Trump's aid cut threatens water scheme in sweltering Jacobabad

In Jacobabad, one of Pakistan’s hottest cities, rising temperatures and dwindling water supplies are pushing the community toward a crisis.

Sun-scorched Jacobabad often exceeds 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) during intense heatwaves, leading to critical health issues such as dehydration and heatstroke.

Jacobabad’s municipal water system, funded in part by a $66 million USAID grant in 2012, provides essential clean water to around 350,000 residents. The project pumps 1.5 million gallons of purified water daily from a canal located 22 kilometers (14 miles) away, helping to alleviate the pressures of severe water scarcity.

However, the freeze on US foreign aid, which includes $1.5 million designated for the project’s continued operation, now threatens the entire infrastructure, leaving the community vulnerable.

HANDS, the Pakistani non-profit overseeing the project, warned that without this critical funding, the water system could shut down within months. “Since everything is just suspended, we have to withdraw our staff, and the project will likely cease functioning,” said HANDS CEO Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed. The freeze has left the local government in charge, but with little capacity or expertise to manage such an intricate system.

Jacobabad’s vulnerability to climate change is becoming more severe. Recent weather reports show that rainfall in Sindh province is down 52%, and the city faces a moderate drought in the coming months.

For residents like Tufail Ahmed, access to clean water is not just important; it’s essential for survival. “If the water supply is cut off, survival will be challenging,” said Ahmed. “Water is the most essential thing for life.”

The freeze on US aid comes at a time when Jacobabad, like much of Pakistan, is increasingly affected by climate change. Pakistan, which contributes less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is one of the nations most impacted by rising temperatures and extreme weather events. With heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense, Jacobabad’s reliance on water supply systems funded by international aid has never been more critical.

Before the city’s municipal system, many residents had to rely on private donkey-drawn tankers, which charge up to 10 times more than the local water service. These tankers often deliver water contaminated with harmful substances like arsenic. As 18-year-old student Noor Ahmed recalls, “Before, our women had to walk for hours to collect water. Now, we have a reliable supply.”

However, with the potential end of the water supply looming, Abdul Ghani, a local activist, warned that cutting off the project’s funding would have dire consequences. “If the supply is cut off, it will severely affect the public. We cannot afford alternatives,” he said.

This crisis highlights the broader impacts of US foreign policy decisions on global climate adaptation efforts. The aid freeze underscores the fragility of global partnerships, particularly for countries on the frontlines of climate change, like Pakistan. Without continued support, communities in Jacobabad and similar cities may be left to face the devastating effects of climate change without the necessary resources to cope.

“This water supply cannot be stopped,” said Sadruddin Lashari, a 55-year-old local resident. “Without it, we will struggle to survive the heat.”

As Jacobabad fights to maintain its water supply, the urgent need for continued international support is clear. The situation serves as a stark reminder that climate change requires global cooperation, and foreign aid is critical for helping vulnerable communities like Jacobabad adapt and survive.