Peshawar (TDI): The World Bank has recently greenlit additional financing for Pakistan, amounting to $108 million to execute two projects supporting access to social services, markets and jobs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The global lender also approved $78 million in additional financing to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Accessibility Project along with $30 million to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project, enabling both projects to achieve their objectives in improving access to health and education services, markets and jobs in a way that boosts resilience to natural disasters in the province.
“By rehabilitating critical rural road infrastructure and boosting disaster preparedness, KPRAP and Kite projects are not only enhancing access to essential services like health and education, but also improving climate, economic resilience and creating job opportunities for local communities,” WB Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine said in a press release on Tuesday.
He stated that the $78 million in additional financing for the KPRAP would focus on ensuring safe and climate resilient road infrastructure, by improving and rehabilitating rural roads, thereby enhancing access to services such as schools, health facilities, and markets.
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The project is also ensuring safe and affordable transport to school for girls. Overall, nearly 1.76 million people are likely to benefit from the project, he added.
This additional financing highlights the World Bank’s commitment to support Pakistan and its provinces’ development goals, according to the task team leader for the project Muhammad Bilal Paracha.
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He said that the project is crucial for improving the lives of people in the province, especially women and girls, by enhancing access to essential services and economic opportunities.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
