Access to water can be particularly challenging for communities where water sources are located far from residential areas and reliable electricity is limited. Solar-powered water infrastructure can provide a practical way to bring groundwater closer to communities by using renewable energy to operate pumping systems.
To address this need, a Solar Powered Water Plant in Lakki Abdul Khel, Lakki Marwat was completed in November 2025 under the Water for Life initiative. The project is located in Lakki Abdul Khel, Tehsil Ghazni Khel, District Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The project was completed and inaugurated on 9 November 2025, with Hadi Shehzad named as the inaugurator.
Solar Water Project in Lakki Abdul Khel
The project was initiated following requests from local residents for improved access to drinking water.
According to the project report, residents previously had to travel approximately 20,000 metres (20 km) to access their water source, with the journey taking around 120 minutes. After installation of the solar-powered water plant, the reported distance was reduced to approximately 500 metres, with travel time reduced to around 15 minutes.
The project therefore focused not only on water availability but also on making access significantly more practical for the local community.
Project Highlights
- Project: Water for Life – Solar Power Water Plant
- Project Tag: 19/2025
- Location: Lakki Abdul Khel, Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Project Start: 20 September 2025
- Project Completion: 9 November 2025
- Inauguration: 9 November 2025
- Inaugurated By: Hadi Shehzad
- Pump Type: Submersible
- Pump Power: 10 HP
- Bore Depth: 1,050 feet
- Pipe Size: 2 inches
- Solar Power Unit: 20 kW
- Solar Panels: 26 × 590W
- Water Tanks: 2 cement tanks
- Reported Tank Capacity: 8,000 litres
- Sponsored For: Aqeel Project, Imran Chaudhry and Madiha Imran on behalf of Mrs. Riffat Anwar Sahiba
Supporting 12,500 People in Lakki Marwat
The Lakki Abdul Khel Solar Water Plant was designed to serve a large local population.
According to the project report, expected beneficiaries include:
- 3,500 men
- 4,200 women
- 4,800 children
- 6,500 livestock
This represents approximately 12,500 people, in addition to 6,500 livestock expected to benefit from improved access to the water source.
A 1,050-Foot Bore for Groundwater Access
One of the most significant technical aspects of the project is its reported 1,050-foot bore depth.
A 10-horsepower multistage centrifugal submersible pump was installed to extract groundwater from the bore. The pump operates below the water level and moves water to the surface, where it can be stored for community use.
This infrastructure was developed specifically to make groundwater more accessible to residents of Lakki Abdul Khel.
Powered by Solar Energy
The water pumping system uses solar energy rather than depending solely on conventional grid electricity.
According to the project specifications, 26 solar panels rated at 590 watts each were installed as part of the system, while the report lists the solar power unit capacity as 20 kW.
Using solar energy provides a practical power source for operating water infrastructure in an area where conventional electricity access may be challenging.
Reducing the Journey for Water
One of the project’s most important reported outcomes was the significant reduction in the distance residents needed to travel to obtain water.
Before the project:
- Water source distance: approximately 20 km
- Travel time: approximately 120 minutes
After the project:
- Water source distance: approximately 500 metres
- Travel time: approximately 15 minutes
This represents a major improvement in the accessibility of the community’s water source and can reduce the time and effort required for regular water collection.
How the Solar Water Plant Was Developed
The project followed an organised process involving residents, local volunteers, contractors and the project team.
Implementation included selecting the site, establishing a volunteer committee, obtaining quotations from four contractors and verifying the selected vendor.
A dedicated water-pump room was constructed, and tiles were installed around the water-filling area. Solar panels were then mounted and the pumping system installed.
After installation, the system underwent a test run before being commissioned and officially inaugurated. Project representatives and local committee members also conducted site visits to monitor progress.
Community Participation
Local volunteers supported the implementation of the project and helped connect the initiative with the needs of residents.
The project report identifies Hamid Malik, Taza Gul, Aleem Ullah and Javaid Iqbal as local volunteers involved in the initiative.
Community participation is particularly important for infrastructure projects because ongoing local involvement can support the long-term care and monitoring of facilities.
Supporting Long-Term Water Access
The Solar Powered Water Plant in Lakki Abdul Khel represents an investment in long-term community infrastructure.
With a 1,050-foot bore, 10 HP submersible pump and solar-powered system, the project was designed to bring the water source considerably closer to thousands of residents.
Most importantly, the project report records a reduction in the journey for water from approximately 20 kilometres and two hours to 500 metres and around 15 minutes.
Continued maintenance of the pump, solar equipment, tanks and related infrastructure will be important for ensuring the project continues serving the community effectively.
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