- Advertisement -
KARACHI, Sep 27 (APP):Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (R) Maqbool Baqar while reviewing the progress of Sindh Flood Rehabilitation Projects has directed the P&D dept to expedite the ongoing works so that not only the restoration of damaged infrastructure could be restored but it would generate economic activities at a local level.
The meeting was attended by Chairman P&D Shakeel Mangnejo, PSCM Hassan Naqvi, Secretary Finance Kazim Jatoi, and Secretary Planning Asghar Memon.
Chairman P&D Shakil Mangnejo through a presentation told the CM that the floods-2022 had submerged 70 percent of the province with water, therefore 24 districts out of 30 were declared calamity-hit areas. The floods killed 1090, injured 8,422, washed away standing crops over 3,777,272 acres, displaced 12.36 million people, damaged 2.1 million houses, perished 436,435 livestock, and damaged 8,463 km of roads.
An amount of $1.5 billion was required for the rehabilitation of affected people, crops, and infrastructure, for which $773 million was arranged, including $500 million from the World Bank, and the provincial government shared $227 million.
The World Bank has been approached for $2.5 million so that requirement could be met. At this, the CM directed the P&D department to prepare a comprehensive case of the flood-affected people and present it to the World Bank so that it could be approved at the earliest.
The CM was told that the progress of the projects launched for flood-affected people includes the launching of multi-hazard resilient housing structures, community engagement and empowerment, environment sustainability, and capacity building and knowledge transfer.
The projects also include rehabilitating damaged irrigation infrastructure, rehabilitation of damaged roads and water supply infrastructure, livelihood restoration, and expansion of Rescue 1122 Service to the District level.
He directed the P&D dept to ensure quality work and keep their inspections through technical experts so that the funds utilized on the projects could be weather-resilient.
The CM reviewed the progress of the rehabilitation of MC Bund, Danister Tail Regulator, Aral head Regulator, Regulator at 44rth Mile Desert Canal, and others.