The Naulong Integrated Water Resources Development Project in Jhal Magsi, Balochistan, has received approval from the Asian Development Bank for a $5 million loan, which will support investments in water resource infrastructure, water management, and skill development.
The funding will guarantee the subsequent project’s high-quality design, stakeholder involvement and safety, procurement readiness, and support. It expands upon the project planning materials, including the Wapda-commissioned feasibility study and related research.
The project design will be verified by the readiness finance, which will also be used to update other due diligence evaluations and social and environmental protections. The funding has already been accounted for in Pakistan’s preliminary country operations business plan for the years 2021 to 2023.
Through inclusive and gender-sensitive social mobilisation processes, the project will support investments in water resource infrastructure, water management, and skill development. It will also improve agricultural productivity and livelihood opportunities while enhancing climate and disaster resilience.
The project is expected to cost $300 million, with $100 million in loan assistance from ADB. The funding will make it easier to complete the project’s goal on time and within budget.
The Planning Commission has also given its approval to pro-forma-I for the financing of project preparedness. Pakistan has promised to reduce its yearly greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030 in order to lessen climate vulnerability.
In Balochistan, almost 70% of farmers lack access to a reliable water supply. Balochistan’s water availability varies far more than the national average, and per-person water storage is just 20% of the national average, which is already woefully insufficient when compared to other nations in the area.
Long-lasting droughts and severe flash floods are frequent, and future climate change forecasts suggest that they will become more frequent. The investment in Balochistan will be a great source to help the province improve water management.