The Government of Japan has decided to extend financial support of US$ 108,731 (approx. Rs 9.8 million) to the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED), for the construction of a micro hydro power station in Village Usherai Twagh, Upper Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The agreement for the project was signed between Mr. Akira KONO, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to Pakistan and Mr. Robin Nataf, Deputy Country Director for ACTED Pakistan, on 4th October, 2012 at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence in Islamabad. The grant will be utilized for the construction of a micro hydro power station in Village Usherai Twagh, Upper Dir with a total installed capacity of 50 Kilowatts. In addition to meeting the essential energy requirements of all the 130 households in the village, this would also contribute to improve living conditions of local community and develop local economy. The project will benefit particularly women as it could alleviate their work load by helping mechanizing some of their manual household labour. “I believe, by providing stable and sustainable energy for the community in remote area, this project will contribute not only to the improvement of quality of life of the people of the village, but also to their human security, which would lead to further development of their human potential. I also hope it would certainly further enrich the cherished relationship between the people of Japan and Pakistan.” said Kono at the signing ceremony.
