Sindh Coastal Development Authority (SCDA) has proposed five projects worth Rs 4 billion in diverse sectors of economy for consideration of an Asian Development Bank (ADB) mission, which is due here shortly.
The SCDA sources told newsman on Friday that Sindh government asked for bringing the following five schemes before the mission. The schemes to be considered by ADB are:
(1) Initial electrification of about 200 coastal villages/hutments, situated in remote areas of Thatta and Badin districts through wind and solar hybrid system at an estimated cost of Rs 700 million.
(2) 17 major creeks, namely Dubbo, Wadh, Khudi, Phitti, Jhari, Chan Waddo, Jharkan, Dampora, Hajamro, Tursian, Khojar, Sir, Bhori, Sisa, Kharak, Paitiani, Gizri and Korangi besides some other minor creeks, would be connected with a network of road at a cost of Rs 600 million.
(3) Recreational activities like "Sea world" and "Water Sports Complex" in district Thatta costing Rs 600 million.
(4) Revitalisation of Keti Bandar project at an estimated cost of Rs 1000 million, and,
(5) Upgradation of 120 Kilometres road from Gharo to Shah Bandar via Keti Bandar at an estimated cost of Rs 1200 million.
The SCDA sources said those projects, when implemented, would have positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of coastal belt and people of Thatta and Badin districts, which were favoured by nature with oil, agricultural land, beaches besides enriched Indus Delta.
Unfortunately, the sources pointed out, the great potential of the area had not been exploited and should be developed on international standards.
The SCDA requested the Sindh government to approach the Federal government for 'tax holiday' for solar and wind power investors so that villages in the coastal belt, where grid electricity was not likely to reach for a long time, could be provided.
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