JICA To Finance Merged Tribal Districts’ Road Infrastructure
The governments of Japan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have agreed on mutual cooperation in the development of road infrastructure of the newly-merged tribal districts. Both parties were agreed during a meeting of Japanese Ambassador Kuninori Matsuda with Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House Islamabad.
During the meeting, the Japanese ambassador and KP chief minister held detailed deliberations on areas of mutual interests and developmental projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The CM said that with the assistance of JICA, roads and other infrastructure in the newly-merged tribal districts will be improved which will enhance commercial activities and will provide better travelling facilities to the people of NMDs.
The chief minister said that several roads and 10 bridges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be rehabilitated with a cost of Rs 28 billion with the support and assistance of JICA, while other infrastructure in rural areas will also be improved.
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The CM stated that strengthening of roads infrastructure will help promote tourism and trade activities in the province.
He said that KP government through Planning Commission of Pakistan has forwarded the concept paper regarding improvement and rehabilitation of damaged rural roads and bridges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to JICA and embassy of Japan.
He stated that the selection of roads has been done on merit basis including roads leading to basic public facilities and those that were damaged by natural disasters. The CM reiterated that Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan is taking efforts for improving accessibility to social services and enhancing community activities. In this regard, the PM also launched the Kamyab Jawan Programme for the uplifting socio economic position of the country.
The CM said that opening of Torkham border 24/7 hours and improvement of infrastructure has increased trade and business activities in the province.
He said that rehabilitation of road infrastructure will further boost tourism, trade and exploration of mines & minerals in the province.
“KP government is specially focused on promotion of national and international tourism in the province which will increase provincial revenue significantly”, he added.
The CM also thanked JICA and Japanese government for their assistance and cooperation in developmental projects for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and hoped that both the governments will further enhance coordination and bilateral cooperation in this regard.
On the occasion, the Japanese Ambassador Kuninori Matsuda expressed satisfaction over the improved law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and praised the government for promoting tourism and trade activities in the province.
He indicated that president of JICA is expected to visit Pakistan and will also meet Prime Minister Imran Khan. Provincial Minister Elementary & Secondary Education Akbar Ayub, Secretary C&W and others also attended the meeting.