ISLAMABAD: In collaboration with Team Europe partnerships, the Pakistani government is set to allocate €179 million to tackle pressing water and sanitation challenges in Faisalabad and Lahore while bolstering climate resilience.
The European Union (EU), Germany, France, and Italy, along with the Agence Française de Développement (AfD), have signed an agreement that outlines a new climate initiative named ‘Punjab Urban Water and Wastewater Governance and Services Improvement.’
This collaborative effort spans six years and combines EU grant support with a soft loan from the AfD. The agreement was formalized by EU Ambassador Dr. Riina Kionka and Deputy Director of AfD Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Asia, Julie Marsaudon in the presence of German Ambassador Alfred Grannas and Italian Ambassador Andreas Ferrarese.
The EU’s commitment aligns with supporting Pakistan in enhancing climate change resilience and fostering green, inclusive growth, aligning with the priorities outlined in the EU Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan and EU assistance initiatives.
According to the details, the project’s goals include improving drinking water and sanitation access by installing 200 kilometers of new water supply pipes and providing 55,000 new connections. Additionally, there is a focus on capacity building, increasing water treatment capacity by 135,000 cubic meters per day, and reinforcing urban water governance.
The initiative is anticipated to enhance access to drinking water for 400,000 individuals, showcasing a joint commitment by the Government of Pakistan and Team Europe to sustainable development, climate resilience, and improved quality of life for residents and businesses in Faisalabad and Lahore. —APP
