Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah held discussions with a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), led by Hong Soo Lee, regarding the construction of an additional 250,000 houses for flood-affected individuals. During the meeting, both parties agreed to negotiate the terms and conditions for a $400 million project aimed at addressing housing needs in the region.
The meeting, attended by key officials including Chief Secretary Dr. Fakhre Alam, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh, Chairman P&D Board Shakil Mangnejo, Secretary Finance Kazim Jatoi, and CEO of SPHF Khalid Shaikh, focused on the funding requirements for the proposed housing project. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized the importance of providing essential community infrastructure along with housing, highlighting the need for external sewerage, drinking water facilities, drainage systems, solar units, and washrooms for the planned houses.
He underscored his commitment to fulfilling the housing needs of flood-affected individuals as well as implementing low-cost housing initiatives for the economically disadvantaged, in line with his Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s election manifesto. CEO of SPHF Khalid Shaikh provided updates on the progress of housing construction efforts, stating that out of the targeted 1 million houses, 100,000 have already been constructed, with work ongoing for the remaining houses.
The meeting concluded with a decision to expedite the paperwork required for the $400 million project, aiming to present it for approval at the ADB Board meeting. This project signifies a significant step towards addressing the housing challenges faced by flood-affected communities in Sindh and underscores the commitment of both the provincial government and the ADB to provide sustainable solutions to housing needs.
