In order to improve living standard of coastal population, the Sindh government has initiated community development projects in collaboration with National Rural Support Programme. Around 1388 community organisations have taken part in completion of community mobilisation.
Project Director of Sindh Coastal Development Authority (SCDA) Muhammad Umar Memon informed the meeting of Governing Body of SCDA that the cost of Sindh Coastal Community Development Project is Rs 3133 million ($40.0 million) which included Rs 2875 million funds by Asian Development Bank Rs 230 million by the Sindh government and Rs 28 million by beneficiaries/ coast committees.
The meeting of the governing body of SCDA was held at the Chief Minister House in the chairmanship of Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah a few days back. Director General SCDA briefed the meeting that Mirpur Sakro, Ghaaro, Ghorabari, Keti Bandar, Kharochhan, Shah Bandar and Jati Talukas of Thatta district and Shaheed Fazul Rahu (Golarchi) and Badin Talukas of District Badin are in the jurisdiction of Coastal Authority.
Secretary Forests Mushtaq Ali Memon said that out of 8000 hectare, 6500 hectare land was planted with mangrove by the forest department, 350-hectare plantation of mangroves through community organisation while 1.86 million nursery plants of mangroves were planted.
Secretary Livestock & Fisheries Laeeq Memon said that 10 mini fishing harbours were being established on coastal belts. Deputy Commissioner Thatta said that Asian Development Bank would provide financial assistance for rural development projects.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that coastal areas of Sindh province were very important but due to negligent attitude of previous governments no development work was done in those areas. He directed that all schemes envisaged and approved in Annual Development Programme 2011-12 (with Sindh Coastal Community Development Project funded by Asian Development Bank and oil palm plantation on 500-acres) be completed before the end of the current financial year. MPAs Muhammad Nawaz Chandio, Bashir Ahmed Laghari, Arbab Wazir Ahmed Memon, provincial secretaries of various departments and Deputy Commissioners of Thatta and Badin also attended the meeting.