LAHORE: The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Pakistan says its Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) programme has led to strategic investments for upgrading outdated infrastructure, more efficient water storage, distribution, and management systems to increase water availability for communities even during periods of scarcity.

IWMI Director Dr Mohsin Hafeez says a pilot project in Okara district under the programme funded by UK Aid has deployed soil moisture sensors for significant water savings over time, potentially enhancing crop productivity and alleviating pressure on the region’s already limited water resources.

He briefed the reporters here on Sunday that the replicable programme would modernise water infrastructure across various regions in Pakistan as it would establish robust institutional frameworks and capacity-building initiatives for government agencies and local communities.

He said women farmers had also been made part of the initiative in Okara to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in agriculture, particularly in the context of climate change and sustainable farming practices.

Dr Abdul Rehman Cheema, a researcher at the IWMI, said the project was also improving data collection, analysis, and sharing mechanisms related to water resources to make informed decisions, resulting in more efficient water allocation and utilization.

The project’s collaborative approach has fostered cross-sectoral cooperation among government agencies, civil society organisations, and private sector entities, leading to holistic and comprehensive solutions to water governance challenges, he said.

Published in Dawn, September 25th, 2023