Zubair Qureshi
Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) commitment to improving disaster management since 1989 exemplifies its dedication to addressing crucial humanitarian challenges and through its support for both structural and non-structural measures to mitigate flood risk, JICA demonstrates a holistic approach to disaster resilience.
These views were expressed by Senior Representative of JICA Mr Tsuyoshi Hara while giving an overview of JICA’s projects at a media briefing here Thursday.
Project Formulation Adviser Koki Sawa and Programme Officer M Abrar Khan were also among those who briefed the media persons about various initiatives taken in agriculture, girls’ education, women empowerment, technical and vocational education, climate change mitigation, livestock and irrigation, etc.
Mr Tsuyoshi Hara further said the long-term investment in disaster management reflected an understanding of the profound impact such measures could have on the safety and well-being of communities. “JICA’s efforts undoubtedly contribute to building more resilient societies, safeguarding lives, and promoting sustainable development,” he said.
Based on the Sendai Framework, which was agreed in the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015, JICA has been supporting the Government of Pakistan in meteorological radar networks, logistical support for emergencies, flood mitigation, flood forecasting warning system, earthquake recovery for relief, recovery items, resilient school building and infrastructure, he said.
Moreover, four damaged bridges and 1 culvert, 1 seismic resistant and barrier-free basic health unit have been constructed besides ensuring supply of relief items etc.
He said JICA provided loan and grant assistance to the Government of Pakistan around US $ 170million in emergency, reconstruction, and rehabilitation activities.
In Flood 2022, JICA supplied relief items as emergency support and distributed through NDMA for flood affected families of Balochistan. Aside from that, JICA focused on river structures and made a new project for effective river dikes management.
The purpose of the press briefing was to give the journalists an idea how JICA was operating in the far and wide of Pakistan to enable communities to meet various challenges in the wake of disasters.
JICA has been assisting the Government of Pakistan since 1989 and its thematic focus in the disaster management sector is mainly focused on establishment of administrative systems of disaster-related organizations and reduction to mitigate disaster risk.
