ISLAMABAD: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Federally Administered
Tribal Areas (FATA) and Balochistan Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) has
approved a grant of US$ 8 million that will reconstruct a 10.5
kilometers stretch of roads from Kanju to Sharif Abad in the Swat
district.
The Emergency Roads Recovery Project (ERRP) will
rehabilitate prioritized damaged roads and bridges and enable them to
become fully operational in all-weather conditions and help improve
access and mobility for about 300,000 local residents. Once completed,
the improved road will allow for smooth traffic flow leading to reduced
vehicle operating costs and travel time for beneficiaries.
“The
militancy crisis of 2009 badly damaged transport networks and disrupted
economic growth for the region”, said Rachid Benmessaoud, World Bank
Country Director for Pakistan. “Through MDTF support, not only will
this 10.5 kilometers stretch of road become an all-weather passageway,
but it will also help improve access of residents to markets to sell
their produce, enhance local trade and increase economic activity in
the project area.”
The ERRP will be implemented by the Frontier
Highway Authority (FHA) and consists of two components. The first,
larger component relates to the reconstruction and widening of about
10.5 kilometers of highway, including related structures, from Sharif
Abad to Kanju. The second, smaller component deals with project
supervision and environmental and social safeguards oversight.
“The
ERRP is a great example of the MDTF responsiveness to its clients’
needs. It is employing rapid response measures to expedite the
preparation of the project and it has aligned its activities with the
Government of KP, the Post-Crisis Needs Assessment and other donor
interventions”, said Zafar Iqbal Raja, the project team leader from the
World Bank. “By partnering with the FHA, we are confident of the
outcomes and look forward to helping the people of KP recover from the
militancy crisis.” Online