EU allocates €179 million to address water and sanitation issues in Punjab

WEB DESK: The government of Pakistan, in collaboration with Team Europe partners, is set to address pressing water and sanitation challenges in Faisalabad and Lahore with a dedicated allocation of €179 million.

This joint effort aims to bolster climate resilience in the region, as outlined in an agreement signed by the European Union (EU), Germany, France, and Italy, along with the Agence Française de Développement (AfD).

The newly launched initiative, titled ‘Punjab Urban Water and Wastewater Governance and Services Improvement,’ spans a six-year period and combines grant support from the EU with a soft loan from the AfD.

Notable figures present at the signing ceremony included EU Ambassador Dr Riina Kionka, Deputy Director AfD Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Asia, Ms Julie Marsaudon, German Ambassador Alfred Grannas, and Italian Ambassador Andreas Ferrarese.

Praising Punjab’s economic significance, contributing to 54 per cent of Pakistan’s GDP, Dr Riina Kionka emphasised the persistent water and sanitation challenges faced by the region.

The EU Ambassador reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in enhancing climate change resilience, underscoring the dedication to green inclusive growth, a priority outlined in the EU Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan.

Dr Kionka also shed light on the EU’s leading role in international climate finance, contributing 9 per cent of greenhouse gases while providing 30 per cent of global public financing.

The French Ambassador’s representative highlighted France’s substantial commitment to climate change, with 97 per cent of AFD financing directed towards climate-related initiatives.

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The collaborative partnership between the EU and Pakistan on water and sanitation signifies a concerted effort to mobilise expertise towards climate-resilient solutions in these sectors.

The project’s objectives encompass improving access to drinking water and sanitation services through the installation of 200 kilometres of new water supply pipes and the provision of 55,000 new connections.

Furthermore, the initiative focuses on capacity building, aiming to increase water treatment capacity by 135,000 cubic metres per day and reinforcing urban water governance.

Anticipated outcomes include improved access to drinking water for 400,000 individuals, showcasing the joint commitment of the Government of Pakistan and Team Europe to sustainable development, climate resilience, and an enhanced quality of life for residents and businesses in Faisalabad and Lahore.