ISLAMABAD, 13 MAY (DNA) – Rehabilitation of the Angarghoon drinking water supply scheme was inaugurated in Chitral today by the Deputy Commissioner Chitral, Osama Ahmed Warriach and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Pakistan, Angela Kearney. The largest and the only source for safe drinking water in the area, it is expected to benefit over 80,000 people in Chitral Town and the neighbouring villages.

With an estimated cost of US$223,000, rehabilitation of the Angarghoon water supply scheme is funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) United Kingdom.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner Chital, Osama Ahmed Warriach said that the district government is grateful to UNICEF and DFID for their generous support in restoring this water scheme which is the main source of safe drinking water for the people of Chitral

 People n this region have suffered due to recurrent natural calamities and the district authorities are trying their utmost to rehabilitate the affected population. Support from the humanitarian community is this context is invaluable and most welcome.

UNICEF has proactively restored 20 drinking water schemes in Chitral district and another 21 in Shangla district, within months of the floods and the earthquake that struck the region in 2015. These schemes have been restored on the principle of ‘Build Back Better’ incorporating the elements of Disaster Risk Reduction to help communities be better prepared for a disaster and minimise its effects.

“Recurrent natural disasters in Chitral during the last few months have made it evident that climate change is having an adverse effect on this region,” said Angela Kearney, UNICEF Representative.

“Restoration of the Angarghoon water scheme is a testimony to the fact that we are mindful of the most basic need, clean and safe drinking water, for the people of Chitral. Lack of safe drinking water in the aftermath of a disaster could lead to the spread of waterborne diseases especially among children and that is a situation we wish to prevent.”

“UNICEF is grateful to the Provincial Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the District Administration of Chitral and DFID for its generous support not only for this particular water scheme but also for their overall support to our Water, Sanitation and Hygiene emergency response after the floods and the earthquake in Chitral,” Angela Kearney added.DNA