France has committed €500,000 in financial assistance to aid flood-affected communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with a focus on recovery and rebuilding efforts. The announcement was made by French Ambassador to Pakistan, Nicolas Galey, during a press briefing on Tuesday.
The funding will be directed towards a seven-month initiative titled “Community-Led Recovery for Flood-Affected Populations in Buner and Swat,” managed by the French international NGO Acted. The project, implemented in coordination with the provincial government, aims to assist 3,000 households, benefiting nearly 21,000 people.
Ambassador Galey emphasised the importance of global cooperation in addressing climate change, particularly in the context of Pakistan’s ongoing climate challenges. He highlighted that this contribution underscores France’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s recovery efforts and addressing the long-term impacts of climate-related disasters.
The program will focus on restoring livelihoods, repairing infrastructure, providing safe drinking water, ensuring access to education, and offering psychosocial support to vulnerable groups. Families who lost their homes in the floods will also receive shelter assistance.
Acted has been operating in Pakistan since 1993 and will work to create short-term job opportunities through gender-sensitive livelihood schemes. The initiative includes activities such as debris removal, irrigation channel clearance, and rebuilding essential infrastructure, which will also generate income for local communities.
To mitigate health risks, the project will distribute weather-resistant kits, water containers, and hygiene supplies. Special support will be provided to households with elderly members or individuals with disabilities.
A key component of the program is the rehabilitation of water supply systems, latrines, and pumping stations. Hygiene awareness sessions will be conducted, and fumigation drives will be carried out to reduce health hazards.
To ensure continued education access, Acted will set up temporary education centers and train teachers for emergency situations. Additionally, psychosocial support will be offered to children, women, and other vulnerable groups impacted by the floods.
Ambassador Galey concluded by stressing the importance of building community resilience against future disasters, and highlighted the role of local WASH committees in ensuring the sustainability of these efforts.
