WB Vice President inaugurates PPAF Rural Growth Centre

May 26, 2008

The Regional Vice President (South Asia) of The World Bank, Mr. Praful C. Patel, inaugurated the Rural Growth Centre established by Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in Keti Bunder, 195 km east of Karachi. The World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Mr.Yusupha Crookes, CEO/MD PPAF Mr.Kamal Hyat, CEO Aga Khan Foundation Mr.Al-Nashir Jamal, PPAF Task Team Leader at The World Bank Mr.Qazi Azmat Isa and others were also present on this occasion.

The centre, established by PPAF at a cost of Rs. 9 million will provide a wide-range of facilities to the marginalized communities in Keti Bunder area.

Mr.Praful Patel said that the rural areas need more concentration where the rising food prices, which not a local phenomenon, have made the poor more vulnerable. The World Bank would continue to support Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in its efforts to reach the poorest of the poor in the nook and corner of the country. He said it was his second visit to impoverished Keti Bunder area but he was very much impressed by peoples’ mobilization and their commitment to discuss and resolve their problems on their own.  

The Keti Bunder Rural Growth Centre, a third generation initiative of PPAF, consists of provision of infrastructure, water supply, sewerage and wastewater treatment, solid waste management and disposal system, improvement of educational and health facilities, fishing-related activity zone, street pavement, mangrove plantation, hard and soft landscaping, streetlighting and a cricket ground and a children play area have been completed for the benefit of the poor communities. The project is being implemented by PPAF partner organization, Agha Khan Planning and Building Services (AKPBS).

The Regional Vice President (South Asia) of The World Bank, Praful C. Patel, unveiling the plaque to

inaugurate Rural Growth Centre established by PPAF in Keti Bunder, district Thatta