Sindh CM, Japanese ambassador discuss progress in Rs8.5bn JICA projects

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah in a meeting with Ambassador of Japan Mitsuhiro Wada on Saturday discussed the development projects launched with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Sindh for Rs8,500.5 million.

The meeting was attended by Consul General of Japan Tahara and First Secretary Fukuda, while the CM was assisted by his Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, Chairman Planning & Development Najam Shah and Investment Secretary Mureed Rahmoo.

The CM said the JICA project of upgrading of girls’ schools into elementary schools in rural areas has been launched for Rs2,287.24 million and is at the advanced stage. He added that the prequalification of the contractor and bids for construction and completion of works have been finalised.

It was pointed out that in the first phase, 11 elementary schools were being constructed, including seven in the Khairpur district and four in the Naushehro Feroze district. In the second phase, the construction of elementary schools in Sukkur, Larkana and Malir Karachi would be taken up. The main components of the project include civil works and procurement of furniture.The Japanese ambassador said that the project carried much importance; therefore, its completion needed to be expedited.

Discussing the programme for flood response through the reconstruction of education facilities, the CM said that the project has been initiated with the assistance of JICA in nine districts -- three in Mirpurkhas Division, two each in Nawabshah and Khairpur, one each in Sukkur and Ghotki.

The project has been launched for Rs1.566 billion, including Rs1.42 billion of JICA and Rs142.41 million of the Sindh government share. Under the project, primary school buildings badly damaged by the floods and heavy rains are being reconstructed. The damaged furniture would be replaced, and the school buildings would be solarised.

The Sindh government has launched the project of establishing a Maternal and Child Health Care Center at Liaquat University Hospital, Jamshoro, for Rs4,963.331 million, including a Sindh government share of Rs174.225 million.

The centre would be provided with the equipment for the facilitation of the patients and to improve healthcare and reduce maternal and infant mortality in the Hyderabad division and adjacent areas.

Shah said that the centre would also provide tertiary care level health services while improving OPD/ indoor, intensive care, operation theatre, general ward and emergency services for mothers, infants and neonates.

Chairman Planning & Development Board Sindh Najam Shah told the meeting that as per JICA’s recommendation, the consultant has been hired and the construction work has been awarded.

The CM and the ambassador agreed to review the progress of these new projects every three months so that work on them could be completed well in time.The CM thanked the ambassador and JICA for their support to the people of the province.