ISLAMABAD: The World Bank Group has approved $300 million in financing to enhance water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services for 1.5 million residents in rural areas of Sindh Province. This funding will support the first phase of the Sindh Transformational Accelerated Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services Project (STAR WASH-1), which aims to address child stunting by improving access to safe water and sanitation.

According to World Bank, the project will focus on developing climate-resilient infrastructure, such as solar-powered water supply systems and improved sanitation facilities. It will implement an integrated social and behavior change program to promote better hygiene practices and shift towards sustainable rural service delivery. The initiative is expected to reduce water contamination and significantly improve access to professional water and sanitation services in rural communities.

The project is projected to create over 14,000 jobs and aid in the establishment of the Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees as a formal rural water and sanitation utility. This initiative is part of a broader ten-year, multi-phase program aimed at transforming rural water and sanitation services in Pakistan, with a total budget of $540 million, including contributions from the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Sindh.

The World Bank’s involvement in Pakistan dates back to 1950, with a cumulative assistance of $52 billion. Its current portfolio in the country includes 47 operations with commitments of approximately $16.1 billion. The International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank Group, has invested $22 billion in various sectors in Pakistan since 1959, supporting diverse projects such as renewable energy and infrastructure development.