In 2006, clubs of District 5030 have committed to a "Bridge to Peace" project in Pakistan, involving a commitment of $333,000 for a large Water and Sanitation Reconstruction Project in a very pivotal part of the world. The project is a partnership between CARE International and Rotary District 5030, and will provide a unique opportunity for Rotary clubs in District 5030 to make a lasting impact on 21,000 people affected by the devastating earthquake in late 2005.

The earthquake in Pakistan took the lives of 86,000 people and injured another 100,000. Over 4 million people were affected, including one-half million residents of the mountainous villages of Kashmir and the Northwest Frontier Province. Water scarcity is a major concern. A majority of the water supply systems in the mountain villages were damaged by the earthquake, and water-borne diseases are increasing. The restoration of water supply systems and the repair and expansion of drainage and waste management systems has been identified as one of the five critical tasks for the initial reconstruction work.

District 5030 and other concerned Rotary clubs are partnering with the Rotary Club of Islamabad Cosmopolitan, Pakistan and CARE International to rebuild water and waste management systems in mountainous sections of the Allai Valley. The funds will be used to implement a project over 18 - 24 months that will:

• Restore water supply to 21,000 people in approximately 30 communities.
• Construct 600 sanitary latrines, with the active involvement of 3000 households in the Allai Valley.
• Educate 6,000 residents of the 30 communities in proper hygiene practices.

The project also involves the establishment of water and sanitation committees in the target communities. The committees will be trained for the sustained management of the water and sanitation systems.

Of the total $333,000 budgeted for this project, Rotary clubs and District 5030 thus far have committed $76,000. A matching grant proposal for of $24,900 has been submitted to Rotary International, and an additional $120,0000 has been committed by CARE. This Rotary/CARE project will help build a bridge of understanding to a remote and needy area of Pakistan.