UNOPS Pakistan

The UNOPS water infrastructure project has officially been transferred to the Public Health Engineering Departments (PHEDs) of Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), marking a significant step toward improving access to clean drinking water and sanitation in underserved communities. Valued at $7.6 million, the infrastructure includes solar-powered water supply systems designed to reduce long-term operating costs while expanding access to safe water for nearly 300,000 people. Funded by the United States Department of State, the project delivered critical water and sanitation facilities across Umerkot district in Sindh and Tank district in KP. Officials said the handover ensures provincial governments will now manage and maintain the infrastructure, helping deliver sustainable public services while lowering future maintenance expenses through renewable energy solutions. Solar-Powered Water Systems To Reduce Costs A key feature of the UNOPS water infrastructure project is the installation of more than half a megawatt of solar power capacity across the newly developed water supply schemes. The solar-powered systems allow the facilities to operate independently of Pakistan’s national electricity grid, significantly reducing recurring electricity and diesel costs that typically burden public water utilities. By relying on renewable energy, the project is expected to lower operational expenses for provincial governments while also reducing carbon emissions and supporting Pakistan’s broader climate resilience and clean energy objectives. Officials said the shift to solar energy will make the water supply systems more reliable, particularly in rural areas where electricity shortages and rising fuel prices often disrupt public services. Clean Water For Nearly 300,000 People Under the project, UNOPS completed six drinking water supply schemes, installed more than 40 kilometres of water distribution pipelines, and established over 1,300 water collection points across the two districts. The infrastructure now provides improved access to safe drinking water for almost 300,000 residents, many of whom previously faced limited or unreliable water supplies. In addition to expanding water access, UNOPS handed over a fully equipped water-testing laboratory that will support continuous water quality monitoring for approximately 164,000 people, helping ensure that drinking water remains safe and meets public health standards. The project also strengthened sanitation facilities by constructing six toilet blocks in schools, providing improved sanitation services to around 6,440 students. Economic Benefits For Rural Communities Officials highlighted that the project is expected to generate broader economic and social benefits beyond improving public health. With clean water now available closer to their homes, women in local communities are spending significantly less time collecting water, freeing up hours that can be devoted to productive economic activities. According to project officials, many women are now able to engage in handicrafts, kitchen gardening, small-scale agriculture, and other income-generating activities, creating new opportunities to supplement household earnings. The reduction in unpaid domestic labour is expected to improve livelihoods and strengthen the economic resilience of families living in some of Pakistan’s underserved rural districts. Provincial Departments To Manage Operations Following the handover, the Public Health Engineering Departments of Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa will assume responsibility for operating and maintaining the water supply infrastructure. To support the transition, UNOPS has planned a series of capacity-building programmes aimed at strengthening institutional capabilities. The training will focus on key areas including operation and maintenance of water systems, water quality monitoring, and project management to ensure the infrastructure continues delivering reliable services over the long term. Officials said building technical capacity within provincial departments is essential for protecting the investment and ensuring sustainable service delivery for local communities. Sustainable Infrastructure For Long-Term Development The transfer reflects a broader development approach that combines international financial assistance with local ownership and institutional strengthening. By integrating solar-powered technology, provincial management, and technical training, the UNOPS water infrastructure project aims to reduce future operating costs while ensuring the facilities remain functional for years to come. Development experts say investments in clean water, sanitation, and renewable energy not only improve public health but also contribute to economic development by lowering government expenditures, increasing productivity, and creating more resilient rural communities. The project demonstrates how international partnerships can help expand access to essential public services while promoting environmental sustainability and long-term economic benefits for Pakistan’s rural population.