Japan-Funded Clean Drinking Water Project Inaugurated in Mansehra's Baki Village, Benefiting Over 6,000 Residents.

MANSEHRA: A clean drinking water supply project funded by the Government of Japan has been completed in Baki village of Mansehra district, providing access to safe drinking water for more than 6,000 residents.
Japan provided financial assistance of US$59,764 for the project, which was implemented by Friends Welfare Association (FWA) Pakistan.
The project was formally inaugurated by Japan's Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Member Sardar Shahjahan Yousaf, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mansehra Asad Mahmood Lodhi, government officials and local representatives.
Under the project, a 6,013-metre-long main water supply pipeline has been installed, while an intake tank has also been constructed to facilitate water storage and distribution. The newly completed system is expected to provide clean drinking water to more than 6,000 people in the village.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi congratulated Friends Welfare Association Pakistan on successfully completing the project. He highlighted that access to clean water is essential for human life, public health and sustainable development.
The ambassador noted that the project would particularly benefit women and girls by reducing the daily burden of travelling long distances to collect water. This would allow them more time for education and other productive activities while also improving the overall health and quality of life of the local community.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the project, a local Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Committee comprising 20 members has also been established. Committee members have received training in water quality monitoring, sanitation practices and the maintenance of the water supply system.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring effective management and continued operation of the water supply system through local participation and community ownership.
The Japanese ambassador reaffirmed his country's commitment to supporting Pakistan's sustainable development and expressed hope that the project would serve as a lasting symbol of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Japan.
The completion of the project marks an important step towards improving access to basic facilities in rural Mansehra and enhancing the living standards of thousands of residents.