Islamabad: The Government of Japan has agreed to provide new grant assistance worth 2.831 billion Japanese Yen (equivalent to around 18.5 million USD/ around 5.119 billion PKR) for Flood Management Enhancement in the Indus Basin. On 13 November 2024, a signing ceremony for the assistance was held at the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Islamabad. H.E. Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan, Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and other officials from both countries attended this ceremony.

According to Relief Web, in 2022, Pakistan experienced the most devastating flood in the country’s history. In response, the Government of Japan has been dedicated to providing necessary assistance to support Pakistan’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.

This 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 three embankments will protect local communities from potential human and economic losses due to flooding, and data 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. This project incorporates the concept of “Build Back Better”, which the Government of Pakistan strongly emphasizes.

In the signing ceremony, H.E. Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro stated, “I hope this project will provide reassurance to the people of Pakistan regarding possible future floods. Japan remains committed to providing assistance that will directly benefit vulnerable people in Pakistan.”