Sindh uplift schemes: ADB to release Rs 3.5 billion by month-end

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah was informed on Saturday that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will release an amount of Rs 3.500 billion by the end of August 2011 in connection with implementation of development schemes. This was apprised in a meeting regarding implementation of various ADB-funded development schemes, held with Sindh CM in chair at the CM House here, said a statement.
The Sindh CM welcomed the ADB team and said that due to heavy floods last years, the infrastructure of roads, bridges, buildings water supply and drainage were badly affected. He said that the projects under Sindh Cities Improvement Programme be implemented early to facilitate the people.
The meeting was told that due to heavy floods the whole irrigation system was affected by breaches, as such a project worth $405 million has been launched for rehabilitation, repairs and reconstruction of irrigation schemes. Syed Qaim Ali Shah said the old system of water supply schemes be renovated and latest technology for drainage projects be evolved.
Additional Chief Secretary, Planning and Development, Muhammad Ishaque Lashari in his briefing informed that the Asian Development Bank is assisting in many schemes in Sindh under small cities improvement programme. He said 800 kilometers of roads damaged during the last year's heavy floods, are being reconstructed and rehabilitated with asphalt technology in the affected districts.
He added that the river embankments, canal paths and other irrigation networks are being improved while the problems of coastal areas are being solved under Sindh Coastal Development Authority. Country Director of Asian Development Bank, Werner Liepech assured that the ADB will support the programmes under the approved project.
The Sindh CM appreciated the co-operation and co-ordination of Asian Development Bank and said that proper monitoring of projects will be ensured. The meeting was attended by Deputy Country Director ADB, Nienshen Zhang, Senior Programme Specialist, ACS (P and D), Mian Shaukat Isaf, Chief Economist, Lashari, Project Director, Special Projects, Dr Qazi Masood, Special Secretary, Kazi Kabeer and others.