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Global Grant Proposal: Sustainable Solar-Powered Clean Water Access
Project Location: Karachi and surrounding communities, Pakistan
Primary Area of Focus: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
Community Assessment & Needs (The "Why") Project Vision: To provide consistent, clean, and
sustainable water access to underserved communities in Karachi using solar-powered
purification technology.
Technology(The "What") Installation of solar-powered reverse osmosis (RO) or filtration units. These units are selected for their low operating costs and independence from the unstable local power grid. RO plants will be installed without solar systems. The cost of a solar system to operate an RO plant is significantly higher, and we discourage its use because it may be misused by the community for personal purposes. In some cases, this can also lead to conflicts. Therefore, RO plants will be installed at locations such as hospitals and government premises, where electricity is already available. The maintenance cost will be borne by the community or the respective institution. We will install simple water filtration plants with solar systems in underserved communities. The cost of the solar system required to operate these filtration plants is relatively low, and it cannot be easily used for other purposes. Therefore, it is unlikely to create any conflict within the community.
Sustainability: Community ownership plays a key role in ensuring sustainability. Regular meetings with both men's and women's groups demonstrate their willingness and commitment to maintaining the plant. At each location, a three-member committee is formed and trained to operate the plant and handle basic maintenance. Whenever maintenance costs arise, community members collectively contribute funds to ensure the plant continues to function effectively.
The Water Management Committee (WMC): A Women Community Organization (WCO) is established to support and empower local women. Its role is similar to that of the WMC,focusing on educating women about health, hygiene, and the proper use of clean water. In addition to awareness activities, women in some areas also actively participate in the maintenance of the plant, contributing to its smooth and sustainable operation. A formal training of women and men is an integral part of the project.
Financial Model: To ensure long-term maintenance, a nominal user fee will be collected. This is a strong strategy for ensuring the sustainability of the project; however, in our communal system, it is not always feasible or widely accepted. We therefore implement this approach only in areas where the community is open to it.
Local Technical Support: At least 3 persons from every community will provide technical
assistance. They are easily available in the community. The project includes a [3-year] service agreement with a Karachi-based vendor. Local operators will be trained on "Level 1"
maintenance (cleaning panels and basic troubleshooting.
Measurable Outcomes: The expected lifespan of a plant is three years; however, our experience shows that with strong community ownership and proper maintenance, these plants can operate for more than seven years and are still functioning effectively.
Access: On average, 150 people collect water for domestic and drinking purposes for their
households. With an average household size of eight members, this means that approximately
1,200 people benefit directly each day from a plant. This number may increase depending on
population density.
Health: As we are working closely with the District Government and the World Health
Organization, we are in a strong position to collect and analyze relevant health data. We plan to obtain information from local health facilities and outlets to assess trends in water-borne diseases before and after the installation of the plants. By comparing this data over time, we can better understand the impact of access to clean water on community health
This approach will identify any reduction in common water-related illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, and other infections. In addition, collaboration with health authorities ensures that the data collected is reliable and can be used to support evidence-based conclusions about the effectiveness of the project. Such findings can also help improve future interventions and strengthen the case for scaling up similar initiatives in other areas.
Efficiency: Reduction in time/cost for families to acquire water. Families save about 80% of the money they would otherwise spend on purchasing drinking water. In addition, they are relieved from the physical strain and fatigue of traveling long distances to collect water from far-flung areas.
BUDGET
• Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration Plant - $8,000 per times 3 - $24,000
• Walter Filtration Plant - $3,950 per times 4 - $15,800
• Installation and Transportation - $3,300
• Training in Health and Hygiene - $600 times 7 - $4,200
• Training in operations and maintenance - $600 times 7 - $42,00
• Supervisor to monitor activities daily - $500 per month - $2500
TOTAL - $62,100
The project is initiated by a $10,000 donation from a Las Vegas Summerlin Rotary member,
Asad Shaikh, who was born in Pakistan. It is matched by a $10,000 Las Vegas Summerlin Rotary
Foundation grant.
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