The Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank has approved $400 million in financing. This funding launches the Punjab Inclusive Cities Program (PICP). The ambitious project aims to overhaul water, sanitation, and hygiene services across Punjab. Furthermore, it seeks to improve the financial and institutional performance of local urban administrations.
The PICP specifically targets 16 secondary cities within the province. Its primary goal is the rehabilitation of essential infrastructure. This includes upgrading water supply networks, sewerage systems, and wastewater treatment plants. Additionally, the program will provide critical stormwater drainage.
Beyond water infrastructure, the program focuses on solid waste management. It supports better performance in waste systems, ensuring sanitary disposal. By doing so, the project enhances the capacity of local governments. Consequently, these administrations can deliver services sustainably and increase their revenue generation.
The impact of this program is extensive. It aims to deliver improved water, sanitation, and hygiene services to approximately 4.5 million people. Moreover, it will provide improved solid waste management to an additional 2 million residents.
Bolormaa Amgaabazar, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, highlighted the health benefits. She noted that reducing child stunting is essential for Pakistan’s future. She stated:
Through the Punjab Inclusive Cities Program, we are investing in safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services to break the cycle of malnutrition and disease that holds back so many children from reaching their full potential.
The program also tackles climate challenges. Amena Raja, Senior Urban Specialist for the World Bank, explained that the initiative helps Punjab’s cities better withstand floods and droughts. This ensures urban development remains environmentally responsible.
The PICP places a strong emphasis on gender benefits. It prioritises hiring women, especially for decision-making roles. Furthermore, the program will establish gender complaint desks and provide targeted capacity building. This helps female workers develop new skills and advance in their careers.
To ensure long-term success, the program complements infrastructure investments with revenue generation strategies. It also aims to mobilise private capital to support water and sanitation services.
This new program aligns seamlessly with Pakistan’s national development priorities. It supports ongoing provincial initiatives, including the Punjab Development Program and the Suthra Punjab Program. Notably, this marks the second phase of the World Bank-supported Pakistan Urban Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services Multiphase Programmatic Approach.