Balochistan flood project ‘downgraded’ by World Bank over housing cap

According to Dawn, the World Bank has lowered its rating of a $245 million Balochistan flood programme to moderately unsatisfactory. The main reason cited was the government's choice to limit how many households can benefit from resilient housing. The bank's public disclosure is dated August 12 and covers the Integrated Flood Resilience & Adaptation Project, which had been rated moderately satisfactory six months earlier.

Over 74,000 households have already received the first housing tranche, yet the steering committee's cap, a funding shortfall for the households still eligible, open grievances and weak communication were flagged as risks. Earlier, country director Boloromaa Amgaabazar raised worries about a move that limited first-tranche housing aid to 62,966 beneficiaries and subsidies to 97,000 people. As of July 6, a technical mission found the project non-compliant with environmental and social standards on stakeholder engagement and disclosure, and noted that the revised Project Implementation Manual had not been submitted.

The Ministry of Planning and Development said it is in regular contact with the bank and wants support delivered through approved channels. The rating will be reviewed again at a mission planned for October.