Funding to support a modern piped water supply system that will help reduce water waste and support employment.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional financing of $48 million for Pakistan. The bank launched the Balochistan Water Resources Development Project earlier this month, combining new infrastructure with technology to support data-driven, climate-smart water governance.
The additional funds will be spent on the water project in Balochistan, according to a statement issued by the ADB. The project, which also includes co-financing from the Japan Poverty Reduction Fund and the High-Level Technology Fund, aims to introduce a modern piped water supply system, which will significantly reduce water waste.
Read: Balochistan turns to technology for water security
Balochistan is the largest and driest province in Pakistan, with 75% of the population living in rural areas dependent on agriculture. Two-thirds of its economy depends on the sector, with 60% of the province associated with it.
Severe water shortages, groundwater depletion, erratic rainfall and climate stresses have put pressure on the sector and threaten livelihoods.
The additional funding will contribute to water availability, feeding 1,839 hectares of rainfed land. In turn, the project will also help women in the Zhob and Mula river basin areas to obtain employment and economic opportunities.
Read more: ADB reviews BRT, urban transport and climate projects in Sindh
Beyond water, the ADB also just a week ago approved a $330 million package for Pakistan, aimed at expanding and modernizing the country’s high-voltage power transmission infrastructure. This is expected to improve the flow of clean, low-cost energy through the national grid.
