Water is connected to every form of life on earth and without it, survival is not possible. As a criterion; an adequate, reliable, clean, accessible, acceptable and safe drinking water supply has to be available for all. At a basic level, everyone needs access to safe water in adequate quantities for drinking, cooking, personal hygiene and sanitation facilities that do not compromise health or dignity. It’s a fundamental human right and an essential step towards improving living standards.
Karachi is Pakistan’s largest and most populous city and among the largest megacities in the world. Despite being Pakistan’s microcosm, Karachi is affected by a lack of primarily clean and safe drinking water in rural and urban areas. The water shortage has prevailed in recent years due to poor water management and global climate change. According to the UN, Pakistan is amongst those few unfortunate countries where water shortage is speculated to destabilize and jeopardize its existence in the next few decades.
Waterborne diseases are caused by drinking contaminated or dirty water. Contaminated water can transmit diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio. Health costs associated with waterborne diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, and worm infections. The sickness caused by dirty water saps people’s energy to do much of anything. Infants and young children are especially susceptible to diseases because their immune systems are experiencing everything for the first time. Health risks are often exacerbated by poor sanitation as well.
Drinking water quality management is not a one-window operation and requires action at various places. Hamid Ismail Foundation (HIF) an independent not-for-profit organization is practically active in ensuring the provisions of clean drinking water to improve the well-being of underprivileged areas of Karachi. The President and Founder Mr. Hamid Ismail recently inaugurated its second RO Plant at Government Girls and Boys School, at Shanti Nagar (Karachi). This is another step towards fulfilling his promise of water supply to one million people and make a difference in their lives. Earlier, the foundation had installed its first RO plant in July.
HIF primarily focuses on social causes like providing clean drinking water, women empowerment, patronizing sports activities for youth, creating a clean environment and beautification of communities, medical and primary healthcare for patients, vocational training centers for skill development, solid waste management and employment through corporate linkages. It aims to create a sustainable change that significantly improves the well-being of local communities and helps improve the quality of life for people through various development projects.
Safe drinking water has become a rare commodity and is now a global issue. HIF in many ways is committed and working to be a force for good and a force of growth. It is noteworthy how they have helped address water issues and are working to ensurethat inhabitants of local communities can improve their lives and livelihoods.
Article Contributed by: Uzair Majeed
Sundus Anwar believes in the power of clear, straightforward writing. Her blog posts tackle everyday topics with relatable insights and easy-to-follow advice. With a conversational style, she makes complex subjects feel understandable. She’s dedicated to sharing knowledge and empowering readers to take action. Find her latest posts on trending in social.
