ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional loan of $48 million for Balochistan, aimed at enhancing water resource development and irrigation infrastructure in the province.
The funding will facilitate the completion of the delayed Chari Infiltration Gallery, which had been postponed due to budget constraints.
According to ADB, the financing will enable the completion of the Seri Toi Dam command area, where a modern piped water distribution system will be introduced. The new system is expected to improve irrigation efficiency and reduce water wastage in the region.
The bank added that the project will also support watershed management activities to prevent soil erosion caused by flood flows.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance irrigation infrastructure and water resource management in Balochistan.
ADB noted that Balochistan faces severe water scarcity and climate-related challenges. With two-thirds of the province’s economy dependent on agriculture and 60 percent of its population engaged in farming, repeated droughts and poor water management have significantly contributed to rising poverty in the region.
