Japan to provide $16.4mn to strengthen flood protection in Pakistan

By Japan has agreed to provide Pakistan a $16.4 million grant to strengthen flood protection infrastructure in Sindh, with the project focused on improving and reinforcing the Old Abad Bund along the right bank of the Indus River in Larkana, Sindh. The development came during a ceremony between the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Japan on Monday, which signed the Exchange of Notes, Record of Discussion and Grant Agreement for the 'Project for Flood Protection and Dike Improvement on Indus River in Sindh Province', aimed at strengthening flood protection infrastructure and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities in Sindh. According to a statement, the agreements were signed and exchanged by Muhammad Humair Karim Kidwai, Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on behalf of their respective governments. Under the agreement, the Government of Japan is providing a grant of JPY 2.58 billion, approximately $16.4 million, for the implementation of the project. The project will focus on the improvement and strengthening of the Old Abad Bund in Larkana, along the right bank of the Indus River. The Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, expressed appreciation to the government and the people of Japan for their continued friendship, generous development assistance and steadfast commitment to Pakistan's socio-economic development. He also acknowledged the longstanding role of the Japanese government as a valued development partner and appreciated JICA's technical expertise, knowledge and continued engagement with Pakistan across various sectors. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, assured the commitment of his government to work closely with the Government of Pakistan to further strengthen the friendly ties and bilateral cooperation. Sugawara Takayuki, senior representative of JICA, appreciated the Government of Sindh and the Government of Pakistan for bringing the project to a signing stage and indicated JICA's commitment towards strengthening flood protection infrastructure in flood-prone areas of Sindh.