ISLAMABAD, (TDI): A closing ceremony was held today to mark the successful completion of the “Community-led Flood Rehabilitation and Restoration” project, a vital initiative aimed at aiding flood affectees in Pakistan.
The project, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented in collaboration with Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments, is part of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) broader Pakistan Flood Recovery Programme, launched in April 2023.
The program’s goal was to support one million of the most vulnerable people affected by the catastrophic floods of 2022.
The Government of Japan generously contributed USD 4.6 million to the initiative, which focused on six of the hardest-hit districts: Dera Ismail Khan, Naseerabad, Jafarabad, Dadu, Larkana, and Jacobabad.
The project has made a significant impact on over 141,000 individuals, nearly half of whom were women. By empowering local communities, it facilitated the revival of livelihoods, restored dignity, and improved access to essential services, including markets, healthcare, and clean water.
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Key interventions included the distribution of 20,000 agricultural toolkits to help restart farming activities, as well as the provision of 6,000 health and hygiene kits, 2,000 solar-powered energy systems, and 2,000 water filtration units to improve living conditions.
The project also supported the establishment of micro-enterprises, which played a crucial role in local economic recovery.
In his remarks at the ceremony, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to sustainable recovery.
“We believe that such an approach is critical to ensuring resilience in the most vulnerable communities in Pakistan,” he said. “Given the rising climate risks, enhancing community resilience is essential to maintaining a sustainable development pathway for the country.”
Nasira Batool, Joint Secretary of Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division, expressed her gratitude to Japan and UNDP for their support, acknowledging the impact of the initiative in helping more than 141,000 people rebuild their lives.
“This initiative has provided essential relief and long-term resilience to communities across Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” she said. “Together, we have proven that unity and determination can overcome even the greatest challenges.”
While the project has officially concluded, its effects continue to reverberate through the empowered communities and strengthened local institutions it helped create. The restoration of livelihoods and improved living conditions have laid a strong foundation for Pakistan’s long-term recovery and resilience.
UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Rizk praised the enduring spirit of the flood-affected communities. “This project stands as a testament to their resilience in overcoming adversity,” he said.
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“Together, we have implemented locally-led solutions that not only restore hope but also empower these communities to rebuild their lives. UNDP remains committed to supporting Pakistan on its path to resilience, recovery, and sustainable development.”
Through the success of this initiative, the Government of Japan, UNDP, and local stakeholders have demonstrated the power of collaborative action in the face of climate-related disasters, providing both immediate relief and long-term recovery for flood-affected communities across Pakistan.
