leaving them with little knowledge of hygiene and the health risks posed by unsafe water.
One of the most urgent issues in these brick kiln communities is the lack of access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities. Without proper toilets, handwashing stations, or clean water points, the risk of waterborne diseases increases significantly. Illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, dengue, typhoid, and malaria are common in these areas, often leading to severe complications or even death, especially among children, women, and the elderly. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable, and due to poor hygiene and contaminated water, many children do not survive childbirth.
According to national statistics, 67 million people in Pakistan still lack access to decent toilets, and 14.4% defecate in the open. Additionally, 23% of the population does not have handwashing facilities with soap and water. These gaps in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure contribute to a continuous public health crisis that disproportionately affects the poor.
This project aims to directly respond to this crisis by installing solar-powered deep water bore pumps (400 feet) at brick kiln sites to ensure consistent access to safe drinking water. These solar-powered systems are sustainable and eco-friendly, providing a long-term solution that reduces dependence on unsafe or distant water sources.
Beyond the installation of water pumps, the project includes a strong educational and awareness-raising component focused on youth empowerment. Young people from these communities will be engaged through sessions and campaigns to increase their understanding of climate change, water conservation, and the dangers of water pollution. By educating and mobilizing youth, the project seeks to cultivate local leadership, promote healthier practices, and foster resilience against future environmental challenges.
This project not only addresses the immediate and basic human right of access to safe drinking water but also empowers a new generation to become advocates for climate resilience and community health.
Goals and Objectives
Project Goal:
To ensure access to safe drinking water for marginalized brick kiln communities and empower youth through climate awareness and education.
Objectives:
- To install solar-powered deep water bore pumps (400 feet) at 2 brick kiln sites, ensuring sustainable access to clean water by October 2025.
- To raise awareness among 300 youth members about the impacts of climate change, water scarcity, and the importance of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) by October 2025.
- To promote health and prevent waterborne diseases through improved WASH practices by October 2025.
This project is contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 3: "Good Health and Well-being
SDG 6: "Clean Water and Sanitation
Intended Beneficiaries:
The primary beneficiaries are the brick kiln communities, especially women, children, and youth. These communities were chosen due to their extreme vulnerability, lack of basic services, and geographical isolation. Many of them live in bonded labor and have no access to clean water, toilets, or health education.
The project will reduce the burden of waterborne illnesses, improve maternal and child health, and reduce the time spent by women and children fetching water. Empowering youth through climate education will help create a generation of informed, proactive community leaders.
Sustainability and Scaling:
The use of solar-powered water pumps ensures low operational costs and long-term functionality. Community members and youth will be trained in basic maintenance, promoting local ownership.
The awareness activities will leave a lasting impact by shifting attitudes and behaviors toward water conservation and hygiene. The project model is replicable and scalable, particularly in other remote, underserved communities facing similar challenges. With successful implementation and strong documentation, the project can be expanded with support from government bodies or other development partners.
Expected result
Result 1: Installation of Solar-Powered Water Pumps
Two solar-powered deep water bore pumps (400 feet) will be installed in selected brick kiln communities within the first two months of project implementation. Each pump will supply safe drinking water to approximately 2,000 individuals, including brick kiln laborers and their families. With experienced staff, technical partners, and reliable vendors, the installation is achievable within the set timeframe. This result directly addresses the urgent need for clean water access in remote and underserved areas.
Result 2: Improved Health and Hygiene in Target Communities
Within 9 months of project implementation, at least 80% of households with access to the new water pumps are expected to report a reduction in waterborne illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. Health surveys and interviews will be conducted before and after installation to measure the impact. This result is achievable through improved access to safe drinking water and directly contributes to better health and productivity in the community. Quarterly monitoring will ensure consistent evaluation and a final health impact summary will be prepared at project close.
Result 3: Youth Awareness on Climate and WASH Issues
At least 300 youth members from the target brick kiln communities will participate in structured awareness sessions on climate change, safe water, and hygiene practices between the 1st and 2nd months of the project. Learning progress will be tracked through attendance records, pre/post evaluations, and feedback forms. With support from local educators and the project team’s prior experience in youth engagement, this activity is both achievable and impactful. Empowered youth will serve as change agents, promoting long-term sustainability and behavior change within their communities.
Result 4: Community Ownership and Sustainability
2 community-based WASH committees will be established, each committee will have seven community members and trained by the 2nd month to ensure the long-term operation and maintenance of the installed water pumps. These committees will receive capacity-building training to know about their role and responsibilities, regular support, and hands-on training in basic repairs. Their performance will be tracked through attendance logs, Monthly meetings, reports, and follow-up visits. By empowering local residents with the skills and responsibility to manage their water resources, the project ensures sustainability beyond its completion, with monitoring continuing through the 4th month.
Monitoring Capacity
The project team has a strong capacity for field monitoring, supported by baseline data collection, regular progress reports, community feedback, and simple tools such as checklists, surveys, and site visit logs. A monitoring and evaluation plan will ensure that all SMART results are tracked, documented, and reviewed for continuous learning and improvement.
Partners
About me / organisation
KAINAT SEHAR
Kainat Seher, aged 27, is a dedicated and passionate development practitioner and graduate of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), She brings with her over 3 years of hands-on experience in community engagement, youth mobilization, and implementing grassroots-level development projects in underprivileged areas of South Punjab.
Kainat has played key roles in project planning, field coordination, and stakeholder liaison within various WASH, education, and women empowerment initiatives under the United Social Welfare Society (USWS). Her leadership style is collaborative, inclusive, and grounded in strong community ties. She has a proven track record in leading awareness campaigns, managing field teams, and ensuring effective communication between local communities, government departments, and partner organizations.
Most recently, she successfully coordinated the implementation of a safe drinking water project in the remote desert region of Cholistan, demonstrating her capability in managing logistics, field challenges, and ensuring sustainability through community ownership models like WASH Committees.
Her strong interpersonal skills, grassroots understanding, and commitment to social justice make her a reliable and capable project leader, fully aligned with the mission of empowering marginalized communities through sustainable development.