On Wednesday, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved $200 million in financing to strengthen state capacities in the newly-merged areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including investments for post-flood rehabilitation and reconstruction.
As per the statement, the funding is part of the programme agreed with the Pakistani government to respond to the devastating floods which hit the country last year.
Last year, record monsoon rains in the south and southwest Pakistan, followed by glacial melt in northern areas, triggered flooding that impacted nearly 33 million South Asian nations of 220 million, killing over 1,700 persons while sweeping away homes, crops, bridges, roads and livestock.
World Bank shared that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Investment and Institutional Support Project (KPRIISP) is the first phase of a multiphase programmatic approach that aims to increase access to resilient and reliable essential services for rural households in the newly merged areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“KPRIISP aims to address development gaps in rural areas that are among the poorest in the country, directly benefiting around 5.5 million people by extending public service delivery systems, investing in basic infrastructure like water supply and sanitation, and boosting agricultural productivity and livelihood opportunities,” said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan.
“It will also support post-flood reconstruction and rehabilitation while strengthening resilience to such climate-related shocks, particularly in the Newly Merged Districts of the Province.”
The World Bank said the KPRIISP would support extending state systems to deliver public services in the Newly Merged Districts and investments in critical and essential rural infrastructure.
“It will also support emergency reconstruction and rehabilitation of flood protection infrastructure damaged by the 2022 floods.
