The World Bank has just given the green light for an extra $108 million to fund two vital development projects in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Pakistan. This financial boost is set to improve access to social services, enhance tourism, and strengthen the province’s resilience against natural disasters.
World Bank has allocated funding where $78 million is earmarked for the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Rural Accessibility Project (KPRAP), while $30 million will go towards the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE). Both projects are designed to upgrade infrastructure, create job opportunities, and ensure local communities have better access to essential services.
The KPRAP initiative will focus on fixing and upgrading rural roads, with a strong emphasis on making them resilient to climate change. These enhancements will improve connectivity to crucial services like healthcare, education, and markets.
Moreover, the project aims to provide safe and affordable transportation for girls to get to school, promoting gender equality in education. It’s estimated that around 1.76 million people will benefit from these upgrades.
“This project is essential for improving the lives of people in the province, especially women and girls, by increasing access to vital services and economic opportunities,” said Muhammad Bilal Paracha, the Task Team Leader for KPRAP. “The road improvements will not only enhance accessibility but also build climate resilience in the region.”
The $30 million funding for the KITE project is aimed at boosting the tourism sector in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. This initiative will focus on upgrading the roads that lead to popular tourist spots, making it much easier for travelers to reach the stunning locations throughout the province.
Additionally, the project will offer technical support to enhance destination management, conserve heritage sites, and incorporate digital tools into the tourism sector. The goal here is to create new job opportunities, provide training for local communities, and safeguard the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Kiran Afzal, the Task Team Leader for KITE, shared, “The KITE project promotes responsible tourism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa by working alongside both public and private sector partners. By improving roads and tourist facilities, we’re enabling local communities to reap the benefits of a growing tourism economy.”
The World Bank’s investment in these initiatives showcases its dedication to supporting Pakistan’s long-term development objectives, especially in light of challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.
By focusing on infrastructure and tourism, the project emphasizes the significance of sustainable development that brings enduring social and economic advantages to communities.
Najy Benhassine, the World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, remarked, “These projects go beyond just enhancing roads and infrastructure; they’re about building climate and economic resilience. They will improve access to essential services, create job opportunities, and uplift the lives of millions in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.”
With the World Bank’s support, both KPRAP and KITE are set to make a meaningful impact on improving livelihoods, driving economic growth, and boosting climate resilience in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, a province rich in diverse communities and natural resources.
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What projects is the World Bank funding in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa?
The World Bank has approved $108 million for two major projects: the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Rural Accessibility Project (KPRAP) and the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE).
Q1.How much funding has been allocated to KPRAP and KITE?
Out of the total $108 million, $78 million is allocated to KPRAP and $30 million to KITE.
Q2.What is the goal of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Rural Accessibility Project (KPRAP)?
KPRAP aims to upgrade and make rural roads climate-resilient, improving access to healthcare, education, and markets for rural communities, particularly for women and girls.
Q3.How will the KITE project boost tourism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa?
The KITE project focuses on upgrading roads to tourist destinations, enhancing destination management, preserving heritage sites, and incorporating digital tools to promote sustainable and responsible tourism.
Q4.How will these projects impact local communities?
Both projects are designed to create jobs, improve access to essential services, promote gender equality in education, and strengthen climate resilience in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Q5.Why is the World Bank investing in infrastructure and tourism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa?
The investment supports Pakistan’s broader goals of sustainable economic growth, climate change adaptation, and strengthening community resilience against natural disasters.
Q6.How many people are expected to benefit from these projects?
An estimated 1.76 million people will benefit directly from the improvements under the KPRAP project alone, with additional economic benefits from enhanced tourism through the KITE project.
