TEHRAN – The Ministry of Energy, in cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), will equip households with adequate flow pressure by improving water quality and supporting the construction and rehabilitation of water networks in the villages of East Birjand. Ensured consistent access to water quality. South Khorasan province.
The initiative, which was completed in December 2024, included the establishment of new water distribution networks in Dastgerd and Islamabad, linking these villages to the main network in Darmian district, the UNICEF website said in a press release on January 20. Announced in the release.
The project focused on the rehabilitation and replacement of outdated and non-functional infrastructure, equipped with high quality materials and ensured a sustainable water supply for the community.
These improvements have significantly reduced water loss from leaks, improved water quality, and ensured homes have consistent access to water with adequate flow pressure.
Additionally, the intervention significantly reduced the number of water-related incidents and significantly reduced maintenance costs. As a result of these significant enhancements, consumer satisfaction has improved significantly.
This initiative will directly benefit 1,729 individuals, including children, build community resilience and prevent environmental migration. It also promotes financial development, reduces water loss and reduces the risk of waterborne diseases.
Given the success of this project in improving water supply by reducing water losses in the network, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Department of Energy, is conducting a pilot program in the state to compare the efficiency of this method with other conventional water supplies. How are you planning to start? This pilot program will compare the efficiency of reducing the financial and environmental costs of moving water from new and distant water resources as a normal practice.
By addressing the critical issue of water scarcity, this project will not only improve the quality of life for residents, but also promote the long-term sustainability of the region.
Improving access to safe water
Following the devastating floods that struck Sistan-Baluchestan province, particularly in and near Chabahar, at the end of February 2024, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) provided the affected communities with support, including access to safe water. has provided important support.
Even before the floods, access to clean and safe water has long been a challenge in the region.
UNICEF’s website announced in a press release on December 22, 2024, that there is an urgent need to address this danger, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and the Ministry of Energy. We are aware that we have launched a comprehensive program. .
The initiative aims to reduce waterborne diseases, protect vulnerable families, build resilience in local communities and ensure sustainable access to clean and safe water. .
UNICEF’s response to the water crisis included critical support for water safety testing and cleanup efforts. “40 water disinfection devices have been procured and distributed. These devices, powered by solar energy, will provide drinking water to around 200,000 people,” said UNICEF Volunteer Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (Cleaning) Officer explains Siavash Oveisi Arian.
“Additionally, water quality testing laboratory equipment has been distributed across the state,” he added.
Experimental equipment provided by UNICEF plays an important role in ensuring water security for Sistan-Baluchestan’s large population. Fatemeh Fadaee, Water and Wastewater Quality Control Manager of Chabahar District, said, “Assessing the water quality in the cities and villages of Chabahar, Dashtiari, Konark, Zarabad, Ghaslegand and Nikshahr, which have a population of 1 million people, water safety and quality. .”
This increased water testing capacity will help protect the health of communities across the state, reduce the risk of waterborne disease, and improve resilience to future public health challenges.
UNICEF support for children and their families affected by the floods in Sistan-Baluchestan, including the provision of hygiene kits, prehablatrin and showers, laboratory equipment, and water disinfection equipment, is supported by generous funding from EU Humanitarian Aid. This was made possible through aid.
UNICEF quickly responded to the humanitarian crisis in the aftermath of the floods. In the first phase, UNICEF will procure 2,900 essential hygiene packs, including 2,000 home hygiene kits, 300 baby kits, 500 menstrual hygiene management (MHM) kits, and 100 incontinence kits to prevent disease outbreaks. , promoted the child’s overall well-being. April 30th.
UNICEF, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Medical Education and the Department of Energy, is working to provide safe water and sanitation services to disaster-affected households and communities to ensure that children and families remain safe and healthy. was given priority.
UNICEF also delivered 10 water dispensers and more than three tonnes of perchlorin powder to affected areas, ensuring access to safe drinking water. This is also being made possible through generous European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Assistance Operations (ECHO) funding.
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