Clean Water Brings Relief and Social Cohesion to Families in Northern Afghanistan

For years, families living in Nahri Shahi District, Balkh Province, struggled to access clean water. Many had to walk long distances to collect water from unsafe sources. This was especially difficult for women and children, who spent hours each day carrying heavy containers. It affected their health, limited their time for education and work, and made daily life more difficult.

With support from the European Union’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG-INTPA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) built a new water supply system that now provides clean and safe water to nearly 5,000 people—including returnees, displaced persons, and members of the host community. Access to basic services helps returnees settle back in, supports their reintegration, and strengthens social cohesion. This is especially important as Afghanistan continues to receive increasing numbers of returnees from Pakistan and Iran.

The system includes four water wells, four large elevated tanks, and reliable solar-powered pumps that keep the water flowing.

More than 32,000 meters of piping were laid across the area, connecting homes directly to clean water. Now, instead of walking for hours, each household has its own stand tap—making it easier and safer to cook, clean, and stay healthy.

"Thanks to this project, my grandchildren can now get to school on time, and we no longer worry about getting sick from dirty water," said Baz Mohammad, a 63-year-old resident of the area.

The project also provided temporary job opportunities to community members—most of whom were returnees—injecting much-needed cash into the community and offering chances to recover and rebuild.

"It feels good to know that I helped build something that benefits all of us. I’m proud that my work now brings clean water to my neighbors, my family, and future generations," said Hazratden, 55, a local laborer and community resident.

IOM also helped establish a community-led water management committee to operate and maintain the system. The team received training, and a user-friendly manual in the local language was provided so that the community can manage the system independently and ensure its long-term sustainability.

This story was written by Mohammad Osman Azizi, and edited by Avand Azeez Agha. For more information, please contact: mohamazizi@iom.int