On 27th May 2010 ERRA in
collaboration with UNICEF held a round table
conference in Bhurban to discuss permanent water
quality improvement in the earthquake affected
areas of AJ&K and KPK. Secretaries, chief
engineers, experts at the federal level and
representatives of concerning departments
participated in the conference.
The conference, chaired by Deputy Chairman ERRA,
was steered to shape and fine tune a
comprehensive project developed specifically to
sustain interventions related to water quality
improvement in at least two affected areas for
the coming three years.
In his speech, the Deputy Chairman said that
ERRA has prepared stringent dimensions for
achieving and maintaining water quality
standards in the affected districts of AJ&K and
KPK. He added that these dimensions stem from
ERRA’s philosophy to “Build Back Better” and
should therefore be adopted across Pakistan. In
the first phase laboratories were established
for testing water quality in the affected
districts. The results of this investigation
have strengthened the need to complete WAQIPH; a
project developed by WatSan to create awareness
among masses and policy makers. Participants
also agreed that the Governments of AJ&K and KPK
should work to guarantee the masses safe
drinking water. Such interventions and
peripheral efforts will help reduce the
incidence of water borne diseases, reduce
healthcare expenditures and contribute to the
well being and economic prosperity of the common
man. |