Islamabad (TDI): In a collaborative move towards bolstering flood management infrastructure, the Government of Japan has approved a grant worth JPY 2.831 billion ($18.5 million) to Pakistan.
The initiative, known as the “Flood Management Enhancement in the Indus Basin” project, will be funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and aims to improve flood forecasting and control, as well as reduce disaster risk across the Indus Basin.
The signing ceremony for the Exchange of Notes and Record of Discussion was held at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, with Federal Minister Ahad Cheema presiding over the proceedings.
The documents were signed by Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and WADA Mitsuhiro, Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, on behalf of their respective governments.
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The project will focus on the development of a comprehensive hydrological and hydraulic observation network, as well as the rehabilitation of river structures damaged by the 2022 floods along the Indus River and its tributaries.
Additionally, it includes provisions for capacity-building among Pakistan’s flood management institutions to enhance their long-term resilience and response capabilities.
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Dr. Niaz expressed appreciation to the Japanese government and its people for their “invaluable support” and pledged Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating the project’s success.
Ambassador WADA Mitsuhiro reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding ties between the two countries and enhancing mutual cooperation for disaster management.
The project aligns with Pakistan’s priority to improve its disaster risk reduction measures, aiming to minimize future losses to life, property, and infrastructure.
