Sindh seeks ADB's support to construct 250,000 houses

KARACHI: A delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) led by Hong Soo Lee called on Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday.

During the meeting, the ADB delegation discussed with the Sindh CM the construction of another 250,000 houses for flood-affected people and agreed to negotiate terms and conditions for a $400 million project.

Sindh Chief Secretary Fakhre Alam, Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh, Chairman P&D Board Shakil Mangnejo, Secretary Finance Kazim Jatoi and CEO SPHF Khalid Shaikh were also present at the meeting.

The delegation of ADB included Head of Water Resources and Emergency Assistance Mian Shaukat, Economist Jules Hugot, Project Analyst Rabia and others.

The chief minister said that he was looking for funding to construct 250,000 houses for flood-affected people.

He added that $400 million was required for the project and an additional $100 million for the development of community infrastructure.

CM Shah said that he wanted to construct an external sewerage with soaked pits and septic tanks, drinking water facility and drainage system.

“We are also planning to provide solar units, and washrooms to the houses being built for flood-affected houses,” he said.

CEO SPHF Khalid Shaikh said that 100,000 houses have been constructed and work on others was in progress.

“We are also looking for donors to construct houses apart from flood-affected people.”

The meeting decided the paperwork of the $400 million project of 250,000 houses would be completed to present them for the ADB Board meeting.