Workshop Held To Identify Challenges Of Okara's Industrial Water Users

“Improved water governance will boost industrial output and contribute to GDP.” M. Mazhar Okara Chamber of Commerce & Industry, delivered the welcome remarks.

Workshop Held To Identify Challenges Of Okara's Industrial Water Users

To determine the difficulties faced by industrial water users in the district of Okara, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Pakistan organized a consultative workshop on water issues with the Okara Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In welcoming the participants and stakeholders, Dr. Mohsin Hafeez, Country Representative for Pakistan and Regional Representative for Central Asia at the IWMI, emphasised the effects of climate change on Pakistan and its industrial sector.

He also discussed how IWMI Pakistan will improve water governance in district Okara through enhanced water availability for various sectors, particularly the industrial sector, as part of the FCDO-funded Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) Programme Component 1: Climate Resilient Solutions for Improving Water Governance (CRS-IWaG).

“Okara is the pilot district for WRAP Programme Component 1: CRS-IWaG, where different interventions related to water governance will be introduced to benefit different water users, including the industrial sector,” says Dr. Mohsin Hafeez.

IWMI Pakistan has opened a field office in Okara district to work directly with the industrial sector and address their water-related challenges. “Improved water governance will boost industrial output and contribute to GDP.” Col (retd) Mu­hammad Mazhar, Member, Okara Chamber of Commerce & Industry, delivered the welcome remarks.

He claims that “Pakistan is experiencing increased water insecurity. The district of Okara’s industrial sector relies on groundwater for industrial purposes, particularly cooling. After use, the water is not recycled and is drained into nullahs and streams, polluting our water bodies. We are eager to collaborate with IWMI Pakistan to improve water resource management.”

Dr. Abdur Rehman Cheema, Regional Researcher – Water Governance and Institutional Specialist, IWMI Pakistan, moderated a discussion about water availability challenges and industrial sector conservation strategies with Okara Chamber of Commerce and Industry members.

He claims that “climate change is having an impact across the country, threatening our water security and affecting our economy, livelihoods, and environment. A silo approach to water conservation and sustainability will not work.

The consultation with the Okara Chamber of Commerce and Industry today has helped to highlight the current and future water challenges faced by the industrial sector in district Okara, as well as potential solutions.”

Industrialists attending the workshop also shared their perspectives on the water-related challenges confronting district Okara, as well as the assistance required from IWMI Pakistan to address them. Ch. Habib-ul-Haq, Executive Committee Member, Okara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, gave a vote of thanks and thanked IWMI Pakistan for organising the workshop and giving voice to their concerns.