High economic impacts of poor water and sanitation in various communities in Pakistan (An environmental economic perspective)

Abstract

A large number of residents in Pakistan suffer from adequate access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities. For this purpose, the present study investigates the impact of poor water and sanitation (WATSAN) on the household economy. Qualitative and quantitative approaches including data collection using questionnaire method and laboratory tests of water quality were used. Results demonstrate the inhabitants have not accessed to proper sanitation facilities in most of the rural settlements. Besides, although some WATSAN facilities were available in the urban areas the disease ratio was very high in both studied areas. Therefore, WATSAN related diseases affect adversely on the household economy by hospitalization, transportation, and medical costs. The present research concludes that due to poor WATSAN facilities the residents in the study area are confronted with food, health, and education and living standard obstacles.<br /> <br />