$3mn grant to water quality institute

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) is setting up a water quality institute in collaboration with the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in the Federal Capital.

The Project Management Company (PMC) of KOICA will construct the institute with a grant of $3 million given by the KOICA.

According to PCRWR sources, a three-member delegation of PMC-KOICA is in Pakistan since January 10 in connection with the recently approved project "Establishment of National Capacity Building Institute for Water Quality Management" in the premises of PCRWR.

The proposed institute will hold training courses at certificate and diploma levels to the existing staff associated with water supply agencies as well as to the new entrants.

The delegation visited secretaries Science & Technology and Economic Affairs Division and PCRWR Chairman. Akhlaq Ahmad Tarar, Secretary Science & Technology assured the delegation that all possible support will be extended to KOICA-PMC and the Government of Pakistan will make necessary arrangements for an early execution of the project.

The delegation held a meeting with PCRWR Chairman Dr M. Aslam Tahir to work out the modalities of project.

It may be mentioned that safe drinking water plays a crucial role in the achievement of economic and environmental goals through academic productivity and professional leadership, which is in line with the government policy to develop knowledge-based economy.

This institute will work with the government, industry, non-governmental organizations and individuals to formulate viable and environmentally sustainable solutions through knowledge-sharing and disseminating best practices.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2012