Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah convened a high-level meeting with the World Bank, led by Country Director Najy Benhassine, to discuss the province’s USD 3.1 billion development portfolio. Held via video link, the meeting focused on key initiatives, including the K-IV Augmentation Project, Sukkur Barrage Rehabilitation, solar energy development, and urban mobility enhancements.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah highlighted the importance of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP), aimed at providing safe water and boosting the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board’s (KWSB) operational efficiency. He detailed the project’s pillars: operational reforms, infrastructure investment, and effective project management. Shah announced that work on the K-IV Augmentation Project, a $256 million segment of KWSSIP, would begin on December 30, 2024, with land acquisition and preparatory measures completed by February 2025. He urged the World Bank to expedite funding, aiming for project completion by the end of 2025. In response, the World Bank assured support, recommending that the Sindh government use its funds initially, with reimbursement promised later.
The meeting also reviewed the Sukkur Barrage Rehabilitation Project. Progress on a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) report for the recent gate failure was noted, and the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) division was announced. The Akram Wah Rehabilitation and Sindh Water and Agriculture Transformation Project (SWAT) were also discussed. SWAT aims to enhance agricultural water productivity and aid flood-affected farmers. The Karachi Mobility Project (KMP), a $382 million initiative to develop the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, was another focal point. With 12% physical progress achieved and design approvals completed, the World Bank expressed satisfaction with the project. The Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP), a $100 million effort to expand solar power generation and electricity access, was praised for its progress.
The first shipment of Solar Home Systems (SHS) kits arrived on December 11, with additional shipments planned for February and March 2025. The CM emphasized the solarization of public buildings, with 19 sites targeted for completion by December 2024 and the rest by January 2025. Flood recovery efforts were highlighted through the Sindh Flood Emergency Housing Reconstruction Project (SFHERP), funded with $500 million. To date, $383.3 million has been disbursed, accelerating the province’s recovery from devastating floods.
The meeting, attended by senior ministers, government officials, and World Bank representatives, concluded with the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah instructing the Chief Secretary to expedite fund disbursement and ensure timely execution of all projects. Shah reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to completing these transformative initiatives, describing them as essential for Sindh’s progress and development.
