Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, inaugurated a project aimed at improving access to safe drinking water in underserved communities of Faisalabad district, marking another milestone in Japan’s grassroots humanitarian support for Pakistan.
The project involves the installation of seven water filtration plants across vulnerable localities in Punjab and was implemented by Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan, a non-governmental organization with more than three decades of experience in humanitarian and development work nationwide.
Japan Provides Over $70,000 in Grassroots Assistance
The initiative was funded by the Government of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme, with financial support amounting to USD 70,201.
The newly installed filtration plants will serve communities in:
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Peoples Colony 2
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Badar Colony
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Kuri Wala
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40 Mor Jaranwala
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Chak No. 421 GB
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Hussainabad (Faisalabad District)
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Bamba Bola (Okara District)
The project is expected to benefit over 400 households, providing safe drinking water to approximately 2,870 people, many of whom have long faced exposure to waterborne diseases due to contaminated water sources.
Addressing a Critical Public Health Need
Faisalabad remains among the districts where access to clean water continues to pose serious health challenges, particularly in low-income and densely populated areas. Unsafe water has been a major contributor to preventable illnesses, including gastrointestinal and infectious diseases.
Officials involved in the project noted that the availability of clean drinking water is expected to significantly improve public health, reduce disease burden, and enhance overall living conditions for residents in the targeted communities.
Ambassador Emphasises Water as a Fundamental Human Right
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan on the successful completion of the project and commended its continued efforts to deliver essential services to marginalized populations.
He emphasized that access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right, describing it as a central pillar of Japan’s development and humanitarian assistance policy toward Pakistan.
“Japan remains committed to supporting the people of Pakistan, particularly in areas that directly improve health and quality of life,” the ambassador said, expressing hope that the project would further deepen bilateral cooperation.
Strengthening Japan–Pakistan Cooperation at the Community Level
The inauguration ceremony was attended by officials from the Embassy of Japan, representatives of Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan, and members of the beneficiary communities.
Alkhidmat Foundation has previously partnered with Japan on multiple development initiatives, earning recognition for effective project implementation at the grassroots level. The latest water filtration project adds to a growing portfolio of collaborative efforts aimed at addressing essential needs such as health, sanitation, and community welfare.
Ambassador Akamatsu reaffirmed Japan’s intention to continue supporting people-centric projects in Pakistan, highlighting the importance of long-term friendship, trust, and cooperation between the two countries.
