Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah presented the provincial government’s budget of Rs 2.2 trillion for next fiscal year with focus on rehabilitation of flood-affected people. The budget has a development outlay of Rs700.1 billion that centres on flood affected population and social protection for the poor.
Last year’s floods had brought havoc especially in Sindh province. Roads, bridges, schools, healthcare facilities and crops were severely damaged or destroyed during the unprecedented calamity. Soon after Geneva conference, the provincial government also had held a conference in Karachi encouraging investors to invest in the restoration of infrastructure in flood-affected areas. By prioritising the restoration of crucial infrastructure, the provincial government is laying the foundation for affected areas to regain their economic stability and regain access to essential services. It is heartening to see the focus on reconstruction of damaged schools. 112 damaged schools would be rehabilitated on resilient and environmentally friendly fabricated structures in five districts for Rs3.01 billion. The provincial government is also partnering with international agencies to restore education facilities in affected areas and that is important to avoid further waste of educational activities. Whilst allocations have been made in the budget for restoration of irrigation system damaged by the floods, we expect that small farmers will also be fully compensated for losses they suffered.
Apart from building basic infrastructure, focus should also be on helping affected population reconstruct their houses. Those who made pledges at Geneva conference need to come forward and provide funds for fast track completion of reconstruction work in flood-affected areas. Given the constant threat faced by country because of heavy rains and floods, we are confident that a climate resilient infrastructure will be erected to withstand future calamities. Sindh government should foster partnerships with private sector entities and international organisations to leverage expertise, resources and best practices in rehabilitation efforts. We appreciate the work that Sindh government is undertaking to improve and modernise the transport system in Karachi. In next year’s budget also, it has made massive allocations for Red Line projects. This indeed will bring more ease for travellers in Karachi.
