Islamabad, Jan 13: Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, inaugurated two major electricity projects in District Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab.
Hana Development Council manages projects that improve health and infrastructure in rural communities. The non-governmental organization aims to enhance the quality of life in the region.
The Government of Japan, through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program, provided financial support totaling 92,307 USD for these initiatives.
In 2019, the first grant of 42,818 USD was allocated to provide sustainable electricity to eight communities. In 2022, a second grant of 49,489 USD extended electricity access to seven more communities.
Officials from the Japanese Embassy, Hana Development Council members, and local community leaders attended the inauguration ceremony.
During his speech, Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated Ms. Hameeda Waheeduddin, Member of Punjab Assembly and President of Hana Development Council, for the successful completion of the projects.
He emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating that the addition of sustainable electricity to 15 communities would have a profound impact on thousands of lives, not just through the installation of power lines but through empowering the communities and stimulating economic growth.
Ambassador Akamatsu reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in its efforts to improve living standards, expressing hope that these projects would further strengthen the bond between the people of Japan and Pakistan.
Hana Development Council has received Japanese grant assistance three times, and has been working for over two decades to empower vulnerable communities in Pakistan.
This collaboration continues to provide modern energy solutions, ensuring access to electricity and fostering economic development.
