The Japanese government has pledged $95,816 (approximately Rs8.2 million) grant for provision of potable water supply system in a Rawalpindi village. An agreement to this effect was signed by Japanese ambassador Hiroshi Oe and Muhammad Fayyaz, President of Sanj Welfare Society (SWS) at the former’s residence in Islamabad on Wednesday, said a press release issued by the Japanese embassy.
The grant will be used for laying down 19-km pipelines, construction of four storage tanks, two distribution tanks and payment to the skilled and unskilled labour. Through the project, water will be supplied to approximately 200 households (2,000 individuals) at their door steps at a very nominal rate. Therefore, it would save time and cost of women and children, who otherwise fetch water from a distance of around four kilometres, the statement said.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the ambassador stressed that improvement of water supply and sanitation is one of the priorities in Japan’s assistance policy for Pakistan.
He hoped that this project would help the community, especially women and children, to use their time on productive activities such as on education and enhancing their income sources.
Ambassador Oe believes that such assistance will further cement the relationship between Japan and Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 29th, 2011.
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