Sindh asks Centre to waive ADB loans
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has asked the Centre to waive loans from the Agricultural Development Bank and delay payments of installments.
In a letter to the premier, Shah thanked Imran Khan for his visit to Karachi, adding that the visit gave him the courage to write this letter. The CM also suggested compensation for families affected by the rain and sought funds of Rs43 billion for the provincial irrigation system.
At least 2.5 million people in Sindh were directly affected by the monsoon rain which caused devastation in the province, said Shah in his letter, adding that around 50,000 families are going through a difficult time in the aftermath of the rain.
He suggested Rs100,000 be provided to each family affected by the rain through a direct cash transfer as financial aid. Besides, Shah suggested that the Centre pay Rs500,000 each in compensation to the families of those who died during the rain, and Rs200,000 each to those who were injured.
The chief minister further sought assistance, and Rs43 billion in funds, to improve Sindh's irrigation system. According to him, international experts had provided a detailed plan for the restoration of rivers and waterways. However, he stated, the Sindh government could not work alone in this regard due to a severe financial crisis and hence needed the Centre's assistance.
Less damage would be caused by flooding in coming years if the irrigation system was enhanced, he added.
Moreover, Shah mentioned a loss of Rs5 billion to private and government properties, and infrastructure in Karachi, caused by the rain. Losses occurred in other districts of Sindh were also mentioned, with Shah seeking Rs5 billion for Karachi, and an equal amount for other districts.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 8th, 2020.