Rs5bn grant Japan to finance Indus Basin flood management

ISLAMABAD: Japan will provide a new grant of worth 2.831 billion Yen (equivalent to around PKR5.119 billion) for flood management enhancement in the Indus Basin.

The signing ceremony was held here on Wednesday at the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Japanese ambassador WADA Mitsuhiro, Federal Secretary for Economic Affairs Dr. Kazim Niaz, and officials concerned attended the ceremony. The Japanese envoy eulogized the efforts of Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema for enhancing cooperation between the two countries paving the way for the generous assistance.

The Japanese government has been providing the necessary assistance to support Pakistan’s recovery and reconstruction efforts for the needy.

The assistance will fund the construction of three embankments on the Indus River in Haripur district (KP) and install water and rain meters at 45 sites along the river in KP and Punjab.

The embankments will protect the local communities from potential human and economic losses due to flooding.

The data gathered from the water and rain meters, managed by FFC and Wapda, will be shared with various agencies to help predict and manage potential possible floods.

The project incorporates concept of “Build Back Better”, which the host government strongly emphasizes. WADA Mitsuhiro expressed hope that the project would provide reassurance to the people of Pakistan regarding possible future floods. Japan remains committed to providing assistance that will directly benefits vulnerable people of Pakistan.