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COVID-19: Hunza at the crossroads of a wonderful victory and a deadly defeat

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Coronavirus Hunza Gojal

Because of the meticulous measures taken by the community to deal with the COVID-19, Hunza has miraculously kept itself free from the pandemic. But the risks of the virus penetrating the community still loom large and Hunza has entered a decisive phase of its war against COVID-19 in Gilgit-Baltistan where it faces both a wonderful victory and a deadly defeat.

As the economic, psychological and social impact of the stay-home and social distancing policy is pushing members of the community residing in cities to the brink, they are planning to move back to Hunza. A step important for their safety but it also sets the alarm bells ringing.

Thanks to the government of Gilgit-Baltistan for facilitating excavation of their citizens stranded in different Pakistani cities but the step although laudable and logical comes with its own risks. According to data obtained from Gojal Islamilia Students Association Karachi (GISAK), around 200 people will be leaving for Gojal from Karachi alone.

Hunza Boys in Gojal

The figures for Shinaki and Central Hunza district are much higher besides there is no data available about another metropolis. With the huge influx of Hunzais in the coming days, Hunza’s war against COVID-19 will enter its decisive phase. Proper screening of each and every individual entering the district should be the first step followed by the mandatory 14-days quarantine before they meet their families.

The district administration might not have all the resources but the community like always can step in to manage it. Quarantine centers should be established in every village. This seems a daunting task but thanks to the generosity of the people of Hunza who can easily manage shelter and food for their own people without seeking help from anyone.

Without proper screening and mandatory quarantine of the Hunzukuts returning from cities, Hunza’s success can turn into a nightmare. No matter how exhausted the volunteers are but they need to strictly implement the screening process and mandatory quarantine because Hunza stands only one step away from a wonderful victory or a deadly defeat.

Gohar Abbas is an award-winning journalist who has worked for the national and international media for over the past ten years. He currently studies broadcast journalism at the New York Film Academy.

Climate

Aga Khan Agency for Habitat and Government of Gilgit-Baltistan sign the Resilient Hunza Plan

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AKAH Pakistan World Water Day 2020 Stories

The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH Pakistan) has signed a partnership agreement with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan to conduct a study for a sustainable solution of drinking water supply for central Hunza sourced from Attabad lake. The feasibility will include Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Assessments of the supply line and eight settlements. The agreement was signed between the Planning and Development Department of Gilgit Baltistan, the District of Hunza, and the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat in Hunza.

Central Hunza faces acute water shortage as most settlements depend on two glacial melt streams (Hassanabad Nallah and Ultar Nallah) as their primary source of water.  The recent glacial lake outburst floods from both glaciers have severely impacted water supply and other community infrastructure.  Growth in tourism to the area, critical for economic development, adds further pressure on the region’s water resources.  Using its rich experience around the design and implementation of water supply systems in mountain areas combined with its hazard risk assessment and overall habitat planning expertise AKAH will provide technical support to the Government on this highly important study. 

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Syed Abrar Hussain Shah, Additional Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, said that “The Government of Gilgit Baltistan is grateful to Aga Khan Development Network for realizing several development projects, reducing poverty and empowering communities. We value AKAH’s support to the government of GB on various development initiatives particularly around climate change and providing access of clean drinking water to the rural and urban  areas in Gilgit Baltistan.”

In his address, Mr. Fayaz Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner Hunza, shared that “This partnership with AKAH will enable us to provide sustainable access to clean drinking water to 5,500 households, commercial entities, health and education facilities from eight settlements of central Hunza including Faizabad, Altit, Karimabad, Ganish, Garelth, Haiderabad, Dorkhand and Aliabad  This feasibility study will not only identify solutions for the current needs of the community but also help boost the tourism potential of the area in the years to come” 

In his remarks, Mr. Nawab Ali Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Pakistan shared that “AKAH has the mandate of creating resilient human habitats and we will support any initiative that is aligned with our mandate.” He further said “AKAH is thankful to the government for all its support that has enabled us to serve communities in need.” 

Over the last two decades, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Pakistan has provided 500,000 people with water and sanitation facilities across Pakistan mainly in mountain communities. This has resulted not only in reducing waterborne diseases but also improved health and economic conditions as well as reduced the burden on women and girls of fetching water from long distances.

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Environment

AKAH Pakistan join hands with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan to design a major water supply project in Central Hunza

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Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) Pakistan Hunza Water project

The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) Pakistan, signed a partnership agreement with Government of Gilgit-Baltistan to conduct a study for sustainable solution of drinking water supply for central Hunza sourced from Attabad lake. The feasibility will include Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Assessments of the supply line and eight settlements. The agreement was signed between the Planning and Development Department of Gilgit Baltistan, the District of Hunza and Aga Khan Agency for Habitat in Hunza.

Central Hunza faces acute water shortage as most settlements depend on two glacial melt streams (Hassanabad Nallah and Ultar Nallah) as their primary source of water. The recent glacial lake outburst floods from both glaciers have severely impacted water supply and other community infrastructure.

Growth in tourism to the area, critical for economic development, adds further pressure on the region’s water resources. Using its rich experience around the design and implementation of water supply systems in mountain areas combined with its hazard risk assessment and overall habitat planning expertise AKAH will provide technical support to the Government on this highly important study.

Mr. Nawab Ali Khan, CEO, AKAH, P and Mr. Syed Abrar Hussain Shah, Additional Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan and Mr. Fayaz Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner Hunza, are signing the partnership agreement to conduct a feasibility study to design a water project for central Hunza.
Mr. Nawab Ali Khan, CEO, AKAH, P and Mr. Syed Abrar Hussain Shah, Additional Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan and Mr. Fayaz Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner Hunza, are signing the partnership agreement to conduct a feasibility study to design a water project for central Hunza.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Syed Abrar Hussain Shah, Additional Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, said
that “The Government of Gilgit Baltistan is grateful to Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for realizing several development projects, reducing poverty and empowering communities. We value AKAH’s support to the government of GB on various development initiatives particularly around climate change and providing access to clean drinking water to the rural and urban areas in Gilgit Baltistan.”

Mr. Nawab Ali Khan, CEO, AKAH,P and Mr. Syed Abrar Hussain Shah, Additional Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan and Mr.  Fayaz Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner Hunza after signing the partnership agreement to conduct a feasibility study to design a water project for central Hunza.
Mr. Nawab Ali Khan, CEO, AKAH,P and Mr. Syed Abrar Hussain Shah, Additional Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan and Mr. Fayaz Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner Hunza after signing the partnership agreement to conduct a feasibility study to design a water project for central Hunza.

In his address, Mr. Fayaz Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner Hunza, shared that “This partnership with AKAH will enable us to provide sustainable access to clean drinking water to 5,500 households, commercial entities, health and education facilities from eight settlements of central Hunza including Faizabad, Altit, Karimabad, Ganish, Garelth, Haiderabad, Dorkhand and Aliabad This feasibility study will not only identify solutions for the current needs of the community but also help boost the tourism potential of the area in the years to come”

In his remarks, Mr. Nawab Ali Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Pakistan
shared that “AKAH has the mandate of creating resilient human habitats and we will support any initiative that is aligned with our mandate.” He further said “AKAH is thankful to the government for all
its support that has enabled us to serve communities in need.”

Over the last two decades, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Pakistan has provided 500,000 people with water and sanitation facilities across Pakistan mainly in mountain communities. This has resulted not only in reducing waterborne diseases but also improved health and economic conditions as well as
reduced the burden on women and girls of fetching water from long distances.

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