Communities in Murree and Kotli Sattiyan have taken a major step toward water security and improved public health following the successful completion of Phase I of a WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) and Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Education Project.
The year-long initiative, titled “Community Mobilisation and WASH Education under Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting in Murree District,” was led by Aga Khan University through its Institute for Educational Development, in collaboration with NED University of Engineering & Technology. The project’s closing ceremony was held at AKU’s Karimabad campus.
Addressing Water Scarcity in High-Rainfall Regions
Despite receiving relatively high rainfall, Murree and Kotli Sattiyan continue to face chronic water shortages due to steep terrain, rapid runoff, tourism pressure, and limited water infrastructure. To address these challenges, the project focused on climate-resilient water solutions, particularly rooftop rainwater harvesting combined with WASH education.
The initiative was part of a larger Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Programme launched by The Urban Unit, Government of Punjab. Under Phase I, more than 1,100 households were equipped with rainwater harvesting systems featuring safe storage and filtration mechanisms.
Education-Led WASH Impact at Community Level
A key strength of the project was its education-driven approach. Through school-based learning modules, hands-on demonstrations, and community engagement activities, the programme promoted:
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Improved hygiene and sanitation practices
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Water conservation and efficient water use
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Environmental awareness and stewardship
The initiative directly engaged 4,726 students and 220 community members, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating education with infrastructure-based water solutions.
Phase II to Focus on Water Quality and Citizen Science
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Fozia Parveen (AKU) highlighted the project’s policy relevance and future direction:
“This project gave us a valuable opportunity to work closely with the government. During Phase I, we collaborated extensively with schools and partners such as Suthra Punjab. In Phase II, we plan to establish a Water Quality Laboratory in Kotli Sattiyan, with a strong focus on citizen science, enabling communities to actively monitor and understand their water resources.”
Strong Institutional Collaboration for Sustainable WASH Solutions
The closing ceremony was attended by senior academic and development sector representatives, including members of the Aga Khan Development Network, education stakeholders from Karachi, and faculty from both partner universities.
Notable attendees included Dr Salim Virani (Vice Provost Research, AKU), Dr Farid Panjwani (Dean, IED), and urban planner Arif Hasan. Project leads Dr Fozia Parveen (AKU) and Dr Abdul Ghaffar (NED University) reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration under Phase II, including the establishment of the Water Quality Laboratory by AKU.
A Model for Climate-Responsive WASH in Pakistan
The project stands as a best-practice model for climate-resilient WASH interventions in Pakistan, combining government leadership, academic expertise, and community participation. Organisers expressed their appreciation to the Urban Unit, Government of Punjab, for entrusting them with the implementation of this impactful initiative in Murree and Kotli Sattiyan.
With its strong focus on WASH education, rainwater harvesting, climate adaptation, and community mobilisation, the initiative offers valuable lessons for scaling sustainable water solutions across other water-stressed regions of Pakistan.
