A PKR 17.6 million ($79,205 USD) deep well project in the mountainous region of Kotli, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, has transformed life for over 5,000 community members who once struggled daily with water scarcity. From September 2021 to April 2022, Rural Aid Pakistan and Penny Appeal UK's innovative initiative has turned hours-long water collection journeys into mere minutes, enabling children to attend school regularly and women to invest in their families' futures.

Impact at a Glance

41 deep wells installed
5,397 community members benefited, including 74 persons with disabilities
1,452 people trained in hygiene practices
41 WASH committees formed and trained

A Mountain of Challenges

For the communities in Kotli, where 88% of the 774,000 residents live in rural areas, access to clean water has been a persistent challenge. Prior to the project, only 20% of the rural population had access to deep wells or government water schemes. Most residents relied on distant springs or water channels, forcing women and children to spend hours each day collecting water.

Community-Led Change

At the heart of the project's success lies its community-driven approach. Rural Aid Pakistan established 41 WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) committees, comprising 543 members (340 men and 203 women). These committees don't just maintain the wells – they serve as champions of change, promoting better hygiene practices and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the water systems.

Beyond Clean Water

The impact of this initiative extends far beyond access to clean water. On the health front, communities have seen a significant reduction in waterborne diseases, while improved access to water has enabled families to maintain kitchen gardens, enhancing local nutrition. Household hygiene has improved dramatically as families can now maintain cleaner homes and practice better personal hygiene.

The project has transformed educational opportunities, particularly for girls. With water now readily available, children spend their mornings in classrooms rather than collecting water. School attendance has increased, and fewer children miss classes due to water-related illnesses.

Economic opportunities have blossomed as well. Families can now maintain livestock, tend kitchen gardens, and engage in small-scale agriculture. Women, freed from the daily burden of water collection, have time to pursue income-generating activities, contributing to their families' financial stability.

Building Sustainable Solutions

The project's success stems from its comprehensive approach to community development. Rural Aid Pakistan provides technical assistance for well operation and maintenance while conducting extensive training in water safety and hygiene practices. Community ownership through local WASH committees ensures long-term sustainability, while careful attention to environmental protection and disaster risk reduction strategies safeguards these vital resources for future generations.

Looking Forward

This project serves as a model for sustainable rural development across Pakistan. Through community engagement, technological innovation, and comprehensive training, Rural Aid Pakistan demonstrates how mountain communities can build resilience against climate change while improving livelihoods.

Learn More

Want to dive deeper into this transformative project? Explore our detailed documentation:

Read the Full Project Report (PDF) - Comprehensive details about implementation, outcomes, and impact
Read Stories of Change (PDF) - Inspiring stories from the communities we serve

This project was implemented by Rural Aid Pakistan in partnership with Penny Appeal UK. For more information about our work or to support similar initiatives, please contact us at ruralaid.pk@gmail.com

Mountain Communities Flourish with Clean Water Access in Kotli