A Japan-funded water supply system has been inaugurated in Village Bakki, Mansehra, to
provide clean drinking water to more than 6,000 residents. The project aims to improve public
health and make access to safe water easier for local families.

Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi attended the inauguration ceremony on
Tuesday. The project was completed by Friends Welfare Association (FWA) Pakistan, an
organisation that supports vulnerable communities through education, healthcare, clean water,
hygiene, and community development.

The Government of Japan provided financial assistance of $59,764 through its Grant Assistance
for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme to support the project.
Several important officials attended the inauguration ceremony. These included Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa Member of the Provincial Assembly Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf and Mansehra
Additional Deputy Commissioner Asad Mehmood Lodhi. Representatives of the Japanese
Embassy, FWA, the local WASH Committee, and community members were also present.
Under the project, FWA completed a gravity-flow water supply system. The system includes
6,013 metres of main supply pipes and a water intake tank. These facilities will help deliver
clean water to local households.

FWA and the local community also provided additional support for excavation work and
transportation of materials. They also arranged water quality testing to ensure that the supplied
water is safe for residents.

To keep the system working for a long time, FWA established a 20-member WASH Committee.
Its members received training in water quality management, hygiene awareness, and the proper
operation and maintenance of the water supply system.

Before the project, residents of Village Bakki faced difficulties in collecting clean water. Women
and girls were especially affected because they often had to spend a lot of time bringing water
for their families.

The new system will provide safe drinking water to more than 6,000 people. It is expected to
improve community health, reduce the time spent collecting water, and give children more
opportunities to focus on their education.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated FWA on completing the
project. He said that access to clean drinking water is essential for improving people’s lives and
supporting the long-term development of communities.

He also highlighted the benefits of the project for women, girls, and children. He stressed that
proper maintenance is necessary to keep the water supply system working effectively in the
future.

The Japanese ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s sustainable
development. He also expressed hope that the water supply project would become a lasting
symbol of friendship between Japan and Pakistan.

Source: Embassy of Japan in Pakistan

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