ISLAMABAD: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has spent more than Rs580 million during FY 2025-26 under a World Bank-funded rural development initiative aimed at improving infrastructure and public services in merged districts.
According to Beyond Time News, the spending is part of the KP Rural Investment and Institutional Support Project, which focuses on rural development, governance improvement, and basic service delivery.
Large-Scale Project with Long-Term Goals
The overall cost of the project stands at Rs109.9 billion. Several provincial departments are implementing it, including Agriculture, Irrigation, Public Health Engineering (PHED), Communication and Works (C&W), and Local Government.
Officials plan to continue the project until June 2031, making it a long-term development effort for rural areas.
Spending Progress in FY 2025-26
So far, cumulative spending has reached Rs707 million by June 2025. For the current fiscal year, the government allocated Rs4.2 billion.
Out of this amount, Rs580.46 million has already been used. This reflects a utilization rate of 12.29 percent.
Agriculture Sector Interventions
The Agriculture Department has introduced several initiatives to support farmers in rural areas.
It distributed 168 agricultural machines to promote value addition and modern farming. It also completed 145 rainwater harvesting and soil conservation structures.
In addition, the project installed 310 walk-in tunnel systems and 213 vertical farming units. These steps aim to improve crop production and support year-round farming.
Infrastructure and Planning Work Continues
The Communication and Works Department has approved five out of 14 infrastructure schemes. The remaining projects are still under review or in the planning stage.
Officials are also working on land acquisition for 18 additional sites in coordination with relevant departments and district administrations.
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Water and Sanitation Projects Underway
The Public Health Engineering Department has hired consultants to design water and sanitation schemes.
A total of 32 projects are under preparation, including 13 drinking water supply schemes and 19 sanitation projects.
Focus on Merged Districts Development
Authorities have approved the Bajaur rehabilitation project through the Provincial Development Working Party.
Meanwhile, planning work continues for similar projects in Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, and Orakzai districts.
Officials say revised designs and updated cost estimates will be included before final approvals are completed.
