The Government of Japan has decided to extend financial support of US$ 95,816 (approx. Rs 8.2 million) to the Sanj Welfare Society (SWS) for the provision of potable water supply system in Village Pharel, District Rawalpindi, Punjab.
The agreement for the project was signed between Mr. Hiroshi OE, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan and Mr. Muhammad Fayyaz, President of SWS on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence in Islamabad.
The grant will be utilized for laying down 19km pipelines, construction of 4 storage tanks and 2 distribution tanks and payment to the skilled and unskilled labour. Through this project, water will be supplied to approximately 200 households (i.e., 2,000 individuals) at their door steps on 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 kilometers.
At the signing ceremony, Ambassador OE stressed that improvement of water supply and sanitation is one of the priorities in Japan’s assistance policy towards Pakistan. He expressed his hope that this project would help the community, especially women and children, to utilize their time on productive activities such as on education and enhancing their income sources. Ambassador OE believes that such assistance by the Government and people of Japan will further cement the relationship and friendship that exist between Japan and Pakistan. (End)