The lack of safe drinking water in most of the communities of Kunduz province causes concerns about kidney failure, dehydration, and other serious health effects, especially for those who are already vulnerable.

Due to a shortage of clean water and proper sanitation, women and children in Hussain Khil village of Khan Abad district, Kunduz province, are seriously at risk. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable to illnesses caused by water.

On May 1, 2022, DACAAR launched the TW (Tube Well) Project in the aforementioned area with the kind financial support of DANIDA-ROI. The project's objectives are to build tube wells and provide 67 families with hygienic education for a healthier and better life. The project was completed on July 31, 2023.

Residents explained that there were no utilities for safe drinking water or open defecation (ODF) prior to the project's implementation, which addressed hygiene and sanitation. They continued by saying that they were dealing with several issues, such as illnesses spread by water.

One of the beneficiaries, Nizamuddin, stated that the project improved their quality of life and had a significant effect on the decrease of water-borne illnesses. “We lacked a consistent supply of drinking water in the past. We were exposed to multiple diseases as a result of using the open space for defecation. Fortunately, now we have received the hygiene messages, and as a result, we know a lot about health and hygiene. Additionally, the disease infection rate has reduced.”

Nizamuddin further explained that this project has had a significant positive impact on their finances. Since they are now well, they either saved the money they would have spent on medical care or put it aside for the future. "The project's implementation met our expectations. We live in a clean atmosphere now, so we should know how to protect ourselves from illnesses."
 

The locals were gratified and anticipated more developments to be carried out in their neighborhood. They suggested launching a range of initiatives to assist young people in developing their talents, such as mobile and motorcycle repair shops, tailoring shops, etc.

Written by: Israrullah Sahil