Japan-funded road project improves school access and connectivity in Murree village
Abdullah Jan
Islamabad: Japan this week funded the construction of a concrete link road in Village Numbal, Tehsil Murree, to improve safe access to education, healthcare and local markets, benefiting more than 2,500 residents and over 500 students.
Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi inaugurated the project on October 26, marking another step in Japan’s efforts to support community-level development and improve essential infrastructure in Pakistan.
The project was implemented by Al Mezan Islamic Model School with financial assistance of $64,528 from the Government of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme.
The newly constructed road replaces vulnerable dirt paths with a durable concrete route and protective culverts over local water channels, improving access and strengthening the infrastructure’s resilience to flooding.
For residents of Village Numbal, the project addresses a longstanding challenge posed by difficult terrain and inadequate road infrastructure, which had made everyday travel hazardous, particularly during emergencies and periods of heavy rainfall.
The improved route enables more than 500 students to travel to school safely without crossing flood-prone stream beds. It is also expected to make access to healthcare facilities and markets easier for 2,540 local residents, improving mobility and daily living conditions.
The project reflects a partnership between international assistance and local participation. Alongside Japan’s financial contribution, Al Mezan Islamic Model School and local residents provided additional resources, including land valued at Rs4.5 million, technical supervision and locally sourced stone materials.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Murree District Education Officer Sidra Batool, officials from the Japanese Embassy, representatives of Al Mezan Islamic Model School, teachers, students, parents and community members.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated the implementing organisation on completing the project despite challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions.
He emphasised that safe and reliable basic infrastructure was essential for improving living standards and promoting sustainable development, highlighting the particular importance of secure school access in ensuring that children could pursue their education without unnecessary risks.
The ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s sustainable development and expressed hope that the road would serve as a lasting symbol of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Japan’s grassroots assistance programme supports small-scale, community-focused projects designed to address essential human security needs. By helping improve local infrastructure, such initiatives seek to deliver practical benefits directly to communities, particularly those facing barriers to education, healthcare and other basic services.
In Village Numbal, the completed road is expected to provide lasting benefits by improving connectivity, reducing travel risks and helping residents reach essential services more safely and conveniently.