Walkabout Development Solutions (WDS) is an Islamabad – based NGO, set up in early 2005, and aiming to improve the standard of living for communities living in remote areas in Pakistan. The primary aim is to equip these communities to help themselves, and create improvements on an environmentally friendly and economically sustainable basis. Initiatives which either have been, or are in the process of being, undertaken, include assisting and training the local community: to plan and develop water supplies for drinking and irrigation purposes; to introduce appropriate sanitation and basic waste management techniques; to install and maintain small hydroelectric units; to establish of first-step medial treatment centers for basic health information and services; to improve educational and recreational facilities for children; to conserve, develop, and protect the natural habitat and wildlife in these areas; and to develop indigenous skills and resources to increase household incomes.

Implementation of the above is being undertaken by a small part-time, specialist team at WDS, employed on a project to project or voluntary basis – in order to maximize the expenditure of funds to the benefit of the communities.

On Saturday October 8th, Pakistan experienced its worst earthquake in 100 years.  The magnitude was 7.6 on the Richter scale, and the epicenter was roughly 100km north of the capital Islamabad, in the mountainous region of Azad Kashmir, close to the boarder with India.  Whole towns have been razed to the ground, roads have been blocked by landslides and many remote villages remain cut off without assistance, even a week after the event.

Many of these areas worst hit by the earthquake are well-known to the WDS teams.  The NGO is, therefore, assisting with damage surveys, logistics, and planning and liaising with the UN and other international relief agencies, as well as local NGOs providing help to the victims.
 
WDS team members are working to identify priority requirements, and are in the process of collecting funds and essential equipment and supplies.  They are targeting the most remote areas, currently receiving little or no assistance because they are difficult to reach, and will be focusing on shelter, food and medical assistance, in coordination with the Pakistan army and relief agencies, over the next few weeks.