Islamabad: The World Bank has approved a $300 million loan for Pakistan to improve access to clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services in rural areas of Sindh, as part of a major development initiative aimed at addressing public health challenges and improving living conditions.
The project will introduce solar-powered water supply systems in rural communities across Sindh.
It will also support the development of modern drainage and sanitation infrastructure to ensure better access to essential public services.
The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 80 percent of the rural population in Sindh by providing improved water supply and sanitation services.
The solar-powered water supply systems will be installed in rural areas to improve access to safe drinking water.
The use of solar energy is expected to provide a more sustainable and reliable solution, particularly in communities facing infrastructure and electricity-related challenges.
The project will also focus on upgrading drainage facilities and introducing modern sanitation systems to improve environmental conditions and reduce health risks associated with unsafe water and poor sanitation.
The initiative also aims to address malnutrition and child development challenges in rural Sindh.
In this regard, more than half of children under the age of five in rural Sindh suffer from stunted growth, highlighting the serious consequences of inadequate nutrition, unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation.
Improving access to clean water and proper sanitation is expected to contribute to better health outcomes, reduce the spread of waterborne diseases and support healthier childhood development.
The clean water and sanitation initiative will be implemented over a period of ten years and divided into four phases.
The first phase will involve an estimated investment of $540 million.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will contribute $150 million, while the Sindh government will provide $90 million towards the initiative.
The combined financial support is expected to help establish the infrastructure required to expand water supply and sanitation services across rural communities.
World Bank’s Development Portfolio in Pakistan
The latest approval reflects the World Bank’s continued engagement in Pakistan’s development sector, particularly in infrastructure, public services and social development.
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According to the available information, the World Bank is currently supporting 47 ongoing projects in Pakistan, with a combined portfolio value of approximately $16.1 billion.
The rural Sindh initiative is expected to play an important role in improving access to essential services, addressing public health concerns and supporting long-term development in underserved communities.
