Post-flood reconstruction projects okayed for Sindh, Balochistan.

ISLAMABAD -- The government has approved two projects worth Rs248 billion for post-flood rehabilitation and reconstruction in Sindh and Balochistan with the financial support of the World Bank.The 'Post-flood Reconstruction Project', costing Rs88bn, would be fully funded by the World Bank with a $400 million loan. The bank would also provide another $500m (around Rs110bn) loan for the Rs160bn Flood Response Emergency Housing Project in Sindh. The provincial government would arrange the remaining Rs50bn from its own resources.The two projects will be implemented in Balochistan and Sindh, the two most devastated provinces after the floods. Of the total $16.3bn required for rehabilitation and reconstruction, Balochistan's need was estimated at $2.345bn and that of Sindh at $7.9bn.The Rs160bn Flood Response Emergency Housing Project in Sindh is based on Post-Disaster Need Assessment finalised by international aid agencies and would be executed through a newly incorporated firm Sindh Peoples Housing for Flood Affectees for the rehabilitation of damaged and destroyed houses in 24 districts of the province.The project will extend financial assistance to 465,228 fully damaged houses and 100,000 partially damaged houses, including the provision of supportive infrastructure, costs of the non-governmental organisations and consultancy charges.The district-wise lists of damaged fully or partially damaged houses have been finalised through a survey conducted by various teams appointed by the Urban Unit of the Sindh government.On the Planning Commission's concerns, the Sindh government has reduced the contingency expenditure from 2pc of the project's cost (around Rs3.2bn) to 1pc (Rs1.6bn) with the reAAmAAaining amount to be diverted towAards rebuilding fully damaged houses.The project would be implemented with the support of the World Bank, other implementation partners and NGOs.A similar Rs88bn project for Balochistan...