Pakistan WASH Challenges and Localised Solutions in Flood Affected Regions in Pakistan: An exploratory research study
Pakistan is ranked among the top five countries vulnerable to climate-based disasters according to global climate risk index. Over the years, torrential rains have caused flooding in several different parts of the country, claiming lives and damaging property. People from marginalised and vulnerable groups disproportionately carry the consequences of such disasters. This study investigates the challenges faced by the people in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in the aftermath of the 2022 floods concerning water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) needs.
The focus of this exploratory participatory study is to understand the experiences of the flood-affected populations across three districts, namely Malir (Sindh), Dadu (Sindh), and Nowshera (KP), heavily impacted by the floods and hosting displaced populations. This study undertakes an in-depth assessment of the challenges – as well as localised solutions – to comprehend the accurate scale of the impact of the floods in Pakistan on the communities affected and the associated support needed.
This report summarises the key insights from participants’ experiences of the 2022 floods and highlights the need to design intersectional initiatives. The findings suggest the importance of considering gender, age, and ability to co-create resiliency systems for WASH programs in flood-affected and other emergency settings. While emergency responses in Pakistan may have provided initial access to important WASH services, a more nuanced understanding of local contexts, cultural and indigenous practices, and a diverse lived experience lens is necessary for designing effective solutions that are more likely to sustain while communities prepare to return to their homes.
There have been many volunteer and citizen-led support interventions for flood-affected communities, as well as some relief efforts by the government. However, though well intentioned, these only offer short-term and inconsistent aid. They do not provide systematic insight into communities’ WASH needs, nor are services and products contextualised to the environmental or cultural nuances of those impacted. Recovery efforts must be inclusive and guided by community-led solutions to WASH challenges to create resilient and sustainable ecosystems that can be upheld by those affected and help inform key service providers.
The intersection of social class, economic marginalisation, gender, and climate change is not adequately addressed by current solutions focusing on physical infrastructure or health outcomes. To improve the well-being of climate-displaced populations, we need to understand their context and socio- economic realities. This report takes the opportunity to highlight the WASH context as explained by the stakeholders and shares the recommendations and local practices for building resilience.
