- To commence the programme, a special unit would be established under the supervision of the chief secretary.
- Teams have already been deployed to remove water from swamped cities and villages, according to CM Murad.
- Another project will be launched to rehabilitate Karachi’s damaged road network.
The World Bank will provide $323 million to the Sindh government to assist farmers in flood-affected regions in reclaiming their lands in time for the upcoming Rabi harvest season.
In a meeting with World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah claimed that he has devised a Rs30 billion plan to provide subsidies for certified seed and fertilizer.
Farmers couldn’t afford to buy certified seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs, he said, adding that we needed to provide them with some incentives to help recover our waterlogged agro-industry.
To commence the project, a separate team would be formed under the supervision of the chief secretary.
During the discussion, CM Murad stated that he has already deployed teams to remove water from swamped cities and villages.
He stated that the dewatering process is ongoing and that he expects the water to be drained within 1.5 months. He stated that after the water is disposed of, development of houses would begin.
Before winter comes, CM Murad added, housing preparations for flood victims would be required, and he requested the World Bank to sponsor the housing project.
Following much discussion and debate, the chief minister and World Bank Benhassine decided to begin the project.
The province’s chief secretary would serve as the unit’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with help from the public and private sectors, after which building of the residences would commence. A survey is presently being used to evaluate the housing project’s requirements.
The World Bank has given Rs6 billion, with the Sindh government raising the remaining Rs7 billion from other means. CM Murad proposed a Rs13 billion investment for a new project to repair Karachi’s deteriorating road network and drainage infrastructure.
The World Bank has agreed to fund the Karachi Water and Sewage Services Improvement Project (KWSP), a Rs25 billion plan designed by the Sindh government to modernize the sewage infrastructure.
During the discussion, CM Murad also addressed plans to build a parallel bridge or rebuild the Jam Sadiq Bridge. The teams from the World Bank and the provincial government agreed to discuss the idea in a meeting the following week.
