KARACHI, (TDI): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah held a high-level video conference with a World Bank team, led by Country Director Najy Benhassine, to review the progress of a $3.1 billion portfolio covering 13 developmental projects across the province.
The meeting focused on key initiatives, including the acceleration of World Bank funded projects like the K-IV Augmentation Project, the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) report on the recent gate failure at Sukkur Barrage, solar energy projects, infrastructure rehabilitation, and urban mobility advancements.
During the discussion, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP), aimed at improving access to safe water and enhancing the operational efficiency of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB).
The project involves three main components: operational reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and project management.
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Shah announced that work on the K-IV Augmentation Project, a $256 million component of KWSSIP, will begin on December 30, 2024.
He noted that land acquisition and necessary corrective measures are expected to be completed by February 2025 and urged the World Bank to expedite the release of funds to ensure the project’s completion by the end of 2025.
The World Bank assured support and suggested that the Sindh government use its own funds initially, with reimbursement promised later.
The Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary to ensure the timely release of funds to kick start the K-IV Augmentation Project.
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Other key World Bank projects discussed included the Sukkur Barrage Rehabilitation, with the RCA report on gate failures currently being prepared. The meeting also announced the creation of a Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) division.
Progress on the Akram Wah Rehabilitation and the Sindh Water and Agriculture Transformation Project (SWAT), designed to improve agricultural water productivity and assist flood-affected farmers, was also reviewed.
Another focus of the meeting was the Karachi Mobility Project (KMP), a $382 million initiative aimed at enhancing transportation and accessibility through the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
The project has made 12% physical progress, with designs approved, and the World Bank team expressed satisfaction with the ongoing efforts.
The Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP), a $100 million initiative to boost solar power generation and improve electricity access, was also discussed.
The first shipment of Solar Home Systems (SHS) kits arrived on December 11, with additional shipments scheduled for February and March 2025.
The CM emphasized the importance of solarizing public buildings, with 19 sites expected to be completed by December 2024 and the remaining four by January 2025. Progress on solar power parks was also reviewed, with land lease agreements and advisory services currently in progress.
The Sindh Flood Emergency Housing Reconstruction Project (SFHERP), funded with $500 million, was commended for its efficiency and the quality of work.
To date, $383.3 million has been released, making significant strides in the province’s flood recovery efforts.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chief Minister instructed the Chief Secretary to expedite fund releases and ensure the timely execution of all projects.
Shah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to completing these transformative initiatives, which are essential for the province’s development.
