Beneficiary: Hazratullah, Resident of Lokarr Village, Alingar District, Laghman Province
Project: Empowering Returnee Communities with Sustainable WASH Solutions in Kunar, Laghman, and Nangarhar Provinces

Donor: UNOCHA-AHF

Implementer: DACAAR

Project Duration: July 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025

For years, the residents of Lokarr village struggled with a critical lack of safe drinking water. Hazratullah, one of the villagers, recalled the dire situation: “We fetched water from an open fountain, where animals also drank. It was full of insects and not safe for drinking.” As a result, kidney problems, diarrhea, and waterborne illnesses were common, especially among children. The time spent fetching water from distant areas often kept children away from school.

Hazratullah's nibling fetching water

With financial support from UNOCHA-AHF, DACAAR repaired the village’s water supply system, distributed hygiene and water kits, and conducted three hygiene awareness sessions, equipping families with essential knowledge on sanitation and safe water practices.

“By repairing the pipe scheme, our basic and fundamental problem has been solved,” says Hazratullah. “Now our children attend school instead of spending hours fetching water. The money we used to spend on treatment is now used for daily needs and our children’s education.”

While Hazratullah appreciates the new stand-posts, he notes that with 40–50 households in the village, more are needed to fully meet demand. Still, he acknowledges the significant relief the project has brought: “It has been solving our problems, even if partially.”

The residents of Lokarr hope that DACAAR’s support continues until safe drinking water is permanently secured for every household. For now, clean water has brought new hope, better health, and a brighter future for their children.

The village's repaired reservoir

Written and Photographed by: Israrullah Sahil