Pakistan and the World Bank signed a financing agreement of US$ 442.4 million.

Pakistan and the World Bank signed the financing agreement of the “Punjab Rural Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Project” worth US$ 442.4 million in Islamabad.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Government of Pakistan, and the World Bank signed the financing agreement of the “Punjab Rural Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Project” worth US$ 442.4 million in Islamabad.

Mr. Noor Ahmed, Secretary of, Ministry of Economic Affairs, signed the financing agreement on behalf of the Government of Pakistan. In contrast, Mr. Najy Benhassine, Country Director, World Bank, signed the agreement on behalf of the World Bank.

This project aims to provide equitable and sustainable access to clean drinking water, improve sanitation, and reduce child stunting in Punjab Province. The project interventions will cover 2,000 villages, including 2,000 main settlements and 8,000 small settlements in sixteen (16) Districts of Punjab Province that are the poorest and have the worst social infrastructure and stunting issues.

In line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan to ensure equitable and inclusive socio-economic opportunities, eight (8) districts from South Punjab, i.e., Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, DG Khan, Lodhran, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan & Rajanpur, are included in the project.

Furthermore, eight (8) other districts from Central and North Punjab, i.e., Bhakkar, Chakwal, Chiniot, Jhang, Khushab, Mianwali, Pakpattan & Sarghodha, are also included after due diligence. The project will directly impact the lives of the common man and create employment opportunities in rural areas. The Government will invest in social infrastructure and improve service delivery to:

Provide potable water through cost-effective & sustainable investments.

1. Provide safely managed sanitation facilities to reduce the total fecal burden in the village environment.
2. Raise awareness and promote behavior change for better hygiene practices at the household & community level to promote health and ensure the sustainability and quality of the water source.

The project interventions will directly benefit six (6) million rural people of Punjab and reduce the incidence of stunting among children aged 0-3 (40 percent) in Punjab.

Minister for Economic Affairs, Mr. Omar Ayub Khan, appreciated the World Bank’s efforts by highlighting that this is a signature project that reflects the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to invest in human capital and improve the people’s living standards.

The Minister further stated that today’s event reflected continued confidence by the IFIs in the Government’s policies, economic reforms, and people-centered programs.

He reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to extend all possible support to the Provincial Governments in their efforts to invest in human capital by addressing challenges to health & education, building resilience, improving service delivery, and promoting economic opportunities to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the country.

Secretary, EAD thanked the World Bank Country Team for extending their continuous support to Pakistan’s Government to help achieve sustainable economic development in Pakistan.

Country Director World Bank, Mr. Najy Benhassine, ensured the World Bank’s continued financial and technical support to the Government of Pakistan in achieving the priority development objectives and promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the country.

Source: PID