Challenges and Solutions in Wash: A Study of Tharparkar Desert in Pakistan
Abstract
This paper assesses the existing water, sanitation and hygiene issues faced by people in Tharparkar. This desert district faces an acute water shortage problem followed by poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene conditions. Two stage sampling methods are adopted to select villages and households for this study purpose. Physical visits, FGDs and personal interviews were conducted to examine WASH status in targeted areas. The study found that 95% of villages have groundwater as the only major water source which is saline to brackish with high TDS ranging from 3500-7000 ppm. 93% of people practice open defection and 60% don’t wash their hands properly after defecation. 65% of schools don’t have latrine facilities. Available latrines don’t have water facilities. Handwashing facilities in toilets are almost unavailable. Water storage is not practiced adequately. Overall hygiene conditions are not satisfactory. The study recommends consolidated efforts by all stakeholders to improve WASH conditions in Tharparkar.