Govt to rebuild 2.1m houses for flood victims

CM says out of Rs550b required for initiative, Rs440b already secured

KARACHI:

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announces the commencement of the reconstruction of 2.1 million new houses to rehabilitate over 12.6 million flood-affected people in the province. This initiative underscores the provincial government’s commitment to addressing the aftermath of the colossal natural disasters.

While speaking to media persons after reviewing the progress of the reconstruction efforts at the Sindh Peoples Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) office on Tipu Sultan Road, the chief minister highlights the comprehensive scope of the project. He stresses that Rs550 billion is required for constructing the 2.1 million houses, with Rs440 billion already secured through government support and donor agencies. The remaining Rs110 billion will be sourced from foreign funding and federal assistance.

CM Shah credits the initiative to Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s vision, who successfully mobilized funds at international conferences. He notes that the reconstruction program aims to address the devastation caused by the floods of 2022, targeting 85% of affected households consisting of katcha houses.

While acknowledging the significant progress made, the chief minister reveals that 525,000 houses are currently under construction, with over 100,000 already completed. The initiative has received substantial financial support, including $500 million from the World Bank and $227 million from the Sindh government, with additional assistance expected from the Islamic Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

Stressing the project’s transformative impact, Shah says that its focus is on empowering beneficiaries, particularly women. Around 800,000 women, including those heading households, have been identified as beneficiaries, with efforts to grant them land titles. The initiative also supports people with disabilities, with 111,666 beneficiaries identified, ensuring inclusivity in the reconstruction process.

Beyond housing reconstruction, the SPHF initiative extends to creating resilient communities, incorporating Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions. With funding of Rs39 billion secured, 264,250 houses will be connected to safe sanitation facilities, enhancing living standards.

Moreover, the project employs cutting-edge technologies, including drone mapping for digital settlement plans. The initiative, initially launched as a housing program, is evolving to encompass broader community development objectives.

These initiatives also stimulate local economies, fostering sustainable development. In line with environmental sustainability goals, the reconstructed houses will be equipped with solar energy, with the government committing to providing 200,000 solar panels.