KVO, in collaboration with AKRSP and the Shimshal Village Organisation, has completed a major water infrastructure project that will directly benefit over 280 households in Shimshal — one of the most remote communities in Upper Gojal. The system channels glacial meltwater through 12 kilometres of piping, providing both drinking water and irrigation to village households and terraced fields.
A Community-Led Effort
The project was designed with full community participation. Villagers contributed over 6,400 volunteer labour days during construction, particularly during the challenging high-altitude pipe-laying phase at elevations above 4,000 metres. The system is managed by a 9-member elected Water Users Association that sets usage rules and handles maintenance.
Impact on Women and Agriculture
Before the project, women in Shimshal spent an average of 3.5 hours per day collecting water from distant sources. The new system delivers clean water to household taps, freeing up time for other activities including education, handicraft production, and community participation. Agricultural yields are also expected to increase by an estimated 30% due to more reliable irrigation.
"Water is life," said Fatima Begum, chairperson of the Shimshal Women's Organisation. "Now we have more time to teach our children, grow more food, and take part in village decisions."