
WASH Network formed in Pakistan
The city of Mardan, with a population of 784,053 and a growth rate of 3.01%, presents a blend of both organized and unorganized housing arrangements, accompanied by an unstructured sanitation system. Despite the existence of responsible departments, there is a noticeable absence of a structured and comprehensive sanitation service provider in Mardan, Pakistan. This challenge emphasize the need for a fundamental reconsideration of the approach and investment priorities in sanitation by both governments and the development partners.
In response to these challenges, the Integrated Regional Support Program (IRSP) and the Freshwater Action Network South Asia (FANSA) have established a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) network specifically tailored for marginalized groups and local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The primary objective of this network is to enhance awareness among marginalized communities about their rights, advocate for citywide inclusive sanitation, and promote voluntary engagement aligned with the United Nations SDG 6.