Lahore: A groundbreaking ceremony was held to inaugurate two newly installed groundwater treatment plants in Sarhali Kalan Village, Kasur District, and at Forman Christian College (FCCU), Lahore. This marks a significant milestone in a three-year, $1.2 million project aimed at providing safe drinking water in Punjab, Pakistan.
The initiative, titled “Scientific and Sustainable Application of Groundwater Treatment Technology for Safe Drinking Water Supply in Punjab, Pakistan,” is funded by the Government of Korea through its Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korean Intellectual Property Office. It is the first such project funded by Official Development Assistance to be awarded to a private university in Pakistan.
The project is a coordinated effort with Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division and the Ministry of Science and Technology, with FCCU leading in partnership with Dankook University of South Korea.
The event was attended by Korean Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Kijun Park, and Ms. Hyesun Ahan from the Korean Embassy, alongside local dignitaries including Mr. Abdul Rehman Shah, Special Secretary to the Governor of Punjab, and Mr. Syed Zahid Aziz, CEO of Punjab Saaf Pani Authority. FCCU’s Rector, Dr. Jonathan S. Addleton, expressed gratitude for the Korean government’s support, highlighting the significance of FCCU’s international collaboration with Korea.
Mr. Kijun Park noted the potential for Korea and Pakistan to cooperate in various sectors, with water being a crucial area. He acknowledged FCCU, the Punjab Government, and other partners for their contributions.
In Sarhali Kalan, where groundwater had arsenic concentrations up to 550 parts per billion, a solar-powered treatment plant has been established. This facility, costing Rs. 9 million, now provides 10,000 liters of clean water daily to approximately 5,000 residents, reducing arsenic levels to 0-2 ppb with no microbial contamination. Another plant in Kot Maiga Village serves another 5,000 individuals, addressing arsenic issues in 44% of local samples.
FCCU ensures safe drinking water for over 9,000 students and staff according to WHO standards. The scientific efforts at FCCU are led by a team of experts, including Dr. Shinho Chung and Dr. Shazia Ilyas. Additionally, a high-tech Water Analysis Centre has been established at FCCU’s Department of Environmental Sciences, positioning it among the most advanced water testing facilities in the country.
This project addresses public health concerns and serves as a model for collaborative innovation and research, contributing to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6 for clean water and sanitation.