USAID improving water supplies, facilitating education in Pakistan

The Center for Advanced Studies in Water was recently established by USAID, MUET and the University of Utah.

“This project is another example of the long-term commitment of the United States to helping Pakistan address its development priorities,” said USAID Mission Director to Pakistan John Groarke. “This facility will help address Pakistan’s urgent needs for improved access to water.”

USAID will equip the new facility at the university’s Institute of Water Resources Engineering and Management with state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities.

Mr. Groarke met with MUET Vice Chancellor Muhammad Aslam Uqaili and Institute Director Bakhshal Lashari as well as Master’s and Ph.D students.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Groarke visited the Sindh University’s Elsa Kazi campus to inaugurate the USAID-funded Faculty of Education building.

While there, he met with Vice Chancellor Abida Taherani, Faculty of Education Dean Parveen Munshi and students.

The administration and academic blocks house 10 classrooms, four labs, a conference room, multi-purpose hall, learning resource center and separate common rooms for boys and girls.

Ramps and elevator ensure access to students with special needs, while the design makes full use of natural light and good ventilation to maximize energy efficiency.

USAID is providing $45 million to construct and rehabilitate 17 new faculty of education buildings across Pakistan.

The state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly, low-maintenance facilities all have media libraries and fully equipped laboratories. This will deliver a quality learning environment to more than 5,000 students and 300 faculty members.