Japan to provide grant for development projects in Sindh

The Japanese government has announced a grant of up to $95,311 for two local NGOs in Sindh to support development projects aimed at improving the lives of disadvantaged communities.

The grant was formalised during a signing ceremony held at the Japanese Consulate in Karachi on Thursday, where Consul General Hattori Masaru and representatives from the two NGOs signed the agreement.

The funding will be split between two organisations: the Disabled Welfare Association (DWA) and the Sindh Community Foundation (SCF), both of which will implement projects focusing on social welfare and environmental sustainability.

Under the agreement, the DWA will receive a grant of $31,329 to purchase new transportation vehicles and vocational training equipment for disabled women in Karachi. This project aims to provide professional training to approximately 40 women daily, helping them achieve social and economic independence.

Meanwhile, the SCF will be allocated $63,982 to establish climate-resilient water filtration plants and sanitation systems in rural areas of Sindh. The project is expected to provide clean drinking water to around 6,000 people daily and sanitation facilities to approximately 850 individuals. SCF's initiative aims to reduce waterborne diseases, combat environmental pollution, and improve public health in the region.

"Through these projects, both the DWA and SCF will play a crucial role in bringing positive change, providing support, and enhancing the well-being of their communities," said Consul General Hattori Masaru during the ceremony.

"The Japanese government will continue to assist local NGOs at the grassroots level to improve the welfare of Pakistan’s citizens."

The grant is part of Japan’s ongoing commitment to supporting development and humanitarian projects in Pakistan through its official development assistance (ODA) programme.