WASHINGTON: The World Bank has approved $194 million for two major projects in Balochistan. The funding will improve education and strengthen water security in the province.
The first project, GRADES-Balochistan, will receive $100 million. It focuses on reducing learning poverty and improving early education. The project aims to benefit 250,000 students. It will boost enrollment and improve literacy and numeracy in pre-primary and primary grades.
The project will expand schools through double shifts and public-private partnerships. It will also build climate-resilient classrooms and provide safe transport. A teacher training program will support 5,000 teachers. Additionally, 400 female students will receive scholarships to become teachers and future mentors.
“The project fills critical education gaps in Balochistan,” said Inga Afanasieva, the project’s team leader. “It improves infrastructure, strengthens disaster resilience, and promotes sustainability.”
The second project, Balochistan Water Security and Productivity Improvement Project (BWSPIP), will receive $94 million. It will improve irrigation and water supply systems. It focuses on the Nari, Talli, and Lehri basins in the Kachi Plain and the city of Quetta.
The project aims to benefit 500,000 people through better access to water. It will also help 80,000 people by building climate-resilient infrastructure. It includes flood protection, expanded irrigation, and improved urban water delivery.
“The project will benefit farmers and urban communities,” said Carolina Dominguez Torres, the project lead. “It supports Pakistan’s Resilient Recovery Framework and promotes women’s roles in water management.”
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World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine said, “These investments will reduce poverty, create jobs, and build long-term resilience in Balochistan.”
