The Government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) formalized a significant grant aid agreement with the Government of Pakistan, valued at 510 million yen, to support the digital transformation of water supply services in Faisalabad.

This initiative aims to address the city’s pressing water supply challenges by introducing smart water meters and related equipment to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Faisalabad.

Faisalabad, the third-largest city in Pakistan, faces a scarcity of water services, with residents receiving water only six hours daily. A key issue is the existing flat rate tariff system, which does not incentivize conservation, leading to excessive water use and insufficient revenue for infrastructure development. To tackle this, Japan has been aiding WASA Faisalabad in transitioning to a metering rate system, where charges are based on actual consumption.

The current program will equip WASA Faisalabad with 8,400 smart water meters, facilitating a shift towards an efficient billing and distribution system. This digital transformation aims to enhance water services, improve public health, and contribute to sustainable water management, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 6.

During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu expressed hope that the grant will enhance water supply services and improve public health in Faisalabad. Mr. Miyata, JICA Pakistan Chief Representative, emphasized the role of smart water meters in promoting digital transformation and improving service delivery in the region.