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Afghanistan + 1 more

Khost & Paktika Update No. 56 - 8 April 2015 [EN/Dari/PS]

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As people began crossing into Afghanistan in midJune, many settled with host communities, however this stretched already limited water resources and posed a challenge for the hygiene and sanitation infrastructure. DACAAR conducted a WASH assessment in Gurbuz, Lakan, Mandozayi and Tani districts and found that in areas where there are not many refugees, there are less problems in regards to WASH, however in areas where there is no host community or high percentage of refugees as compared to the host population, there are significant limitations of the WASH infrastructure.

Overall, open defecation is a consistent problem and there is a severe lack of solid waste management at the same time, latrines are needed almost everywhere. As a result DACAAR began trucking in water to local communities to ensure people had access to safe drinking water while reducing the potential for conflict over scarce water resources. With support from ECHO, DACAAR provided 435 emergency latrines and baths in host communities, distributed 2,284 hygiene kits, provided 9.6 million litres of drinking water in communities, and constructed 30 boreholes and rehabilitated 48 wells. With support from UNICEF DACAAR distributed 728 hygiene kits, has completed 37 out of a planned 40 wells, and is in the process of installing 120 latrines and hand washing facilities. All of these projects are being supported with hygiene awareness education training. Water and sanitation remain urgent priorities, especially as we move into warmer temperatures it will be important to ensure refugees have access to adequate water and sanitation facilities