Punjab Intermediate Cities Improvement (Phase II)

Key City Development Issues

Cities are the economic, social and innovative core of Pakistan, generating the majority of wealth and are home to about 40% of the country’s population. Pakistan cities, particularly the intermediate cities, are developing at a fast rate and this has led to the rapid expansion of the urban environment but in an uncoordinated, unplanned and unregulated manner. The Government of Pakistan has realized the importance of making its intermediate cities, more livable and resilient and has put the urban sector at the forefront of its national development strategy.

Details of Cooperation

CDIA provided support the cities of Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh and Rahim Yar Khan in developing urban infrastructure investment projects in parallel with the ADB transaction TA for Punjab Intermediate Cities Improvement Investment Project – Phase II (TA 9465). Key CDIA-supported activities included: (i) preparation of medium-term infrastructure investment program; (ii) identification and preparation of prioritized urban infrastructure projects on urban transport, water supply, sewerage and drainage and solid waste management; and (iii) conduct of climate change and vulnerability assessments in the targeted cities.

Expected Development Outcomes

The project is expected to improve the resilience and livability of the cities of Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh and Rahim Yar Khan. Specifically, project benefits will include improved health and sanitation conditions, enhanced access to basic urban services and improved urban resilience.