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LARKANA, Feb 04 (APP): World Bank President Ajay Banga and Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah have reached Bahawal Jat village, Taluka Dokri, Larkana on Wednesday. The people of village of Bahawal Jat welcomed World Bank President Ajay Banga.
CM Sindh Sayed Murad Ali Shah briefed the World Bank President that “145 flood-affected homes in Bahawal Jat have been rebuilt with the cooperation of the Sindh government and the World Bank.” “83 percent of the houses’ ownership rights have been given to women.” Sindh’s women are empowered and are increasing their social inclusion further, he added.
World Bank President inspects houses built under the Sindh People’s Housing Program.”Very pleased to see,” expresses World Bank President Ajay Banga, showing satisfaction.” World Bank President Ajay Banga mingled with residents and also took photos with them. A Sikh family from a flood-affected village in Kashmore also reached Goth Bahawal Jat to meet the World Bank President and CM Sindh and took a photo with the Sikh family.
Ajay Banga said that “This is the first community-led housing program of its kind.” “The World Bank has fully supported SPHF from the beginning.”
“Provided $950 million in assistance for flood affectees,” he added.
He added more “The World Bank initially provided $500 million and added $450 million.” “The program focuses on the poorest households. “Each family is provided resources to build a house worth approximately $1400.”
World Bank President said, “Women’s inclusion strengthens household income and the local economy.” “Safe houses should lead to the formation of healthy and resilient communities,” “Clean water and sanitation are essential for a healthy society,” “Better nutrition for children and long-term well-being should also be promoted,”
He emphasized, “This program is a strong foundation for human capital development,” “The community-based rehabilitation model is being seen as a global example,” “Rehabilitation can create jobs and increase social inclusion. World Bank President emphasizes strengthening long-term economic opportunities.
He said more “The People’s Housing Program is becoming a global standard for housing rehabilitation.” The Sindh model is a prominent example of post-disaster reconstruction. Reconstruction can be done by giving communities a central role. “A large-scale community-led construction process is underway.” “Reconstruction has promoted job opportunities and social and financial inclusion.” World Bank President Ajay Banga also planted a commemorative guava tree in Goth Bahawal Jat. World Bank President Ajay Banga met with women of Goth Bahawal Jat in the community center.
CM Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah informed him that “Constructing 2.1 million houses for flood affectees is a historic initiative by the Sindh government and the World Bank.” One of the world’s largest rehabilitation efforts is underway in Sindh. Communities are being empowered to rebuild their own lives.
He told that more Families build the houses themselves, the income stays within the community. Each house creates permanent wage employment for local laborers. Families dependent on daily wages benefit directly. The shift has been made from emergency response to a comprehensive rehabilitation program, Murad says.
He briefed that “The Sindh government, with the support of partners, is rebuilding 2.1 million houses. “The Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) program has achieved notable milestones. Bank accounts have been opened for over 1.55 million beneficiaries. “Under SPHF, 1.5 million houses are under construction and 750,000 houses have been completed.”Every household has gained access to formal banking services. “Now over one million women hold land ownership rights.” More women will be given land rights as the reconstruction process continues, Murad added.
Sindh CM and the World Bank President’s commitment to strengthening women’s economic security.Eight hundred thousand women have been provided with financial benefits. Women’s economic independence and social inclusion are being promoted.
He added, “cash grants and small business opportunities have been created for women. “At the heart of the program’s success is a strong governance framework, “Transparency has been ensured through a modern Management Information System.” Funds are transferred directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries. SPHF is a partnership through a public-private partnership.
Environmental and social protection experts have been included in the reconstruction of flood-affected houses, he briefed. “Effective safeguards and high accountability standards have been ensured.” Safe homes are being linked with clean water and sanitation. “The Sindh government is focusing on promoting a healthy society,” Syed Murad Ali Shah addressed.
He addressed this as the foundation for strong human capital for the future. SPHF is among the world’s largest community-led housing projects.
Sindh’s housing model is prominent globally. ” This program is creating significant local employment opportunities. “Construction of each house provides approximately 160 days of wages for local laborers,” “Approximately 25% of the project’s total cost goes directly into wages,””Daily wage laborers are benefiting from the pro-poor design.” Housing reconstruction is deeply linked to investment in human capital.”The women of the Goth had arranged the community center in a cultural style,” Sindhi cultural ‘Rillis’ were spread and cushions placed in the community center.”
President World Bank, Ajay Banga and Sindh Chief Minister sat down on the Rillis and conversed with the women. President World Bank and CM were presented with gifts of Ajrak and Sindhi caps upon arrival.
At the community center stall, women had placed handmade purses, Rillis, bread baskets (Chhabbi), and other items made through handicrafts. World Bank President Ajay Banga showed interest in the handmade items.
A woman informed the World Bank President about her journey from a house submerged in floods to a new home.World Bank President also distributed ownership rights certificates among women,”
CM Sindh told him, “6000 billion rupees were needed to build houses for flood affectees,” “25 percent of it was provided by the World Bank, for which I am grateful to them.” “The federal government and other partners assisted in the reconstruction of houses for flood-affectedees.”
World Bank President Ajay Banga addressed in Urdu, and said “You are fortunate that you have received ownership rights, which is your freedom,” “I am happy to see that women here are also earning livelihoods through handicrafts,””You are being provided with clean drinking water; this is a major progress in your lives.” on this occasion Foriegners, Provincial Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Deputy Inspector General of Police Larkana Nisar Aftab and Administrative personnel were present.