Country Director World Bank (WB), John Wall said that a World Bank delegation assessed the losses caused by rains and flood in the districts of Thatta, Badin and Tharparkar. He added that condition in these areas was worse and WB would extend assistance in rehabilitation of the people and development of these areas. He was talking to Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim at Chief Minister House at a meeting regarding Structural Adjustment Credit here on Tuesday. Joh Wall said that WB would provide funds for construction and repair of roads, repair of bridges and construction of new flood protection embankments.

He also assured of assistance in the health, education, social welfare and other sectors. The World Bank delegation appreciated Sindh government's efforts for development works underway in Sindh and observed that Chief Minister was very keen for betterment of the province.

Irrigation and Power Minister Nadir Akmal Leghari informed that repair work of Sukkur Barrage would be completed before April 2005 and the Barrage would be updated on modern lines as per requirement. He informed about rehabilitation of canals and lining of watercourses in the province.

Education Minister Dr Hameeda Khuhro said that still 50 percent children in Sindh were deprived of schooling and a detailed survey was being carried out in this regard. She said that in order to attract the students, they were provided free textbooks, scholarships and other facilities.

She pointed out that the situation was different when Sindh Government had signed an agreement in 2002 while today an elected government was functioning and amendment in the agreement was needed.

WB country director said that the situation would be re-examined in view of prevailing condition.

The Chief Minister informed the WB team about implementation of On-farm water management scheme adding that efforts would also be undertaken for betterment of province under participatory management scheme.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005