PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is planning to approach the World Bank for a loan to repair irrigation infrastructure and strengthen flood protection in areas hit by recent floods.
The proposed World Bank funding will mainly be used to rehabilitate damaged irrigation systems and improve flood protection infrastructure in vulnerable areas. The proposal was on the agenda of the provincial cabinet meeting, but the meeting was postponed. It will now be placed before the cabinet at its next meeting for approval.
Under the plan, the government wants to strengthen its ability to deal with future floods and reduce damage to communities, farmland and public facilities. KP continues to deal with the effects of recent flooding, which has damaged infrastructure and disrupted irrigation and other essential services in several areas.
Official sources said that repairing damaged irrigation channels is particularly important for farmers who depend on these systems for their crops. The World Bank has already been involved in development projects in KP including programmes related to irrigation, agriculture, infrastructure and disaster resilience.
The proposed financing would provide additional resources for rebuilding damaged facilities and improving protection against future floods. Officials believe better flood protection and stronger irrigation infrastructure can help reduce losses when heavy rains and floods hit the province.
The proposed work could also improve the long-term resilience of communities living in flood-prone areas. The recent floods have mainly caused damages in upper parts of the province. The cabinet will also take up a proposal to establish Umarzai as a new tehsil in Charsadda district. The new administrative unit is aimed at bringing government services closer to the local population.
Another item on the agenda is a proposed amendment to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police (Counter Terrorism Wing) Service Rules, 2026. The cabinet is also expected to discuss arrangements for hosting three events of the South Asian Games in Peshawar. A proposal seeking funds for organising the competitions will be presented for approval.
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