Rebuilding Lives: Sindh's Historic Housing Project Empowers Flood Victims
Imran
Shaheed Benazirabad
First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, World Bank Managing Director Anna Bjerde, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, and World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine visited Nazar Muhammad Leghari Goth in Shaheed Benazirabad district to review the houses built for flood victims under the ongoing Sindh People’s Housing for Flood-Affected (SPHF) program.
On this occasion, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Anna Bjerde distributed property rights certificates to women and met with female members of the village’s Reconstruction Committee, who showcased their skills. The committee informed them that 32 houses in the village had been completely destroyed, all of which have now been rebuilt.
Anna Bjerde appreciated the Sindh government’s efforts to restore flood-affected areas and assured the World Bank’s continued support. She said that the determination of the local population and the commitment of the leadership are commendable, and that sustainable development is achievable despite the challenges of climate change.
First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari stated that granting women home entitlement under the SPHF project is a revolutionary step, playing a vital role in empowering women in rural areas.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah stated that more than 2.4 million houses were destroyed in the 2022 floods. The World Bank initially contributed \$500 million, and then the amount was further augmented by another \$450 million. The construction of 778,000 houses was made possible with this assistance, and \$54.92 million was earmarked for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects, benefiting 66,691 families in 1,000 villages.
Khalid Mahmood Sheikh, SPHF CEO, said 104,822 homes were damaged in Shaheed Benazirabad and 60,000 of these are being constructed and 40,000 have been completed. Initiatives are also being made to deliver affordable housing to more than 111,000 individuals with disabilities in Sindh. Over 800,000 women opened bank accounts for the first time, thereby increasing financial inclusion significantly.
So far, over 6 million people are covered under the scheme, and it has also created over 1 million jobs.
The visit confirms the long-standing partnership of the Sindh government and the World Bank, reflecting a shared commitment to the rehabilitation and empowerment of the population affected.
