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26 September 2002 By Ketevan Khurtsia in Quetta, Pakistan As repatriation progresses, everyday life remains a struggle for the Afghan refugees living in camps scattered across Pakistan's Baluchistan province. One of the biggest problems these camps face are water shortages and unclean water which causes diarrhoea. The Federation's water, sanitation and health initiatives are of vital importance in these camps. With Baluchistan province experiencing its fourth consecutive year of drought, water availability in the province has been rapidly decreasing creating much greater vulnerability among the poor in the area. "The water table has receded dramatically. A decade ago, water was available 30 metres below the surface," says Imran Durani, International Federation water and sanitation engineer in Quetta. "Now it is difficult to find any 100 metres down." The water crisis has had severe health implications for the camp's inhabitants and malnutrition levels have been rising. Traditionally, people and animals share the same water sources, either wells or natural springs, and drying sources are increasing the risk of contamination as people are forced to cut back on their use of water. Among those adversely affected are Afghan refugees who fled ethnic persecution, deteriorating law and order and military conflict and live now in the camps on the dusty desert. "We are providing water to about 100,000 of the 137,000 refugees every day," says Agripah Anganile, the International Federation water and sanitation delegate in Quetta, Pakistan. The Federation arranges and manages all the logistical and administrative support for the uninterrupted provision of water to the camps. Water quality is regularly tested and all sources under the management and responsibility of the Federation are protected. "Drinking water is treated and disinfected every day in order to avoid the outbreak of waterborne diseases," stresses Pauline Ngoshani, head of the Federation's sub-delegation in Quetta. 'Every day, the Federation delivers from 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 litres of water to four camps," says Imran Durani. In Landi Karez camp, the Federation has rehabilitated a borehole – the only water source in the camp. The well yields 11-12 litres of water per second meeting the need of the entire camp population. The water yield has even allowed some water to be taken to nearby camps. The water pumped from the borehole is stored in a water reservoir, where it is then chlorinated. Three hours later, water is delivered around the camp. Thus, each refugee is supplied with 15 to 20 litres of water every day. In the Muhammad Khel camp, the Federation has recently finished the installation of 1 km of piping, which links a water reservoir with the camp's underground water distribution system. The system is now providing clean water to 35,000 of the camp's 69,000 population. For the refugees living in Dara and Rogani camps, the Federation procures potable water in the nearby Chaman town. In order to provide a consistent supply to the camps' population, water is pumped from a private bore hole, which has been drilled on the outskirts of the town. Every day, a convoy of Federation water trucks sets off across the desert's dusty road to the camps. "Each truck, 13 in total, make four or five trips every day," says Imran Durani. "Without this service the camp population would be extremely vulnerable to disease and general ill health. Now 100,000 people have access to safe water, every day." Related Links: Pakistan: Annual Appeal 2002-2003 Make an Online Donation 20 September 2002 - Preventing illness among Afghan refugees 29 July 2002 - Bus stop turned health clinic on Pakistan/Afghanistan border More on: Pakistan |
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