- Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi Inaugurates Community Water Supply System in Village Bakki Under Japan’s Grassroots Human Security Assistance Programme
MANSEHRA: Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to improving living standards and supporting sustainable community development in Pakistan with the inauguration of a new water supply system in Village Bakki, Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, benefiting more than 6,000 local residents.
H.E. Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, attended the inauguration ceremony of The Project for the Installation of Water Supply System in Village Bakki, Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The project was implemented by Friends Welfare Association (FWA) Pakistan, a non-governmental organization working to improve the lives of vulnerable communities through education, healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, and community development initiatives.
Japan Provides US$59,764 in Grant Assistance
The Government of Japan provided US$59,764 in financial assistance for the project through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme, reflecting Japan’s continued focus on people-centred development and essential community services.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mr. Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf, Member of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Mr. Asad Mehmood Lodhi, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mansehra; officials from the Embassy of Japan; representatives of Friends Welfare Association; members of the local WASH Committee; and residents of the beneficiary community.
Modern Gravity-Flow System Ensures Sustainable Water Access
Under the project, FWA successfully constructed a Gravity Flow Water Supply System, comprising 6,013 metres of galvanised iron main supply pipelines and a water intake tank.
In addition to Japan’s financial contribution, FWA and the local community provided supplementary resources for excavation work, transportation of construction materials and water-quality testing, ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of drinking water.
Recognising the importance of community ownership and long-term sustainability, FWA also established a 20-member Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Committee. Its members received specialised training in water-quality management, hygiene promotion, and the operation and maintenance of the newly installed system.
Improved Health, Education and Quality of Life for Local Residents
The initiative addresses a longstanding shortage of clean drinking water in Village Bakki, where residents, particularly women and girls, have traditionally faced considerable difficulties and spent substantial time collecting water for their households.
With the completion of the project, more than 6,000 residents now have access to a safer and more reliable water supply. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to improved public health, better hygiene standards and reduced water-related hardships.
By bringing clean water closer to households, the project will also ease the daily responsibilities of women and girls, allowing them more opportunities to pursue education and other productive activities. Children and families across the community are expected to benefit from improved living conditions and a healthier environment.
Ambassador Akamatsu Highlights Japan’s Commitment to Human Security
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated Friends Welfare Association on the successful completion of the project and underscored the fundamental importance of access to safe drinking water in improving people’s lives and promoting sustainable societal development.
He observed that reliable access to clean water would not only improve community health but also reduce the daily burden of water collection, particularly for women and girls, while creating greater educational opportunities for children and enhancing the overall quality of life.
The Ambassador also emphasised the importance of effective operation and regular maintenance of the water supply infrastructure, stressing that community participation and responsible management would be essential to ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability.
Japan-Pakistan Friendship Strengthened Through Grassroots Cooperation
Reaffirming Japan’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s sustainable development, Ambassador Akamatsu expressed his hope that the newly inaugurated water supply system would continue to serve the people of Village Bakki for generations and stand as a lasting symbol of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Japan and Pakistan.
The project highlights the practical impact of Japan’s Grassroots Human Security Assistance Programme, which supports locally driven initiatives addressing essential human needs. Through cooperation with Pakistani non-governmental organisations and local communities, Japan continues to contribute to improving access to basic services and strengthening the foundations of sustainable development across Pakistan.
The successful completion of the Village Bakki water supply project represents another meaningful example of Japan-Pakistan cooperation, demonstrating how targeted development assistance can translate into tangible improvements in the everyday lives of ordinary people.
BY: The Times Union
