Pakistan is currently undergoing many development projects in order to improve the safety and general quality of life for its people. Here are five development projects in Pakistan that are currently underway.

The Strategic Strengthening of Flood Warning and Management Capacity of Pakistan

In 2010, around 2 million homes were damaged and 20,000 lives were lost due to flooding caused by heavy monsoon rains. There was no system set in place to warn individuals of the impending flooding and no recovery programs to assess the damages. The Strategic Strengthening of Flood Warning and Management Capacity of Pakistan project, developed by the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization began in 2011. $2.5 million in aid was provided in order to upgrade flood warning systems, asses damages caused by flooding, and update flood hazard maps in order to help with recovery efforts as well as prevent future catastrophes.

Sindh Resilience Project

Another one of the development projects in Pakistan which focused on disaster management is the Sindh Resilience Project. The main goals of this project are to mainstream disaster risk reduction in development budgeting, support restoration and improvement of high-risk sites, and construct rainwater dams in drought regions. Starting in 2016, the Pakistan government allocated $120 million for this project.

Karachi Neighborhood Improvement Project

Many Pakistani people live in neighborhoods that are not easy for pedestrians to navigate and do not have safe transportation. The objective of the Karachi Neighborhood Improvement Project is to create usability of public spaces, increase mobility, improve traffic safety, and provide better city management. Funded by the International Development Association, this project will cost around $98 million.

The Polio Eradication Project

Pakistan is one of the only polio-endemic countries in the world, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria. Due to an increasing trend of polio cases in Pakistan, the government announced the National Emergency Action Plan for Polio Eradication. In order to support these efforts in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Polio Eradication Project allocated $43 million to provide polio vaccines and to implement campaigns focusing on bringing light to the polio-endemic. 

Ranolia Hydropower Project

Imported oil is Pakistan’s main source of power. The high price of oil is causing a strain on the country and causing power outages. The Ranolia Hydropower Project was started in order to harness clean energy and create jobs. The Renewable Energy Development Sector Investment Program, a $510 million program, is funding the construction of a hydropower plant fueled by the Indus river, which will generate three times the electrical capacity of Pakistan’s current national demand.

These five development projects in Pakistan are all working to make Pakistan a better place to live thanks to the support and cooperation of generous organizations committed to public health and safety in Pakistan.

– Jenae Atwell

Photo: Flickr