Pakistan’s Hottest City Fights Back: Overcoming Water Crisis Amid Trump’s Aid Freeze

Jacobabad, a city in Pakistan’s Sindh province known for its extreme heat, faces a severe water crisis following the suspension of U.S. aid under former President Donald Trump. With temperatures regularly surpassing 50°C (122°F), access to clean water is critical for residents’ survival. However, the funding freeze has left a vital water purification project on the brink of collapse.

Impact of Aid Suspension on Water Supply

In 2012, USAID committed $66 million to improve municipal services in Sindh, including rehabilitating a plant that pumps and purifies water from a canal 22 kilometers away. A Pakistan-based NGO, HANDS, has now revealed that Trump’s aid freeze blocked $1.5 million allocated for the project’s sustainability. Without these funds, the water supply system, which delivers 1.5 million gallons (5.7 million liters) of clean water daily to 350,000 residents, faces imminent shutdown.

Key Facts About the Water Crisis:

• Jacobabad experiences some of the highest recorded temperatures globally, exceeding 50°C in summer.
• The USAID-funded plant was a lifeline, ensuring access to safe drinking water.
• The project now lacks essential operational funds due to aid suspension.
• If the supply stops, thousands will face severe dehydration and health risks.

Locals Fear for Their Survival

Residents of Jacobabad are deeply concerned about the future. “If the supply stops, survival will become extremely difficult because water is the most essential need for life,” one local shared. Even in winter, temperatures remain above 30°C (86°F), exacerbating water scarcity.

Aid Suspension Leads to Job Losses, Infrastructure Crisis

HANDS officials report they received no prior notice about the 90-day aid suspension and learned about it only through media reports. The sudden financial cut has forced the organization to withdraw its staff, including 47 technical experts responsible for water purification and infrastructure maintenance.

Trump’s Aid Freeze Threatens Crisis: Pakistan’s Hottest City Faces Life-Saving Water Shortage

“The project is now in the hands of the local government, which lacks the technical expertise and revenue collection capacity to sustain it,” said HANDS CEO Tanveer Ahmed in an interview with Dawn. Without an alternative funding source, the project could collapse within months, leaving hundreds of thousands without access to clean water.

Pakistan’s Climate Crisis Exacerbates Water Shortage

Pakistan ranks among the most climate-affected countries, according to the Climate Risk Index 2022 by Germanwatch. Despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan frequently experiences extreme weather events driven by human-induced climate change.

Climate-Related Challenges in Jacobabad:

• The 2010 floods severely damaged the city’s water system, affecting millions across Sindh.
• The Pakistan Meteorological Department reports 52% below-average rainfall in Sindh from September to mid-January.
• Experts warn of a moderate drought in the coming months, worsening the water crisis.

Urgent Need for Alternative Funding and Solutions

To prevent the collapse of Jacobabad’s water system, immediate intervention is necessary. Potential solutions include:

• Government Intervention: Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments must allocate emergency funds.
• International Support: The U.S. and other donors should reconsider financial aid for life-saving projects.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between NGOs and private companies could ensure sustainable water infrastructure.

Conclusion: A Looming Humanitarian Disaster

Jacobabad’s water crisis is a direct consequence of political decisions that ignore humanitarian needs. With climate change worsening the situation, the urgency for sustainable solutions is greater than ever. If alternative funding is not secured, thousands could face severe dehydration, health risks, and economic hardship.

For more updates on Pakistan’s climate and humanitarian issues, explore related articles on our website.