World Bank Approves $450Mln for Sindh Flood Housing Reconstruction

By DTD- On Dec 24, 2024

Islamabad: The World Bank has approved an additional $450 million in financing for the Sindh Flood Emergency Housing Reconstruction Project, aimed at supporting resilient housing reconstruction for those affected by the 2022 floods in Sindh Province.

This new funding builds on the original $500 million project, approved in December 2022, which has already helped reconstruct over 410,000 core housing units with multi-hazard resilience. The additional financing will expand the reconstruction efforts to reach at least 360,000 more beneficiaries and provide over 30,000 safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities.

Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, emphasized the importance of strengthening infrastructure to build resilience against natural disasters and climate shocks, particularly for the most vulnerable communities in flood-affected areas. The new financing will also improve water, sanitation, and hygiene services, crucial in preventing waterborne diseases and addressing child stunting in the region.

The project prioritizes vulnerable groups, including women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the ultra-poor. It will ensure their active participation in the reconstruction process through community engagement and financial inclusion, such as offering bank accounts to female-headed households. Eligible beneficiaries will also receive grants of up to PKR 50,000 to improve housing accessibility.

Kamran Akbar, the Task Team Leader for the project, highlighted the benefits for economically and climate-vulnerable populations, noting that the project also focuses on empowering communities, using local materials and labor, and promoting climate-resilient housing construction.

The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) has also supported the project with technical assistance, helping advance resilient recovery and climate adaptation efforts in Sindh.