EU to spend 40m euros on clean drinking water schemes

Envoy says continental bloc willing to start uplift projects costing 120m euros in the province

QUETTA: The European Union is spending 40 million euros on various projects to provide clean drinking water to the people of Balochistan.

“Balochistan remains among the top priorities in the EU’s development programme in Pakistan hence we have been cooperating with the provincial government to ensure provision of facilities to the locals,” EU’s Ambassador to Pakistan Androulla Kaminara said while a LSO convention conducted by Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP).

The EU envoy announced more social development programmes for Afghan refugees and local communities of Balochistan.

“The EU is willing to commence various development projects in Balochistan costing 120 million euros,” she said.

“A total of 40 million euros will be spent on clean drinking water projects for the people of Balochistan,” she added.

The EU ambassador lauded Pakistan’s contribution to assisting millions of Afghan refugees.

“The EU has always praised Pakistan’s efforts in providing a safe and healthy environment to the Afghan refugees who fled war in their country.”

She said the EU planned to launch social development projects in Balochistan for Afghan refugees and neighbourhoods close to their camps.

She expressed grief over the recent destruction in Balochistan caused by snowfall and torrential rains and pledged EU’s full cooperation with the Balochistan government to provide relief to the affected people.

Balochistan Governor Justice (retd) Amanullah Khan Yasinzai, Finance Minister Zahoor Buledi, Awami National Party’s parliamentary leader Asghar Khan Achakzai, JUI-F’s Abdul Wahid Siddiqui, HDP’s Qadir Nail, BRSP Chief Executive Nadir Gul Barrech, Opposition Leader in the Balochistan Assembly Malik Sikandar Advocate and female MPA Shaheena Mehtarzai were also present at the event.

EU support lauded

The Balochistan governor lauded the support of the EU in providing basic facilities in the province.

Addressing the convention, he said the Balochistan government with the support of social development organisations and the EU was taking measures for the uplift of the province.

“The Balochistan government has limited available resources and donor partners and social development organisations are assisting it in providing basic facilities to the locals,” he added.

Yasinzai also lauded the efforts of the BRSP for the province’s development.

Addressing the ceremony, Provincial Finance Minister Zahoor Buledi said the incumbent Balochistan government had commenced various development projects.

“The BRSP has been contributing its due share for social development of the people,” he added.

ANP’s Achakzai lauded the support of the EU and the BRSP for the social development of Balochitstan. 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2020.