The Danish Committee for Aid to Afghan Refugees (DACAAR), in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) as the Trustee of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF), proudly announces the successful completion of the "Sustainable Access to Safe Drinking Water for Underserved Communities" project in the provinces of Kabul, Nangarhar, Faryab, and Kunduz, Afghanistan. This project, valued at nearly US$ 1.1 million, was made possible through the generous support of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre.

The initiative has had a transformative impact on underserved communities, improving access to safe drinking water for 2,171 families—equivalent to 13,477 individuals, of which 51% are women—across the four provinces. By ensuring a reliable supply of clean water, the project has not only improved public health but also contributed to the livelihoods and overall well-being of these communities.

In addition to providing access to safe drinking water, the project enhanced local capacities in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices. It also focused on improving the efficiency of water management infrastructure, ensuring sustainable operations and long-term benefits for the communities.

Key elements of the project included the construction of wells, stand posts, trenches, and reservoirs, ensuring comprehensive and sustainable water supply networks. Local stakeholders played an active role throughout the process, fostering community ownership and collaboration.

As part of its sustainability efforts, DACAAR established four Water Management Committees and trained community members, including four hired mechanics, in the operation and maintenance of the water supply systems. The systems have now been successfully handed over to the local communities, who are equipped to manage them independently.

Moreover, the project delivered targeted hygiene training sessions based on gender and age, and distributed hygiene kits to all beneficiaries. These trainings emphasized critical hygiene practices, including proper handwashing, safe water management, sanitation, and personal hygiene.

The need for such initiatives is underscored by the Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs Overview 2023, which highlights that 21.2 million Afghans require access to basic WASH services—a 40% increase from previous years.

The AHTF, managed by the IsDB, remains committed to addressing these urgent needs through sustainable and impactful projects that uplift vulnerable populations in Afghanistan. Established by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) following its 17th Extraordinary Session in December 2021, the AHTF continues to serve as a vital platform for delivering humanitarian assistance, addressing basic needs, and promoting self-reliance in Afghanistan.