Trump’s USAID suspension threatens severe water shortage in Pakistan’s hottest city

An NGO raised concerns over the Trump-led US administration's recent decision to halt foreign aid for developing countries, warning that Pakistan’s hottest city, Jacobabad could face severe water shortages as a result.

Amid rising global temperatures, access to clean water remains crucial in combating the effects of climate change. The suspension of the USAID' funding created an obstacle in the project that had been launched in 2012 to provide a $66 million grant to uplift Sindh’s municipal service, including the flagship renovation of a pumping plant and purifying water from a canal 22 kilometres (14 miles) away.

A non-profit organisation in Pakistan stated that Trump’s order to block $1.5 million put the long-term water supply project at risk. 

Jacobabad, where tempreatures surpasses 50°C in summers, suffers from extreme heat waves cause, causing critical health issues such as dehydration and heatstroke.

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“This [project] has transformed our lives,” AFP quoted 25-year-old Tufail Ahmed of Jacobabad, where temperature touches a minimum of 30°C in winter.

He fears the aid suspension will worsen their situation. "If the water supply is cut off, survival will become extremely difficult," he added. "Survival will be challenging, as water is the most essential thing for life."

Additionally, Sindh also witnessed a 50% decline in rainfall, and meteorologists have prediceted a  “moderate drought” in the coming months.

Scientists warned that the heatwaves are becoming intense, prolonged and more frequent due to climate change. 

The NGO’s report stated that the project provides at least 1.5 million gallons (5.7 million litres) of water daily, which serves 350,000 people in Jacobabad.  

Not only will residents lose access to clean water, but many employees working on the project will also lose their jobs, “Since everything is just suspended we have to withdraw our staff and we have to withdraw all services for this water project," CEO NGO Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed told AFP.

Read: Key development projects halted as US suspends aid to Pakistan

At least 45 staff members, including experts, were sent home.

Ahmed said that the service is expected to shut down “within the next few months,” as the scheme was being supervised by the local government, which itself lacks revenue.

"If the supply is cut off, it will severely affect the public," said a 47-year-old social activist, Abdul Ghani, adding, "Poverty is widespread here and we cannot afford alternatives."

Pakistan, with a population exceeding 240 million, was identified as the country most impacted by climate change, as per the Climate Risk Index published by German watch this year.

The water infrastructure in Jacobabad also endured huge destruction during the 2010 floods that resulted in nearly 1,800 fatalities and impacted 21 million people.