HYDERABAD: The people of Japan are keen to see a change in the lifestyle of Pakistanis living in the rural areas of Sindh.

This was stated by Japanese Consul General Akira Ouchi while speaking as the chief guest at a ceremony held in Ladho Kolhi village of Ghulam Shah Bagrani union council in Tando Mohammad Khan on Tuesday on the completion of a village improvement project executed with a $100,000 grant extended by his government.

Under the project, 216 hand pumps have been installed, five water supply schemes executed and 200 public toilets built in 27 villages. The funding has been extended under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) in coordination with a non-governmental organisation, the Sindh Community Foundation (SCF).

The civic infrastructure in the union council was destroyed during the 2011 rains and flooding affecting more than 23,000 inhabitants of the 27 villages.

Mr Ouchi said that the rehabilitation work and new water supply facilities would contribute to the uplift of the affected people and also help strengthen Japan- Pakistan relations. He inaugurated the community-based water supply scheme and visited various facilities in Lado Kolhi village.

SCF executive director Javed Hussain appreciated Japan’s cooperation and assistance in executing the project.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2015

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