ISLAMABAD, (Parliament Times) : In the spirit of collaboration as development partners, the U.S. government represented by Consul General Moore and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Somvongsiri, alongside key partners, celebrated a series of transformative achievements in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) region. USAID will continue its commitment to improve lives and foster sustainable development in the region. Mission Director Somvongsiri lauded the remarkable achievements born out of its strategic partnership with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and fellow international donors.
Ms. Somvongsiri remarked that, “USAID is committed to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Together, along with our international and local partners, we have laid the groundwork for a brighter future, and I am optimistic for what lies ahead. Our dedication to working hand in hand towards our shared goals and sustained impact remains stronger than ever. ”
The United States, through USAID, has spearheaded transformative infrastructure projects, significantly bolstering the province’s energy capacity and connectivity. Landmark projects such as Gomal Zam Dam and Golen Gol Hydropower project, coupled with the augmentation of Tarbela dam, have added 253 megawatts to the national grid, marking a significant step towards energy self-sufficiency.
The impact of USAID’s efforts extends far beyond infrastructure, reaching over 18,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) thereby catalyzing economic stability and prosperity. More than 30,000 households have witnessed a doubling of their farm income, thanks to enhanced irrigation methods and agricultural practices championed by these initiatives.
USAID’s efforts in health and education have rehabilitated over 200 facilities and provided essential services to more than two million people, saving lives across the province. USAID significantly improved reading instruction for over 600,000 children, distributed more than three million books, and awarded over 8,500 university scholarships. The rehabilitation and construction of hundreds of schools have broadened educational horizons for over one million students, laying the foundation for a brighter future.
USAID has also facilitated more than 130,000 women to obtain their national identity cards, paving the way for their inclusion in voter lists and government support programs. Additionally, the launch of the province’s first-ever disaster preparedness strategy exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to resilience and sustainability.
These efforts have not only transformed lives but also solidified a foundation for continued progress and prosperity in KP.