Japan-funded water supply project provides clean drinking water to 6,000 residents in Mansehra
Islamabad: A Japan-funded water supply project has been completed in Village Bakki, Mansehra, providing safe drinking water to more than 6,000 residents and significantly improving access to essential water facilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi inaugurated the water supply system on Tuesday, marking the completion of the project implemented by Friends Welfare Association (FWA) Pakistan with financial assistance of $59,764 from the Government of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme.
The project aims to address longstanding difficulties faced by residents of Village Bakki in accessing clean drinking water, particularly women and girls who have traditionally borne the burden of collecting water from distant sources.
Under the initiative, FWA Pakistan constructed a gravity-flow water supply system comprising 6,013 metres of galvanized iron main supply pipes and a water intake tank, ensuring a reliable supply of safe drinking water to the local population.
The organisation, in collaboration with the local community, also mobilised additional resources for excavation, transportation of construction materials and water quality testing to ensure the safety and sustainability of the system.
To ensure the project’s long-term sustainability, FWA established a 20-member Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Committee and provided training to its members in water quality management, hygiene promotion and the operation and maintenance of the water supply infrastructure.
The newly installed system is expected to improve public health, reduce the daily hardships associated with water collection, particularly for women and girls, and create greater educational opportunities for children by easing their domestic responsibilities. It is also expected to contribute to an improved quality of life for the entire community.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated FWA Pakistan and the local community on the successful completion of the project, emphasising that access to safe drinking water was essential for improving people’s lives and promoting sustainable social development.
He observed that improved water facilities would ease the daily burden on women and girls, facilitate children’s access to education and contribute to better health and well-being across the community.
The ambassador also underscored the importance of proper operation and maintenance of the water supply system to ensure its continued effectiveness and sustainability.
Reaffirming Japan’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s sustainable development, Ambassador Akamatsu expressed hope that the project would serve as a lasting symbol of friendship and cooperation between Japan and Pakistan.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Member of Provincial Assembly Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mansehra Asad Mehmood Lodhi, officials of the Japanese Embassy, representatives of FWA Pakistan, members of the local WASH Committee and community representatives.