Bagh, 18 April 2007 - Yesterday the foundation stone of a new project funded by the organization People in Need was laid in Pakistan Kashmir. The project will focus on resolving waste problems in an area where one and half years ago a strong earthquake killed many tens of thousands of people and destroyed not only houses but also infrastructure in that area. The opening ceremony for the project was attended by the Kashmir Prime Minister, Sardar Attique, and the Mayor of Bagh town Syed Sadaqat Gardazi.
"This project is the first environmental project in the district and will help to change the system of waste management in Bagh town. Waste management is also a challenge for the whole of Kashmir. People in Need has been actively participating in reconstruction since the earthquake, which we greatly appreciate," said the Prime Minister. In this phase of the project, which will last eighteen months, negotiations will be held with the municipality, local employees will be hired and trained and awareness-raising campaigns will be launched in the community. Project manager Libor MichvocÃk described the current situation: "People are not aware of the risks caused by waste. There is a simple waste dump close to drinking water sources. People are washing themselves there, they do their laundry and even wash their cars there," he said. "More than new technologies it will be important to change the habits of local people regarding how they manage their waste," he added.
Environmental protection has become an issue in Pakistan since increasing living standards have led to the generation of more waste. Proper waste disposal methods are not yet followed. It is estimated that waste generation is growing at a rate of more then two percent per year. "A lack of proper waste management causes groundwater and soil contamination, air pollution and the public health impact is also significant," said MichvocÃk. The situation is the worst in Pakistani cities where there are no proper solid waste management systems that meet accepted environmental protection standards.
"The project, which aims to resolve the situation in Bagh town, could be replicated in other regions of Pakistan in the future," explained Mr. MichvocÃk. There will be waste segregation, a composting plant and a small incinerator within the project. "The most important thing for local people is to understand the environment and how it influences their quality of life and health. This is why an integral part of the project is an educational campaign," he continued.
The project is funded mainly by the European Commission and it will be implemented by five partners from Europe and Pakistan.
People in Need has carried out many projects in the earthquake affected area. After humanitarian distribution of goods immediately after the earthquake, the team continued with longer-term programs including rubble clearance, the construction of the Educational Department office, construction of schools and the implementation of a psychosocial project. People in Need intends to continue developing projects in the region and its activities in Pakistan are planned to continue at least until the middle of 2008.
More information:
Milada Ratajová, Desk Office for Pakistan
Mobile: 0042 0 777 787 934
Email: milada.ratajova@peopleinneed.cz
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
