In a transformative effort, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) has installed a water pump in Saif ul Mari, Mirpur Khas, bringing safe drinking water to Christian and Hindu communities in this remote settlement. This initiative is more than a utility upgrade—it is a lifeline, drastically reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and easing the daily struggles of families, especially women, who previously endured perilous journeys to fetch water from unsafe sources.
The need for clean water was brought to BACA’s attention by volunteer Evangelist Prabhu Das, who has long supported these marginalised communities. Women in Saif ul Mari shared harrowing accounts of walking miles through dense sugarcane fields to collect water from an irrigation ditch contaminated with debris and dead animals. BACA acted swiftly to address the dire situation, recognising the urgent health and safety concerns faced by these families.
A lifeline for families
The new water pump, installed on 7th November, now provides clean water directly to the community, alleviating their daily burdens. Before this, women carried heavy pots of unsafe water over long distances, often at great personal risk.
Ria Bibi, a 30-year-old mother of three, shared her relief:
“I would carry heavy pots of water, causing severe back pain. My two-year-old daughter often fell ill with stomach issues from drinking contaminated water. Now, I don’t have to worry about her health or make exhausting journeys.”
The pump has also enhanced safety, sparing women the hazardous trek through isolated fields where they were vulnerable to threats. Children can now drink clean water without the looming danger of illness, allowing them to thrive in healthier conditions.
A community’s gratitude
The installation of the pump has brought immense relief to Saif ul Mari. Revo Masih, a local farm worker and father, expressed his gratitude:
“We are so thankful to BACA for giving us this precious gift of clean water. It has eased our burdens and ensured our children can grow up healthier.”
This initiative is part of BACA’s broader mission to uplift vulnerable populations by addressing their basic needs and improving their quality of life.
Looking ahead: Sanitation and safety
Building on the success of the water pump, BACA is now focused on constructing a toilet facility for the community. The lack of proper sanitation in rural Pakistan forces many to use open fields, exposing them to risks of abduction and assault. This is particularly dangerous for women and children, with some cases of sexual violence tragically ending without justice for the victims.
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BACA aims to raise £1,500 to build a secure, brick toilet facility, offering privacy, safety, and dignity to the residents of Saif ul Mari. Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of BACA, emphasised the critical need for such initiatives:
“In Pakistan, over a million Christians live without access to clean water or basic sanitation, leading to devastating health issues and reduced life expectancy. Women and children, in particular, face constant threats to their safety and dignity. Our mission is to address these challenges and bring hope to these communities.”
A call to action
BACA’s ongoing efforts in Saif ul Mari reflect their commitment to restoring dignity and safety to vulnerable families. The water pump has already transformed lives, and the planned sanitation facility promises to further improve living conditions.
For those inspired to support this initiative, donations are welcomed to help BACA reach their £1,500 target and bring meaningful change to Saif ul Mari. Every contribution can make a tangible difference, safeguarding health and dignity for those who need it most.
Through initiatives like these, BACA continues to stand as a beacon of hope, ensuring that marginalised communities in Pakistan are not forgotten but instead given the opportunity to thrive.
