Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah held a high-level meeting with a World Bank delegation led by Managing Director Anna Bejarred at CM House to discuss key development initiatives, including the launch of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project and ongoing flood relief housing efforts. The delegation included Country Director Naji Bin Hussein, Operations Manager Gileas J. Dragoulis, DRM Specialist Bilal Khalid, Hina Saleem Lotia, and Funk Patrick. The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon, Dr. Azra Pechuho, Nasir Hussain Shah, Jam Khan Shoro, Ali Hassan Zardari, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, and Chairman P&D Najm Shah.WASH Project to Improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Access: The parties agreed on the effective initiation of the WASH project aimed at improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene practices across Sindh. This initiative targets 3,200 flood-affected villages, providing essential facilities to enhance public health and living conditions.The Chief Minister highlighted that the WASH project is being launched with a total budget of $270 million, benefiting approximately 1.5 million people. The funding breakdown includes $75 million from the World Bank, $13 million from the Islamic Development Bank, $100 million from the Asian Development Bank, and $100 million from the Sindh government.Comprehensive Flood Relief Housing Project: The meeting also focused on the Sindh People’s Housing Project, a visionary initiative championed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, aimed at rebuilding homes and fostering social transformation for flood victims. CM Shah emphasised that the 2022 floods submerged 70 per cent of Sindh, affecting 12.36 million people and destroying 2.1 million homes.The housing project covers a rural population of 15 million, exceeding the population of 154 countries worldwide. So far, 120,000 bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries have been opened, and financial assistance has been distributed to 1.15 million individuals, Murad Shah said. He added that approximately 750,000 house foundations have been completed, with 500,000 homes in the final stages of construction. Additionally, 900,000 land ownership certificates have been issued in the names of women, empowering them economically and socially.
Mr Shah said that the project has generated over one million employment opportunities, providing vital livelihoods for affected communities.
Cultural & historical engagement: During the visit, the World Bank delegation toured the Chief Minister’s House, where CM Shah showcased a photo gallery featuring prominent Pakistani women, from Fatima Jinnah to other national icons, as well as portraits of all Chief Ministers before and after Pakistan’s independence. The delegation appreciated the historical architecture and artistic presentation of the residence.
This collaborative effort between the Sindh government and international financial institutions marks a significant step towards sustainable development, disaster recovery, and social upliftment in the province.
