World Bank approves $38m loan to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD - The World Bank yesterday approved a $38 million loan to Pakistan, to support management and development of water resources in the Indus River Basin.

By (By a correspondent)

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Published: Sun 29 Jun 2008, 11:47 PM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 1:13 PM

The loan from International Development Association (IDA), along with urgent reforms, is critical to meet the longer-term impact of rising food and energy needs.

The Indus Basin Irrigation System is the largest contiguous irrigation system in the world and Pakistan relies on it to provide both basic food security and to supply water for all sectors of the economy. However, this massive infrastructure network is deteriorating and needs to be rehabilitated. Equally important will be reforms to improve the allocation of water and its efficient use.

The Water Sector Capacity Building and Advisory Services Project aims to improve the management of Pakistan’s water resources and strengthen those federal institutions involved in water resource planning, management, and development. The project will address both institutional and human resource capacity building, as well as fundamental, technical and investment issues associated with large water infrastructure.

The project aims to strengthen the Indus system’s institutional and regulatory framework; bolster the technical capacity of the Ministry of Water and Power, the Indus River System Authority, the Water and Power Development Authority and the Planning Commission; and support the development of public-private partnerships in order to mobilise hydropower investments

The project aims to strengthen the Indus system’s institutional and regulatory framework; bolster the technical capacity of the Ministry of Water and Power, the Indus River System Authority, the Water and Power Development Authority and the Planning Commission; and support the development of public-private partnerships in order to mobilise hydropower investments.

“Water sector issues are enormous and complex and addressing them will require a series of investments and long-term commitment”, said Yusupha Crookes, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan.

“We hope this project will build the foundation for the renewal and sustainability of the water sector, which in turn will lead to better water services and improved irrigation and hydropower development.”


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