Access to water was a significant challenge for families living in Garah Daad, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Due to water shortages in the area, residents had to travel considerable distances to collect water for drinking and everyday household needs.
To address this challenge, a solar-powered water project was developed for Garah Daad with support from Hadi Shahzad, Ch. Charagh Din and Mrs. Aysha Randhawa. The project combined a deep groundwater bore, submersible pump, water-storage infrastructure and solar energy to establish a more accessible water source for the village.
Solar Water Project in Garah Daad, Dera Ismail Khan
Garah Daad is located on Zhob Road in Union Council Chakan, Tehsil and District Dera Ismail Khan, approximately 30 km from D.I. Khan city.
At the time documented in the project report, the village had an estimated population of 220 people, comprising approximately 40 men, 110 women and 70 children. The community also had around 450 cattle.
Because of limited local water availability, residents previously had to fetch water from distant sources for drinking and domestic use.
Project Highlights
- Project: Solar Water Project
- Location: Garah Daad, Union Council Chakan, Dera Ismail Khan
- Community Population: Approximately 220 people
- Livestock: Approximately 450 cattle
- Initial Survey: 23 March 2021
- Drilling Started: 19 April 2021
- Bore Depth: 915 ft
- Pump: 3 HP submersible motor
- Water Storage Capacity: 3,000 gallons
- Solar Panels: 10 panels
- Inverter: 3.5 kW
- Project Completion: 19 June 2021
- Final Project Cost: PKR 2.12 million
- Inauguration: 23 August 2021
- Major Financers: Hadi Shahzad, Ch. Charagh Din & Mrs. Aysha Randhawa
Supporting Families in Garah Daad
The project was developed in response to a practical problem affecting everyday life in Garah Daad: access to water close to the community.
Approximately 220 residents and 450 cattle were identified in the project description. Establishing a local water source was intended to reduce the burden associated with collecting water from distant locations.
The project therefore focused on long-term community infrastructure rather than temporary water provision.
From Community Need to Project Planning
In December 2020, Hadi Shahzad visited Garah Daad and observed the water difficulties experienced by residents. Following the visit, a solar water project was proposed.
A formal survey was conducted on 23 March 2021, producing an initial estimated project cost of approximately PKR 2.15 million.
A five-member local committee headed by Mr. Nazir Ahmed was then established to help oversee the project. Its first meeting took place on 10 April 2021, when project terms were discussed and the site was selected.
Quotations were obtained from three contractors before the project was awarded to M/S Afia Enterprises Islamabad, working with M/S Qazi Electronic D.I. Khan. Civil construction was assigned to Mr. Muhammad Farooq.
A 915-Foot Bore for Groundwater
Drilling officially began on 19 April 2021 and continued until 6 May 2021.
The project documentation records a bore depth of approximately 915 feet. After drilling, a 3 HP submersible motor was installed to pump groundwater to the surface.
The recovery of water was reported on 22 May 2021, after which the civil construction phase proceeded.
Solar Energy to Power the Water Pump
Solar energy was incorporated into the project to operate the pumping system.
The project description records the installation of 10 solar panels on the roof structure, mounted using aluminium frames. A 3.5 kW inverter was installed to operate the pump.
Using solar power provided the project with a renewable energy source for operating the water-pumping infrastructure.
3,000-Gallon Water Storage System
Alongside the bore and pumping equipment, dedicated water-storage infrastructure was constructed.
The project included a concrete water tank with a reported capacity of approximately 3,000 gallons, together with a dedicated room for the project’s electrical and operational equipment.
Civil construction was completed on 6 June 2021, followed by installation of the solar equipment.
Project Completed in June 2021
The Garah Daad Solar Water Project was completed on 19 June 2021 at a reported final cost of approximately PKR 2.12 million, slightly below the initial estimate of PKR 2.15 million.
The project documentation particularly recognises Hafiz Muhammad Abdullah, who served as Project Manager and supported the initiative from the initial survey through to completion.
Community Participation
Local residents also contributed their time and services during the project’s development.
Community involvement was supported through the local committee, which helped oversee project activities and coordinate with residents, contractors and the wider project team.
This participation helped ensure that the project was connected directly to the needs of the people it was intended to serve.
Inauguration of the Garah Daad Water Project
The completed solar water project was officially inaugurated on 23 August 2021.
The ribbon was cut by Fatima Noor, a daughter of Garah Daad village. Muhammad Faazal, a committee member, led the opening prayer, after which sweets were distributed among those attending.
The community-led inauguration reflected the project’s emphasis on local participation and ownership.
Building Long-Term Water Access in Dera Ismail Khan
The Solar Water Plant in Garah Daad represents a long-term infrastructure project developed to address a basic community need.
Through a 915-foot bore, 3 HP submersible pump, solar-powered system and 3,000-gallon storage capacity, the project established a more accessible water source for approximately 220 residents and 450 cattle.
The initiative demonstrates how community participation, local planning and solar-powered infrastructure can work together to improve access to essential resources in underserved areas.
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