USAID launches $45 million project in Sindh

US Agency for International Development (USAID) on Friday launched $45 million "Citizens' Voice Project" to enhance citizen engagement in policy advocacy and governance in energy, economic growth, agriculture, education and health sectors. Speaking on the occasion, US Consul General, William Martin said that Pakistan's civil society has been staunch partner in many initiatives and US and Pakistan have worked together to improve social service delivery throughout the country.
USAID will issue up-to 500 grants under this project over next three years. He said Pakistani NGOs have been indispensable to the relief and recovery assistance during natural calamities including earthquake and floods. "But more can be done", he noted.
He said it was important to note that the Citizens' Voice Project (CVP) represents USAID's largest single investment in Pakistan's civil society in our 50-year history, and completes a set of US-funded civil society support programs that will exceed $100 million during the next four years. "I am very pleased that USAID is making such an important investment in Pakistani civil society. This conveys the importance we place on participatory development", he added.
Martin pointed out that civil society organisations have a critical role as "watchdogs" over government programs and actions, in formulation and implementation of public policy, and in advocating for more responsive and accountable state institutions. These are challenging but essential functions in a strong, democratic society, he observed.
He said that the impact of such work is evident in recent legislative reform in Pakistan and recalled that last week's historic passing of progressive gender legislation, as well as the inclusion of educational and other basic rights in the 18th constitutional amendment last year. "Each of these actions have stemmed from extensive input by citizens' groups and the effective collaboration with government institutions in policy-making", he added.
Martin hoped that the CVP will enable more Pakistani organisations to constructively engage with their government on issues of national and local importance. Co-operation between state and civil society organisations is fundamental to effective democratic governance, public policy, and decisions about the direction of national development. This is especially important for Karachi and Sindh province where many ideas for better governance and cutting edge ideas for better public sector management have started outside of the government, he remarked.
US CG recalled that over the years, the US government has supported the civil society and the government of Pakistan in a wide variety of programs. This work is an essential part of the United States' commitment to Pakistan and its people. The US began its co-operation with the government and citizens of Pakistan through USAID more than 50 years ago. Together, our two countries and peoples have worked on a number of priority projects in the sectors of energy, agriculture, economic growth, education, and health.
Our partnership has led to creation of such key educational institutions as the Institute of Business Administration. We are also proud to have contributed to such key initiatives as the construction of Tarbela and Mangla Dams that continue benefiting the people of Pakistan to this day. We have trained lady health workers in rural and urban areas to provide basic health services. In response to this year's flooding, the US government provided Sindh communities immediate food supplies for more than 50,000 families, and safe drinking water and shelter for thousands more, he added.
Martin said CVP will be implemented by the Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA), which has been helping citizens across Pakistan raise their voices to call for greater respect for citizens' basic rights for many years. We are very proud to partner with such a strong organisation. Regional Director USAID, Edward Birgells, Erin Krasik, Javed Jabbar, Sadeqa Salahuddin were also present on the occasion.