Sustainable Environment

Provision of safe drinking water is a major problem, as many people must now travel across long distances in search of reasonably clean water. Though the government has installed water supply schemes in many villages, few of them are functional. The main sources of water for people in SRI’s target project area are polluted streams and springs, but even these are in short supply, especially during winter. Another major problem is a lack of sanitation facilities. Most houses lack proper toilets, and wastewater ends up in the village streets. The situation is exacerbated in the rainy season because of poor drainage systems that cause streets to flood, leading to the spread of many waterborne diseases.

Our Village Development Organizations (VDOs)

Our Village Development Organizations (VDOs) have put the highest priority on clean water projects such as Water Filtration Plants, Aquifer Hand Pumps and Comprehensive Water Supply systems. VDO members donate land to the project while SRI purchases the hardware, drilling and construction services. Labor is provided from the target village and paid for by SRI. The villagers continue to take responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the facilities, which provide safe drinking water for miles around, saving hundreds of lives. 

Projects

SRI Methodology

Path for the piping is decided upon by the Village Development Organization (VDO).

The VDO pays for 35% of labor and material costs to construct the system; SRI pays for the rest.

Sustainable Environment Photo Gallery

Current and future environmental initiatives include:

Swat Relief Initiative is unique because we make every effort to ensure that our work is effective and follows the ideal concept of charity

100% OF DONATIONS GO DIRECTLY TOWARD PROGRAMS FOR DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES. SRI’S BOARD MEMBERS PAY FOR ALL OVERHEAD COSTS FROM THEIR PERSONAL FUNDS.

Letter from the Founders

Dear Friends,

We have always felt a debt of gratitude to the social institutions under which we grew up: Pakistan in the 60’s.  Today, unfortunately, those institutions are but a pale semblance of what they used to be. We were privileged but came from families that, despite their station in society, gave and taught us to give of ourselves to those who were less privileged.

This background, and our subsequent achievements in life, put us in a position to help the most needy people in Pakistan.  We are most effective in Swat:  This is in the region we are from, this is where we best know the people and this is where the people know us well.

We started Swat Relief Initiative at a time when the people of Swat went through the first major trauma of three major disasters: the 2008 Taliban takeover, the ensuing 2009 war and the 2010 mega-floods.

The most vulnerable segments of Swati society are the women and children – they are our focus.  We bring the men along too, for they are key to helping develop a milieu in which women and children can grow into fully contributing members of society.

We have a holistic approach to social growth with programs in Social Mobilization, Health, Education, Economic Development and Sustainable Environment. While working in these areas of social development we partner, when necessary, with individuals and organizations that can supplement our expertise and impact.

Of course, we cannot do any of this without the help of your continuing generous contributions, which we continue to pledge will go directly to where they are needed the most: programs and projects on the ground that provide the greatest opportunity for less fortunate women and children to thrive.

Thanks,

Zebu and Arshad Jilani