Nestled near Umerkot in Sindh, Megwarh, a village steeped in history as the birthplace of Mughal Emperor Akbar, is now witnessing a transformative change. Coca-Cola has established a water filtration plant in this community, serving 800 households with its capacity to dispense 1000 liters per hour. Prior to this initiative, women in the village traveled five kilometers to access water from another pump.
To ensure sustainability, the plant is equipped with solar panels, a GPS system, and flow meters. A team from Coca-Cola Pakistan visited Umerkot, immersing themselves in the community’s rich culture and understanding its challenges firsthand. Notably, Megwarh is also the village of Marvi, known for her appearance in Coke Studio Season 15’s “Aayi Aayi.”
Reflecting on the significance of the project, Aisha Sarwari, Senior Director of Public Affairs, stated, “By visiting Marvi’s village, we honor her love for her land and people. Access to clean drinking water remains a challenge for Pakistani women, especially in arid regions, leading to prevalent health issues. Our efforts here represent a small step towards addressing this significant issue sustainably.”
Chand Kumari, a mother of three, expressed her gratitude for the newfound convenience brought by the water filtration plant. She shared, “I used to endure long and arduous journeys to fetch water under the scorching sun. Meeting the individuals behind this initiative has filled me with joy, knowing that clean water is now closer to our homes.”
At the core of Coca-Cola’s #WaterForWomen Program lies the belief that empowering women leads to thriving communities. Through its umbrella initiative, the Paani Project, Coca-Cola has provided clean water to approximately 17 million individuals across 53 plants nationwide.
As a symbolic gesture of sustainability, the team also planted tree saplings around the pump in Megwarh, offering shade to women collecting water—a testament to Coca-Cola’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community welfare.