World Bank approves $108m for rural, tourism projects in K-P
The World Bank has approved an additional $108 million in financing for two crucial development projects in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Pakistan. The funding will support efforts to improve access to social services, enhance tourism, and boost resilience to natural disasters in the province.
The financial support includes $78 million for the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Rural Accessibility Project (KPRAP) and $30 million for the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE). Both initiatives aim to enhance infrastructure, create job opportunities, and improve access to essential services for local communities.
The KPRAP project will focus on rehabilitating and upgrading rural roads, with a particular emphasis on making these roads climate-resilient. These improvements will enhance connectivity to vital services such as healthcare, education, and markets.
Additionally, the project will ensure that girls have safe and affordable transport to schools, thereby promoting gender equality in education. Around 1.76 million people are expected to benefit from these improvements.
'This project is crucial for improving the lives of people in the province, particularly women and girls, by enhancing access to essential services and economic opportunities,' said Muhammad Bilal Paracha, Task Team Leader for KPRAP. 'The road upgrades will foster not only greater accessibility but also climate resilience in the region.'
The $30 million in financing for the KITE project is designed to support the development of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's tourism sector. This will include the rehabilitation of roads leading to key tourist destinations, making it easier for visitors to access pristine locations in the province.
The project will also provide technical assistance for better destination management, heritage conservation, and the integration of digital platforms within the tourism industry. In doing so, the initiative aims to create new job opportunities, train local communities, and preserve the region's rich cultural heritage.
'The KITE project encourages responsible tourism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa by collaborating with both public and private sector stakeholders,' said Kiran Afzal, Task Team Leader for KITE. 'By improving roads and tourist facilities, we are helping local communities benefit from the growth of the tourism economy.'
The World Bank's investment in these projects highlights its commitment to supporting Pakistan's long-term development goals, particularly in the face of climate change and natural disasters.
The focus on both infrastructure and tourism underscores the importance of sustainable development that creates lasting social and economic benefits for communities.
'These projects are not just about improving roads and infrastructure, but about fostering climate and economic resilience,' said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan. 'They will enhance access to essential services, create job opportunities, and improve the lives of millions of people in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.'
With the backing of the World Bank, both KPRAP and KITE are expected to drive significant progress in improving livelihoods, fostering economic development, and enhancing climate resilience in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, a province that is home to diverse communities and rich natural resources.
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