Due to climate change, Sindh’s underground and fresh water sources are being contaminated with every passing day. Because of this safe drinking water is a challenge for the people of province. Due to contaminated water, people of Sindh are prone to various diseases.
This was stated by speakers at seminar held by Local Government Housing Planning Department held at Karachi on Friday. The event was organized with the help of WaterAid Pakistan and SPO on the eve of international water day. Event was attended by representatives of various sectors of society, civil society, Public Health Department, Education Department, WASA, Planning and Development Department, UNDP, SDG unit, Sindh Solid Waste Management Board and others.
Speakers stressed upon the provision of safe drinking water as a basic human right, improved water quality and legislation in this regard.
People of Sindh are facing multiple problems in provision of drinking water. There are various areas in Sindh where river water is not accessible. Due to overload ground water is also going deeper. On the other side areas where river water is available, water supply is being contaminated.
Speaking on the occasion Women Development Minister Shehla Raza said that safe drinking water was basic human right of every citizen.
“Provision of safe drinking water is Sindh Government’s top priority,” said minister Shehla. “Sindh is Pakistan’s only province who has passed policy on safe water and improved sanitation,” she added. Minister also appreciated role of Local Government’s Department and Water Aid Pakistan in the provision of safe drinking water.
Member of Sindh Assembly Qasim Soomro stressed upon collective efforts and said that all stakeholders must join hands so that people may get clean drinking water.
According to WaterAid Pakistan, 91 percent of the people in Sindh have access to water whereas only 19 percent people have access to safe drinking water.
Similarly 64 percent people have facility of sanitation and 8 percent have hygiene facilities. According to figures, in urban areas 69 percent have access through pipe water whereas 8 percent have access through hand pumps. In rural areas 41 percent people have access to pipe water and 33 percent have access through hand pumps.