In a concerted effort to secure access to clean and safe drinking water, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have recently completed a pivotal water quality monitoring initiative in Pakistan.
This collaborative effort, aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s capacity to monitor drinking water quality, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab, and Islamabad, is set to benefit over 62 million people.
The project, implemented by UNOPS Pakistan in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change Pakistan (MoCC), Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), and the Public Health and Engineering Departments of the Governments of Punjab and KP, has been a significant endeavor with a budget of $4.4 million.
The initiative involved upgrading 35 district laboratories in Punjab, establishing 8 divisional labs in KP, and enhancing research and monitoring facilities in Islamabad. These enhancements include the procurement and installation of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, minor infrastructural improvements, and capacity-building initiatives for laboratory staff and relevant government departments.
Highlights
- Project to benefit over 62 million people.
- The total cost of the project is $4.4 million.
- The project has been implemented in 35 district laboratories in Punjab, 8 divisional labs in KP, and research and monitoring laboratories, PCRWR and Pak-EPA, in Islamabad.
- Management Information Software (MIS) has been developed to streamline water-quality data management and coordination efforts at the provincial level.
The project’s impact extends beyond laboratory upgrades. Mobile laboratories equipped with the latest technology will facilitate testing in remote areas and during emergencies, such as natural disasters and outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
Ensuring the availability of safe drinking water
Speaking at the project’s closing ceremony, Senator Muhammad Sabir Shah praised the initiative as a crucial step toward ensuring swift and accurate water contaminant testing. He emphasized the importance of utilizing advanced technology to address climate-related challenges and ensure the availability of safe drinking water for all.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to climate resilience, exemplified through various measures, including the utilization of advanced technology to respond promptly to challenges in remote areas and emergencies. Collaboratively with KOICA and UNOPS, we are strengthening Pakistan’s capacity to tackle climate-related challenges and uphold the availability of safe and clean water for all,” he said.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Pakistan, Mr. Ki-Jun Park Pakistan, said that they were excited to announce the successful completion of the water quality testing project which will improve people’s quality of life by enhancing water quality and will help in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. “The Korean Government will continue to support the Government of Pakistan in different sectors, especially the water sector.”
Improving access to water and quality of life
KOICA’s Country Director, Yeon Je Ho, highlighted the Korean Government’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in various sectors, particularly in water management. He expressed confidence that the project would significantly improve the quality of life for people in Pakistan and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is dedicated to advancing international cooperation through projects that foster friendly relationships and mutual exchanges between Korea and partner countries, supporting economic and social development.
Jennifer Ankrom-Khan, UNOPS Country Manager for Pakistan, stressed the critical importance of access to clean water for building healthier and more resilient communities. “In Pakistan, millions of people still live without access to clean and safe drinking water as it guarantees healthier and resilient communities. The absence of clean drinking water spreads waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A&E etc., and leads to malnutrition in children.” She emphasized that the project aligns with Pakistan’s development goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, aiming to improve public health and contribute to climate resilience.
The UNOPS works to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development by managing projects and delivering sustainable infrastructure and procurement efficiently.
This initiative not only advances Sustainable Development Goals related to health and clean water but also supports efforts to address climate change. By enhancing water-quality monitoring systems, the project aims to identify contamination patterns, implement mitigation measures, and support communities during climate-induced disasters.
The successful completion of this project underscores the commitment of KOICA, UNOPS, and their partners to promoting sustainable development and improving the lives of millions of people in Pakistan.