Asian Development Bank approved loan for government of Punjab
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ISLAMABAD -Asian Development Bank approved loan for government of Punjab.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $15 million loan that will help seven cities in Punjab design comprehensive investment and public service delivery plans in preparation for upcoming urban development projects.
The loan will fund the preparation of spatial master plans, detailed engineering designs, and operational business plans for projects in Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Rawalpindi, and Sargodha.
It will help ensure a high level of readiness ahead of the ensuing Punjab urban development projects and complement ADB’s existing technical assistance to Pakistan to conduct feasibility studies and explore innovations to improve the quality of urban services.
“The Government of Punjab has taken a proactive role in tackling urban development challenges in the province,” said ADB Senior Urban Development Specialist for Central and West Asia Jude Kohlhase.
This loan will help the local governments improve spatial and urban planning, prepare environmental assessments, put in place gender action plans with a special focus on gender equality, and incorporate climate resilient designs for priority investments.
Pakistan has experienced rapid urbanization as rural populations have migrated within the country to find jobs.
Urban development challenges are most pronounced in cities in Punjab, which account for 53% of Pakistan’s urban population and experience problems like poor quality water, ineffective wastewater and solid waste management, and severe traffic issues because of lack of public transport and poor traffic management.
