Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Margaret Adamson today opened a facility in Bullay Bala, Punjab which will provide the community with clean drinking water and improved sanitation services.
The clean drinking water supply and wastewater collection and treatment facility was funded by the Australian Government and implemented by Plan International.
High Commissioner Adamson said the Australian Government was pleased to support development of the facility under the Australian Civil Society Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Fund.
The project worked with Bullay Bala community and local government departments to promote improved water, sanitation and hygiene behavior and improve access to sanitation.
“Access to clean drinking water , sanitation facilities and better hygiene plays a pivotal role in the health and economy of a community,” Ms Adamson said.
Ms Adamson visited a girl’s high school in Roopwal where washrooms have been installed alongside an interactive display promoting improved water, sanitation and hygiene practices.
According to the World Health Organisation, 50 percent of undernutrition is associated with infections caused by poor water, sanitation and hygiene practices.
“Supporting nutrition in Pakistan is a priority for the Australian Government, including by supporting provincial governments to improve nutrition-related services,” Ms Adamson said.
The Civil Society WASH Fund supports 13 civil society organisations to deliver programs in the Pacific, Asia and Africa.
In Pakistan, Australia has also supported a similar project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, working with the International Rescue Committee.