Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday held a high-level meeting with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Ms Emma Fun and agreed to collaborate on advancing key development projects in Sindh, including the Treatment (TP-4) initiative aimed at improving water quality and expanding infrastructure in both rural and urban areas.
The meeting, held at CM House, was attended by Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, Minister for Planning and Development Nasir Shah, Chairman Planning & Development Najm Shah, Secretary to Chief Minister Zaman Narejo, and senior ADB officials including Asad Saleem, Nasr Meenullah, Shahryar Chaudhry, Maliha Rizwan, and Ahmed Mujtaba.
The projects which came under discussion included Treatment Plant – 4: The ADB and Sindh government reached an agreement to collaborate on the Treatment Plant-4 project, which will treat 180 million gallons per day (MGD) of water. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasised that this plant is crucial for converting contaminated water into industrial-use quality water.
The Sindh government plans to extend efforts to provide clean drinking water and improve drainage systems in rural areas. Upon the Chief Minister’s request, the ADB expressed readiness to support these rural development initiatives.
Discussions also covered sustainable development, strengthening the economy, and exploring new partnerships. The ADB Country Director outlined a new strategy focusing on climate change, private sector growth, regional cooperation, digital transformation, and resilience. The Chief Minister agreed with the ADB country chief that the provincial government would foster a partnership in the new strategy of the bank.
The Chief Minister highlighted ongoing rehabilitation efforts for over 10 million people affected by recent floods. Emergency flood relief and the reconstruction of homes in flood-hit areas are part of ADB-supported projects.
Projects such as the Hyderabad-Mirpurkhas urban transport scheme, the Sindh Coastal Highway, Peoples Bus, and Pink Bus services are underway to improve connectivity. Additionally, a project to introduce 1,000 electric buses in Karachi is in progress.
The CM stated that since 2022, 35 schools have been established under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, educating 25,000 students. Immunisation rates have increased to 68 percent, reflecting the government’s commitment to health sector improvements.
The ADB currently manages a portfolio worth $1.25 billion in Sindh, with six active development projects focusing on infrastructure, social development, agriculture, transport, and climate change mitigation.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reiterated that development partnerships with the ADB are vital for Sindh’s economic stability and that the government is committed to ensuring equitable development across rural and urban areas, providing basic facilities to all citizens.
This meeting marks a significant step forward in enhancing Sindh’s infrastructure and social services through international cooperation, aiming for sustainable growth and improved quality of life for its residents.