- Ambassador Inaugurates Water Filtration Plants, Highlighting Strategic Partnership for Human Security
FAISALABAD, Pakistan – In a significant step towards improving public health and quality of life, His Excellency Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, inaugurated a vital clean water project in Punjab province on Thursday. The initiative, made possible through Japanese funding, has established seven new water filtration plants across underserved communities in Faisalabad and Okara districts.
This critical infrastructure was implemented by Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan, a respected NGO with over thirty years of humanitarian and development experience. The project is funded by a $70,201 grant from the Government of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) program, which prioritizes community-level development.
Addressing a Critical Public Health Need:
The newly operational plants are strategically located in communities previously lacking reliable access to safe drinking water, including Peoples Colony 2, Badar Colony, and Kuri Wala in Faisalabad, and Bamba Bola in Okara. The project directly responds to the urgent need to mitigate waterborne diseases, providing a sustainable source of clean water for over 400 households, benefiting approximately 2,870 individuals.
“Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and a key priority of Japan’s assistance policy toward Pakistan,” stated Ambassador Akamatsu during the inauguration ceremony. He congratulated the Alkhidmat Foundation for its successful project completion and its dedicated role in delivering essential services.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Development:
The ceremony was attended by officials from the Embassy of Japan, representatives of Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan, and grateful members of the beneficiary communities. Ambassador Akamatsu highlighted that this project exemplifies Japan’s enduring commitment to supporting the people of Pakistan in tangible, life-improving ways.
inaugurated a vital clean water project
“This initiative not only addresses an immediate humanitarian need but also strengthens the longstanding friendship and cooperation between our two nations,” the Ambassador emphasized. He reiterated the Japanese government’s commitment to continuing its support for sustainable development in Pakistan.
The project marks another successful collaboration between the Embassy of Japan and Alkhidmat Foundation, building upon a history of joint efforts aimed at elevating living standards across Pakistan. By ensuring a reliable supply of clean water, the project is poised to make a substantial, long-term contribution to community health, economic productivity, and social well-being.
About GGP: The Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) program is a strategic pillar of Japan’s official development assistance, designed to support socio-economic development at the community level by addressing basic human needs such as health, education, and water supply.
BY: The Times Union
