KARACHI: World Bank will invest $3.12 billion in different projects across the Province of Sindh.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah today chaired a crucial high-level review meeting to assess the progress of World Bank-supported initiatives across the province. The meeting focused on addressing challenges and accelerating the implementation of key projects designed to transform the education, healthcare, and social protection systems. A 15-member delegation from the World Bank, including Country Director Najy Benhassine (attending online), Operations Manager Gailus J. Draugelis, Senior Urban Development Specialist Shoaib Rasheed, and other senior officials, participated in the session. Provincial ministers, senior officials, and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab were also present.
The World Bank currently supports 13 active projects in Sindh, with a combined budget of $3.12 billion. Of this, $1.4 billion has already been disbursed. These projects span various sectors, including education reform, healthcare improvement, and social protection. One of the key initiatives is the Sindh Early Learning Enhancement Through Classroom Transformation (SELECT) project, launched in 2021 with a budget of $154.7 million. This project focuses on enhancing early-grade education through teacher training, school management improvements, and better learning environments in 333 targeted schools. Significant progress has been made, with contracts awarded to repair 132 schools across Thatta, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Matiari districts. Work is expected to begin shortly, with further contracts for schools in Sujawal, Qambar-Shahdadkot, and Sanghar districts to be awarded by December 2024. The Sindh Government has allocated $2.3 million to support this project.
Another significant initiative is the strengthening of social protection systems through a $200 million project aimed at implementing the Mother and Child Support Program in select districts. So far, $3 million has been disbursed, and the provincial government is working to hire consultants and staff to ensure the program’s success. Recommendations for swift approval of these recruitments have been sent to the World Bank to ensure the timely implementation of the program.
In healthcare, the Sindh Integrated Health and Population Project (SIHP), with a budget of $200 million, focuses on improving maternal and child health under the RMNCAH+N framework. To date, $12 million has been disbursed, with plans to transition 121 public health dispensaries to the People’s Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI). Another 392 dispensaries are under review for transfer. Additionally, the National Health Support Program, with a $340 million budget (including $92.6 million from the Sindh Government), aims to expand universal health coverage. Key achievements include the completion of training for doctors and the funding of a comprehensive TB treatment program, with Rs. 1.7 billion allocated for disease management.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reiterated the provincial government’s strong commitment to these transformative projects, emphasizing their potential to uplift communities by improving education, health, and social systems. He stressed that the collaborative efforts with the World Bank would ensure the timely and effective execution of these initiatives. World Bank representatives, including Country Director Najy Benhassine, expressed confidence in overcoming any challenges and enhancing project delivery.
The World Bank continues to be a key partner in Sindh’s development journey, driving transformative projects aligned with sustainable development goals. These initiatives aim to improve governance, infrastructure, and service delivery, providing significant benefits to the people of Sindh.
