Plan to launch ‘Saaf Suthra Pakistan Programme’
Ministry of Environment along with its partners is working on a comprehensive plan to launch ‘Saaf Suthra (clean) Pakistan Programme’ that envisages total sanitation all across the country to achieve the Millennium Development Goals targets.
Sources at the ministry told APP that allocations would be made for the programme over the next five years to achieve the total sanitation target.
“The ‘Saaf Suthra Pakistan Programme’ will have a phased approach for creating demand through communication and capacity development units in each province,” sources said.
“The programme will also include surveys and mapping for component sharing in selective TMAs and setting up of provincial social mobilisation units to scale up community and school led approaches,” sources added.
Experts at the two-day Pakistan Conference on Sanitation (PACOSAN) a couple of days back had also recommended multiple approaches to focus on the ‘Clean Pakistan Programme’.
It was also proposed during the conference that Rs12.5 billion would be allocated to execute the programme over the next five years, as the environment minister had set a target of total sanitation for all by 2015.
Sources also mentioned that setting up of ‘Rural Sanitation Marts’ in selected tehsils, provision of revolving funds and micro-finance, special consideration for the poorest of the poor, and coverage enhancement of public toilets are other features of the programme.
NGOs would be involved to develop, test, document, and replicate successful models for total sanitation, and solid and liquid waste management, the sources added.
Mentioning the guiding principles of the National Sanitation Action Plan, sources said that open defecation would be unacceptable and there should be an inclusive participatory development.
The total sanitation concept would be adapted with improved sanitation provided to all and focus would be on productive infrastructure only, ensuring that no one is exposed to the risks of unconfined ‘human excreta’ and solid waste. Progress would be accelerated to achieve health benefits and coordinate efforts within a framework of mutual accountability.
Sources also mentioned to improve governance, reward collective outcomes, incentives for producing performance information and support IEC for collective behavioural change.
See also: Call for Total Sanitation in Pakistan by 2015, WSSCC
Sanitation Updates 
I wish for the success of this campaign. Beyond good decisions and plans Challenges remain with Sustainability / quality and commitment in action. Service provider & state must be liable to people’s health & environment first , in action.. Sanitation has direct impact on natural resources at large. It seeks integrated package and joint action to increase the social responsibility at all level for hygienic Practices .
AOA,
SDIPK is interested to work with your “Clean Pakistan” in our F.G.Girls, adopted school in Rawalpindi.
Regards!
Ministry of Environment is doing good job for a good project. There is huge shaortage of save drinking water even in Islamabad, how MOE will ensure Total Sanitation by 2015 and how they will provide the minimum water to every one as per SPHARE standard 15liter per head, per day?
There are many issues that are linked with Total Sanitation agenda 2015. Every body who stay in Islamabad, knows there are many slum area, where there is no shelter, water, tiolet, etccccccc
Good Luck MOE…..