CM seeks $400m from ADB for 250,000 more houses for flood-hit citizens

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and an Asian Development Bank (ADB) delegation, led by Hong Soo Lee, discussed the construction of an additional 250,000 houses for flood-affected people. They agreed to negotiate terms and conditions for a $400 million project.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Dr Fakhre Alam, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh, Chairman Planning and Development Board Shakil Mangnejo, Secretary Finance Kazim Jatoi, and CEO Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees Khalid Shaikh. The bank delegation included Head of Water Resources and Emergency Assistance Mian Shaukat, Economist Jules Hugot, and Project Analyst Rabia.

The chief minister stated that he was seeking funding to construct 250,000 houses for flood-affected people, requiring $400 million for the project and an additional $100 million for the development of community infrastructure.

He expressed the intention to build an external sewerage system with soaked pits and septic tanks, drinking water facilities and a drainage system. “We are also planning to provide solar units and washrooms to the houses being built for flood-affected individuals,” he added.

CEO SPHF Khalid Shaikh mentioned that out of one million houses, 100,000 houses have been constructed, and work on others is in progress. The CM highlighted that Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in his election manifesto, announced the construction of low-cost houses for poor people. “We are also seeking donors to construct houses for individuals apart from those affected by floods,” he stated. The meeting concluded with the decision to complete the paperwork for the $400 million project of 250,000 houses to present it at the ADB Board meeting.