Japan Hands Over Sewerage and Drainage Upgradation Project to WASA Multan

Handover Ceremony Marks a Major Step Towards Improved Sanitation in Multan

| April 24, 2025 | 2:00 PM

Reporter: Imtiaz Ali Abbasi, Chief Reporter Islamabad
Watts News, The Largest Digital News Network Pakistan

In a significant move to address the worsening sanitation and urban flooding crisis in Multan, a formal handover ceremony for the Grant Aid project titled “The Project for Upgrading Sewerage and Drainage Services in Multan” was held on April 24, 2025, in the city of Multan. The project was funded by the Government of Japan with a grant amounting to 1.236 billion yen.

The event was graced by H.E. Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Mr. Naoaki Miyata, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Pakistan Office, and Mr. Khalid Raza Khan, Managing Director of Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Multan.

Multan has been grappling with severe sewerage issues in recent years due to a spike in wastewater discharge and garbage accumulation, largely attributed to population growth. The outdated sewer infrastructure has resulted in frequent sewage overflows onto roads, causing not only traffic disruptions but also posing serious health and hygiene risks, including the detection of the polio virus in sewage samples.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, JICA stepped in with a comprehensive support package. As part of this Grant Aid project, WASA Multan received essential equipment including high-pressure cleaning vehicles, sludge suction vehicles, and drainage pumps. These resources are now being used for the maintenance and cleaning of sewer lines and drainage systems, significantly improving the city’s capacity to manage wastewater and reduce overflow incidents.

The initiative supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.”

Addressing attendees at the ceremony, Ambassador AKAMATSU Shuichi expressed his hopes for the sustainable use of the equipment provided and said:

“I hope that all equipment installed under Japan’s project will be fully utilized in a sustainable manner and that the expertise and experience gained will benefit the people in Multan.”

Mr. Miyata, Chief of JICA Pakistan Office, added:

“We hope that this project will improve the living environment for the people of Multan.”

With this initiative, the Government of Japan and JICA reaffirm their long-standing commitment to improving urban sanitation and public health infrastructure across Pakistan.

Follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) or visit our website www.wattsnews.online.