Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, along with his team, met a 10-member World Bank delegation led by Country Director Najy Benhassine to review the progress of four major World Bank-funded projects. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to expedite implementation to ensure timely benefits for target populations across Sindh.
KWSSIP-II
Building on the success of its first phase, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project-II (KWSSIP-II) aims to expand water and sanitation services across the city. The Sindh government informed the delegation that a newly drafted Project Operational Manual (POM) has been finalised and submitted to the World Bank for approval.
The POM outlines updated policies, procedures, and the revised organisational structure of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), which will hire expert consultants across various sectors including environment, social safeguards, gender, finance, procurement, occupational health and safety, technical operations, communication, monitoring and evaluation, GIS, and IT.
"The PIU will continue reporting directly to the Project Director, who holds full authority over all project decisions. This strategic framework is designed to enhance service delivery for Karachi's rapidly growing population," CM Shah said.
Integrated health & population project
With a budget of Rs61.6 billion, this initiative seeks to rehabilitate and upgrade 392 government dispensaries and 121 Basic Health Units (BHUs), significantly improving access to essential healthcare. It also incorporates women's empowerment through skill development and microfinance programmes.
A roadshow for potential contractors is scheduled for May 19, following the completion of the first phase of health facility surveys. The project marks a major step toward universal health coverage in the province.
Social protection delivery system
The Chief Minister highlighted that this Rs48.3 billion programme targets vulnerable communities in 15 rural districts. So far, over 622,000 beneficiaries have been enrolled. The initiative features real-time payment systems and newly established operational offices to ensure efficient delivery of social protection benefits.
"This system complements the health project by addressing the socio-economic needs of underserved populations," CM Shah added.
STAR WASH
The Sindh Transformational Accelerated Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services (STAR WASH) is a $400 million World Bank-funded initiative, with potential co-financing of $300 million from the Asian Development Bank. It aims to improve rural water, sanitation, and hygiene in nine districts.
However, initial seed funding, recruitment, and operational setup have faced delays, threatening project timelines and stakeholder confidence. The Sindh government has proposed high-level engagement with the World Bank and provisional funding to revive momentum.
CM reaffirmed the govt's dedication to accelerating all four projects, underlining their potential to transform Sindh's health, water, sanitation, and social protection sectors.
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