1. A consultative workshop on water quality management and improvement was held in Neelum View Hotel Muzaffarabad on 04-11-2009. The workshop was organized by WatSan Sector ERRA & UNICEF in connection with Water Quality Improvement and Promotion of Hygiene (WAQIPH) Project.

2. The ACS (Dev) AJK chaired the opening session whereas, Mr. Murtaza Gillani, Minister GoAJK for Physical Planning & Housing honored to be the Chief Guest of closing session. The workshop was attended by Secretary LGRDD GoAJK, Senior Officers of PCSIR, PCRWR, PAK EPA, AJK EPA, Health Deptt AJK, PHED AJK, LGRDD AJK, Implementing Partners of WAQIPH Project and Media Representatives.

3. The purpose of the workshop was

i. To share the Water Quality Results of 800 water supply schemes in AJK, achieved after completion of Phase-I of  Sanitary Inspection / Mapping activity under WAQIPH Project.

ii. To develop recommendation for a sustainable and comprehensive water quality management and surveillance system in  AJK, to ensure provision of safe drinking water for all and reduce incidence of water borne diseases.

4. In the opening session Dr. Abdul Rehman from COMSATS delivered a presentation on water quality results of District Bagh and Poonch. Whereas, Mr. Aftab from HRDS shared water quality results of District Muzaffarabad and Neelum. Presentations were also delivered by representatives of LGRDD and PHED regarding current status, initiatives and future plans on water quality management in AJK.

5. The second session was based on group work by the participants and afterwards with consent on the forum, recommendations were develop to ensure provision of safe drinking water for all and reduce incidence of water borne diseases. These recommendations will be presented to GoAJK for consideration as committed by the Chief Guest in his closing remarks.