By: Ijaz Afridi
PESHAWAR: The World Bank has announced its ongoing partnership with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for development projects worth $2 billion.
In a letter to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, the World Bank’s country head assured him of the bank’s commitment to developing the merged districts and mentioned that work on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Flood Resilience Project would begin soon.
In congratulating the newly elected Chief Minister, the World Bank expressed its continued support for the province’s development. Bolerma Amgaabazar, the bank’s country director, noted that the current development portfolio in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amounts to approximately $2 billion, covering various sectors, including human resources, agriculture, energy, tourism, education, revenue generation, and rural infrastructure.
The letter highlighted an ongoing $200 million project in the merged districts as evidence of the bank’s dedication to the province’s sustainable development. It commended the performance of several Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government departments, particularly the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, and the Planning and Development Department, recognising their commendable role in advancing the province’s development agenda.
Bolerma Amgaabazar also mentioned that an initial funding of $250 million has been allocated for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Flood Resilience Project, which aims to enhance flood protection, establish a disaster early warning system, and improve emergency response capabilities in the province.
Additionally, the letter introduced a new framework for a country project partnership, which will provide a strategy for inclusive and sustainable development. This initiative emphasises reducing child malnutrition, promoting education, ensuring environmental sustainability, and encouraging private investment.
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Bolerma Amgaabazar expressed a desire to meet with the Chief Minister and stated that the World Bank aims to forge a strong partnership with the provincial government to help make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a strong, inclusive, and prosperous province.
