Japan Approves USD 18.5 Million Grant to Enhance Flood Management in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, November 13, 2024: The Japanese government has approved a grant of JPY 2.831 billion (approximately USD 18.5 million) for a flood management project aimed at enhancing flood control and disaster risk reduction in Pakistan’s Indus Basin.
The project, titled “Flood Management Enhancement in the Indus Basin,” will be implemented through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and was formally announced during a signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Islamabad.
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The agreement was signed between Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and H.E. Mr. Wada Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, following the approval by Federal Minister Ahad Cheema.
The project is designed to improve the accuracy of flood forecasts and strengthen flood control mechanisms in Pakistan.
It will also focus on collecting essential data for disaster risk reduction and reducing the impact of floods on lives, infrastructure, and the economy.
Key components of the project include developing a hydrological and hydraulic observation network and rehabilitating river structures that were damaged during the catastrophic 2022 floods in the Indus River and its tributaries.
In addition to physical infrastructure improvements, the project will also contribute to the capacity building of Pakistan’s flood management institutions, ensuring long-term resilience against future flood risks.
Dr. Kazim Niaz expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support and assured that Pakistan would extend all necessary facilitation to ensure the success of the project.
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Ambassador Wada reiterated Japan’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral relations with Pakistan and furthering cooperation on disaster management and other critical areas.
This initiative is part of Japan’s broader efforts to assist Pakistan in enhancing its disaster preparedness and mitigating the impact of natural disasters, particularly flooding, which has affected the country with increasing frequency in recent years.