Major boost for Karachi: CDWP okays Rs63.95 billion development project

KARACHI: In a significant development, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) convened on Wednesday, putting forth a crucial proposal for the “Competitive & Livable City of Karachi” project valued at Rs63.95 billion.

The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance urban management, streamline service delivery, and foster a conducive business environment within Karachi, according to an official press release.

Aiming to address urban infrastructure deficiencies and institutional constraints impeding Karachi’s development, the project is now awaiting approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

The proposed financing structure involves a substantial World Bank loan of Rs61.12 billion under the Investment Project Financing (IPF) scheme, complemented by a Rs2.83 billion counterpart sharing from the Government of Sindh.

In a parallel move, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination presented a noteworthy project titled “Establishment of Infectious Disease Laboratory,” with a projected cost of Rs8.29 billion.

This proposal has been recommended to ECNEC for approval and is slated to be financed through the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

The envisioned project entails the establishment of a cutting-edge Research and Development Laboratory, dedicated to the detection and analysis of microorganisms.

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Upon completion of the project’s Planning Commission-I (PC-I) phase, the National Institute of Health (NIH) is poised to significantly enhance its capabilities for the detection of novel, exotic, emerging, and re-emerging pathogens.

This includes timely control measures and the provision of a crucial R&D facility, deemed essential for addressing evolving health challenges.

The broad outcomes anticipated from this project encompass:

1. Advancements in pathogen detection and analysis
2. Enhanced capabilities to address emerging health threats
3. Strengthened research and development infrastructure
4. Timely and effective control measures for infectious diseases

This pivotal meeting underscores the commitment to bolstering both urban development and healthcare infrastructure, reflecting a strategic move towards a more competitive and resilient future for Karachi.