Ministry of Energy and UNICEF Join Forces to Enhance Water Supply in South Khorasan

Ministry of Energy and UNICEF Join Forces to Enhance Water Supply in South Khorasan

The collaboration between the Ministry of Energy and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has significantly improved water quality and accessibility in eastern Birjand’s villages, located in South Khorasan province. This initiative is crucial for ensuring that households have consistent access to water with adequate flow pressure, enhancing the overall living conditions in the area.

Completed in December 2024, this project involved the construction and rehabilitation of the water network in villages such as Dastgerd and Islamabad, effectively connecting them to the main water supply network in Darmian County. According to a press release from UNICEF on January 20, the project’s primary focus was on:

  • Rehabilitation and replacement of outdated and non-functional infrastructure.
  • Using high-quality materials to ensure a sustainable water supply.
  • Reducing water loss from leaks and enhancing water quality.

These enhancements have led to:

  • A significant reduction in water-related incidents.
  • Lower maintenance costs, which have improved consumer satisfaction.
  • Direct benefits to 1,729 individuals, including children, enhancing community resilience.

Furthermore, this initiative not only promotes financial development but also reduces water loss and mitigates the risk of waterborne diseases. Given the success of this project, UNICEF and the Ministry of Energy are planning to launch a pilot programme in the province. This programme aims to compare the efficiency of the current method of reducing water loss with traditional water supply methods that involve transferring water from distant resources.

This strategic approach tackles the critical issue of water scarcity, enhancing the quality of life for residents while fostering long-term sustainability in the region.

Improving Access to Safe Water

In the aftermath of the devastating floods that affected the Sistan-Baluchestan province, particularly in Chabahar and its surroundings at the end of February 2024, UNICEF has been instrumental in providing essential support to the affected communities. Access to safe and clean water has historically been a challenge in this region, exacerbating the impacts of the floods.

Recognizing the urgent need to address this issue, UNICEF has teamed up with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and the Ministry of Energy to implement a comprehensive program aimed at improving access to safe water. This initiative is designed to:

  • Reduce waterborne illnesses among vulnerable families.
  • Build resilience within the community.
  • Ensure sustainable access to clean water.

UNICEF’s response to the water crisis has included critical support for water safety testing and purification. Siavash Oveisi Arian, a UNICEF volunteer Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) officer, stated, “Forty water disinfection devices have been procured and distributed. These solar-powered devices provide drinking water for approximately 200,000 people.”

Additionally, water quality testing laboratory equipment has been distributed across the province, enhancing the ability to ensure water safety for the large population in Sistan-Baluchestan. Fatemeh Fadaee, the Water and Wastewater Quality Control Manager of Chabahar County, elaborated, “We assess water quality in cities and villages, ensuring the safety of around one million residents.”

This enhanced capacity for water quality testing plays a critical role in protecting community health by reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and improving resilience against future public health challenges.

UNICEF’s Ongoing Support

UNICEF’s support for flood-affected children and their families in Sistan-Baluchestan includes the provision of hygiene kits, prefabricated latrines, showers, laboratory equipment, and water disinfection devices. This assistance has been made possible through generous financial support from EU Humanitarian Aid.

In response to the humanitarian crisis following the floods, UNICEF acted swiftly. In the first phase, they procured 2,900 essential hygiene packs, which included:

  • 2,000 household hygiene kits
  • 300 baby kits
  • 500 Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) kits
  • 100 incontinence kits

UNICEF prioritized the provision of safe water and sanitation services to households and communities affected by the disaster. This initiative is vital for ensuring that children and families remain safe and healthy.

In addition to hygiene kits, UNICEF delivered ten water tankers and over 3 tons of perchlorine powder to the affected areas, ensuring access to safe drinking water. This effort has been supported through generous funding from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).

Through these comprehensive measures, UNICEF continues to address the pressing needs of communities affected by the floods, ensuring they have access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.

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