HYDERABAD, Nov 24 (APP):The World Bank Task Team Leader Francois Onymes on Monday urged the need for coordinated efforts among all institutions to ensure successful implementation of the Sindh Water and Agriculture Transformation (SWAT) Project.
He expressed these views while chairing a review meeting on irrigation and agriculture component activities held here at the SIDA Secretariat, Hyderabad.
According to the SIDA spokesperson, he underscored the importance of expediting preparations for the commencement of Akram Canal lining works, adding that parallel progress should also be made on canal modernization to enhance service delivery to farmers.
During the meeting, the Project Director for the irrigation component Jamal Mangan and the Project Director for the agriculture component Liaquat Bhutto presented separate detailed briefings.
Jamal Mangan informed that SIDA had opened tenders for the lining and rehabilitation of Akram Canal, and technical and financial evaluations of the submitted bids were currently underway. He further stated that following the approval of detailed studies for Dadu Canal and Rice Canal NESPAK had initiated work.
He added that the selection phase for farmers’ organizations under the canal modernization initiative had been completed, and work on three organizations expected to begin by the end of February.
Project Director agriculture component Liaquat Bhutto said that the process of issuing Hari Cards had begun, and upon approval, the farmer subsidy program will be expanded. He also confirmed that the necessary surveys and related requirements had been completed.
The World Bank delegation included Co-Task Team Leader Oliver Durand, Water Specialist Zelalam Mekonnen, Senior Environment Specialist Alphonse Imadak, Senior Procurement Specialist Ayalo Kebede, Social Protection Advisor Naseer Memon, Agriculture Advisor Muhammad Riaz and Senior Program Assistant Shabnam Naz. Consultant Wali Muhammad Naich also presented during the meeting.
Officers from SIDA, the agriculture department and project consultants were also present on the occasion.
