ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has underscored the importance of having strong monitoring and evaluation systems in place to ensure reconstruction funds approved for Sindh last week are used transparently and reach those most in need in the flood-affected districts.

In a summary of the executive board meeting, the World Bank directors emphasised the need for provincial and federal authorities to strengthen the implementation systems in place to ensure increased absorption capacity of development funding and also ensure the adequate targeting of communities.

A brief summary of the observations made by executive directors was made available to Dawn on Saturday.

The directors welcomed the emphasis on donor coordination and citizen engagement, particularly for the post-damage needs assessment and long-term flood preparation and response.

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors last week approved $1.69 billion in financing for five projects to support people living in flood-affected areas of Sindh.

Three projects support rehabilitation and housing reconstruction and the restoration of crop production for vulnerable communities, while another two projects support health services for mothers and children.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2022