KARACHI:
I have observed that in most villages in Balochistan there is a dire need of sanitation facilities, particularly pit latrines. 70 per cent of households in rural areas still practice open defecation due to the non-availability of basic latrine facilities. This practice is becoming the cause of multiple public health hazards as it leads to waste-infected water on the roads. The water then causes diseases including but not limited to diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid among the public.
The privacy, dignity and security of women and girls are also at risk when they are compelled to use open fields, particularly at night. Furthermore, waste from open fields can gather in a specific lake or contaminate groundwater. Pit latrines are a low-cost and effective solution for the safety and privacy of the public.
I request the urgent support of the government to approve funds for the construction of pit latrines in the rural areas of Balochistan, including rural sanitation programs and NGOs for hygiene awareness. The government should provide local facilities, technical support and a small intervention, which can prevent diseases and protect thousands of lives.
Mahikan M Qasum
Turbat
