Lack of funding delays flood plan
Documents says 80% of total financial requirement to be met through donor financing
The Fourth National Flood Protection Plan has been postponed due to the federal government's inability to obtain the necessary funding from both domestic and international sources, leaving critical targets unmet. Critical infrastructure, homes, and agricultural land in millions of acres are at risk from potential flooding. Major international donors, including the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, have not provided the essential financial assistance required for the plan.
The plan, which was updated following the devastating floods of 2022, was approved by the Central Development Working Party in September 2022. The plan aims to safeguard 15.761 million people, 8.05 million acres of agricultural land, and 2.2 million houses, as well as protect 331 kilometers of roads, 64 villages, 223 tubewells, and agricultural infrastructure.
Approximately 3,825 farming families are expected to directly benefit from the proposed measures. However, the lack of timely financing has hindered the implementation of the plan. In order to address the funding shortfall, the Economic Affairs Division has been ordered to take immediate steps to secure financing for the project.
The delay in implementing the plan is particularly concerning as the nation remains susceptible to recurring floods and flash floods.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
