Latest news with #BalochistanWaterSecurityandProductivityImprovementProject
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
World Bank approves $194 million for education, water security in Balochistan
The World Bank will also provide financial support to floods and rains affected farmers of Pakistan by providing them subsidised urea. PHOTO: FILE Listen to article The World Bank has approved $194 million in financing for two key projects aimed at boosting education and water security in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan, state television PTV reported. In a statement issued Wednesday, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine said the funding would support the GRADES-Balochistan education initiative and a separate Water Security and Productivity Improvement project. 'The GRADES-Balochistan project aims to reduce learning poverty in the province, while the Balochistan Water Security and Productivity Improvement Project will help address the province's water security challenges and enhance climate resilience,' Benhassine said. He added that the World Bank remains committed to supporting Balochistan through strategic investments that promote job creation, reduce poverty, and strengthen resilience. Access and Delivery of Quality Education Services in Balochistan (GRADES) project will receive $100 million. It aims to benefit 250,000 students by improving enrollment and learning outcomes in early childhood and primary education. The project includes the construction of climate-resilient classrooms, provision of safe transportation, expanded school shifts, and public-private partnerships. It will also support the professional development of 5,000 teachers and award scholarships to 400 female students for pre-service teacher training. 'The GRADES-Balochistan project is a strategically important initiative that addresses critical gaps in access to and quality of pre-primary and primary education in the province,' said Inga Afanasieva, the project's team leader. The remaining $94 million will go toward enhancing water productivity and climate resilience across key districts in Balochistan.
Business Recorder
12 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
World Bank approves $194mn to support education & access to water in Balochistan
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank Board of Executive Directors on Tuesday approved $194 million for two projects to enhance educational opportunities for children and boost water security in Balochistan. 'The GRADES-Balochistan project aims to reduce learning poverty in the province, while the Balochistan Water Security and Productivity Improvement Project will help address the province's water security challenges and enhance climate resilience,' said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan. 'The World Bank remains committed to supporting Balochistan through strategic investments in infrastructure and human development to build the foundations for more job creation, poverty reduction, and stronger resilience,' he added. The Getting Results: Access and Delivery of Quality Education Services in Balochistan (GRADES-Balochistan) project, i.e. $100 million, will benefit 250,000 students with a focus on increasing enrollment and improving literacy and numeracy skills in early childhood and primary education. Pakistan seeks fourth restructuring of $393.73mn WB-funded higher education project The project will also provide support for 5,000 teachers through continuous professional development programs. Additionally, scholarships will be provided to 400 female students to pursue teacher pre-service education, fostering a new generation of educators who will serve as mentors and role models. 'The GRADES-Balochistan project is a strategically important initiative that addresses critical gaps in access to and quality of pre-primary and primary education in the province,' said Inga Afanasieva, Team Leader for the project. 'The project not only aims to enhance educational infrastructure but also to increase resilience to disasters and environmental sustainability. These efforts underscore the World Bank's commitment to creating a safer and more sustainable future for the children of Balochistan.' Meanwhile, the World Bank also approved the Balochistan Water Security and Productivity Improvement Project (BWSPIP) i.e. $94 million, which aims to improve the lives of smallholder and tenant farmers in the Nari, Talli, and Lehri river basins of the Kachi Plain and improve water supply services in Quetta. The project is expected to benefit 500,000 people with improved access to basic water supply services and benefit more than 80,000 people by providing climate-resilient infrastructure. Key elements include enhancing flood protection, increasing access to water for productive use, and improving water supply service delivery. 'The project supports the implementation of Pakistan's Resilient Recovery Framework and aims to provide significant benefits for the farming communities in the province as well as for the residents of Quetta. It will also empower women in community-level water management,' said Carolina Dominguez Torres, Task Team Leader for the Project. 'Through strategic investments, improved water management, and community engagement, the project aims to deliver lasting benefits for the sustainable development of Balochistan.' The GRADES project, designed to reduce learning poverty, and the BWSPIP project, designed to reduce child stunting through increased access to safe water and sanitation services, are key outcome targets under the 10-year Country Partnership Framework for Pakistan, the World Bank said.
