Improving Living conditions of IDPs out off camps through WASH Interventions (Completed)

Background and Objectives

Background

Displacement as a result of the military actions shows that just under 23,000 families were registered as displaced in the two neighbouring districts of Hangu and Kohat in NWFP.
IDPs were living in overcrowded accommodations with their host families caused rapid deterioration of the hygiene conditions of host dwellings and were in need of extra water to adequately supply them. IDPs occupy/rent substandard houses, lacking basic facilities such water and latrines. Lack of latrines negatively affects women and girls. High concentration of IDPs was negatively impacting on existing communities’ resources in terms of water supply and facilities such as water points and community latrines in Mosques. Living conditions are similar to the one observed in the lower part of NMFP districts, with IDPs living in overcrowded accommodations with their host families, causing rapid deterioration of the host dwellings. It was observed that from 15 to 23 people were sharing one room. IDPs need extra shelter to be adequately accommodated. IDPs occupy/rent substandard houses, lacking basic facilities and privacy that is fundamental for women to be able to conduct daily activities in a less stressful environment.

Objectives

The WASH project will, in coordination with WASH Cluster, UNICEF, PDMA/PaRRSA, the NWFP Ministry of Social Welfare and Women Development and local Government authorities, Red Cross Movement, provide WASH assistance to 2,500 of the most vulnerable IDPs families living off camp in Hangu, NWFP, and their host communities.

The Shelter project will, in coordination with Shelter and NFI Cluster, UNHCR (that is providing shelter material and/or tents), PDMA/PaRRSA, the NWFP Ministry of Social Welfare and Women Development and local Government authorities, provide shelter assistance to 1,400 of the most vulnerable IDP families living off camp in NWFP, focusing on women headed households. The districts of intervention are Kohat, Hangu, DI Khan and Tank.

Activities

The activities of the WASH component are:

  • Identification of local NGOs working in the district of intervention as Implementing partners
  • Conducting specific assessment, including community based mechanisms, jointly with shelter assessment, in order to identify WASH needs (safe drinking water and hygiene promotion) of communities with high concentration of IDPs families hosted by families
  • Standardize vulnerabilities criteria for beneficiaries selection within WASH Cluster
  • Defining wash need at households (hygiene kits) and community level (water supply, community facilities and hygiene promotion)
  • Coordination with WASH cluster members for selection of Union Councils for intervention, ensuring proper coordination and avoiding gaps in areas of displacement
  • In area of displacement, provide safe drinking water to host communities with high concentration of IDPs families where lack of adequate supply had been identified
  • Coordination and capacity building with local authorities for selection of water solutions
  • Hygiene promotion, including hygiene education sessions and the distribution of necessary supplies (hygiene kits).
  • Preparation of database on beneficiaries assisted.

The activities of the Shelter component are:

  • Identification of local NGOs working in the districts of intervention as Implementing partners
  • Identification of most vulnerable IDPs families for shelter assistance with detailed village by village assessment.
  • Social mobilization of communities
  • Based on assessment, identification of rubble removal or essential repairs to allow shelter/tents erection.
  • Transport and distribution of tents or shelter materials (including tools kits and boundary walls) from UNHCR warehouse in Peshawar
  • Provision of technical assistance and direct assistance to vulnerable groups
  • Delivering of traditional shelters or tents distribution by UN-HABITAT
  • Delivery of training on shelter construction
  • Improving IDPs living condition facilitating traditional closures for privacy and covered space for cooking
  • Preparation of database on beneficiaries assisted.

Results

  • Based on detail assessment 2,000 tents received from UNHCR were distributed among the vulnerable IDPs
  • Around 2,200 substandard houses rented by IDPs were repaired, this were mainly construction of boundary walls to ensure privacy for the women.
  • Around 700 latrines were constructed for the host vulnerable families
  • Around 200 hand pumps were installed that were shared by the IDPs and the host families
  • Around 5,000 hygiene kits, 4,000 jerry canes and buckets were distributed
  • Awareness campaigns on health and hygiene were conducted that targeted the 5,000 beneficiaries that received hygiene kits.

Development Partners / Partners

Development partner: UN-CERF