Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar engaged in discussions with a high-profile delegation of World Bank (WB) regarding Competitive & Liveable City of Karachi (CLICK) Project scheduled in March 2024, claims a news source on October 13.
The details provided by the source mention that the meeting centred on the progress and challenges faced by the ongoing projects in Sindh, followed by the Competitive & Liveable City of Karachi (CLICK) Project. During the talks with the delegation led by its Country Director Najy Benhassine, it was disclosed that the urban property survey in the city faced a delay and is now scheduled to commence in March 2024. The delay was attributed to the procurement of satellite imagery data and the development of necessary software, both set to be completed by March.
Furthermore, Planning & Development Chairman Shakeel Mangnejo briefed the World Bank team on the progress and challenges of ongoing projects in Sindh. There are thirteen major projects in the province, sponsored by the World Bank, totalling USD 3.2183 billion. Out of this amount, USD 947.8 million has been disbursed. In the current fiscal year, the World Bank plans to release USD 415 million, with USD 133.8 million already distributed.
Of particular interest was the Sindh Solar Energy Project, where significant progress has been made with installations completed at 33 out of 34 sites. While there have been delays, Chief Minister Baqar assured the WB delegation that the project would be finalised by November 30. Additionally, discussions also revolved around the Karachi Mobility Project, focusing on the construction of the Jam Sadiq Bridge. Currently, financial proposals are undergoing rigorous evaluation.
The meeting saw the participation of key figures, including interim provincial ministers Ishwar Lal, Omar Soomro, and Rana Hussain, Chief Secretary Dr Fakhre Alam, Baqar’s Principal Secretary Hassan Naqvi, Local Government Secretary Manzoor Shaikh, and other pertinent officers, underscoring the collaborative efforts in propelling these vital projects forward.
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