Mansehra: An inauguration ceremony was held for a newly installed water supply system in Village Bakki, Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, funded by the Government of Japan. The project, aimed at providing clean drinking water to over 6,000 residents, was implemented by the Friends Welfare Association (FWA) in collaboration with local stakeholders.

According to Embassy of Japan In Pakistan, the project received financial assistance of USD 59,764 through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including His Excellency Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Mr. Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf, Member of the Provincial Assembly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Mr. Asad Mehmood Lodhi, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mansehra, along with other officials and community representatives.

The FWA successfully completed the construction of a Gravity Flow Water Supply System, which includes 6,013 meters of galvanized iron main supply pipes and a water intake tank. Additional contributions by FWA and the local community were made for excavation, material transportation, and water quality testing to ensure the system’s reliability. A 20-member WASH Committee was also established and trained in various aspects to maintain the system’s sustainability.

The project addresses the critical need for clean water in the village, easing the daily hardships faced by residents, particularly women and girls. Ambassador Akamatsu highlighted in his address that the system will improve health, reduce the burden of water collection, and enhance educational opportunities and quality of life for community members. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Pakistan’s sustainable development and expressed hope that the project would symbolize enduring friendship between the two nations.