Japan to provide Rs 76.4m grant to five NGOs' development projects.

ISLAMABAD -- The government of Japan will provide grant assistance of approximately Rs76.4 million (equivalent to $295,430) to five NGO development projects in Pakistan. The grant contracts were signed between ITO Takeshi, Charge d' Affaires of Japan to Pakistan, and representatives of the five NGOs at the Embassy of Japan here. The five NGOs, including Rural Aid Pakistan, Rumbur Development Welfare and Conservation Society, Hana Development Council, Saibaan Development Organisation and Dir Area Development Organisation, will implement the projects. Rural Aid Pakistan will receive a USD 65,617 grant (equivalent to around Rs 17 million) to install solar power irrigation systems in four agricultural villages in District Narowal, Punjab.

This project will improve agricultural infrastructure in an environmentally: friendly and sustainable way, and then contribute to boosting farmer's income with the efficient increase in food crops. Rumbur Development Welfare and Conservation Society will receive a $ 51,907 grant (equivalent to around Rs 13.4 million) to construct check dams and protection walls for disaster prevention and an incinerator for hygienic environment in District Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

This project will enhance security when natural disasters such as sediment flows caused by heavy rain occur, and also help environment preservation by introducing a proper disposal of waste. Hana Development Council will receive a $ 49,489 grant (equivalent to around Rs 12.8 million) to install electricity...