Balochistan to benefit from new Saudi-backed livestock and water infrastructure project
ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (ABC): Balochistan is set to get 30 community livestock ponds and 40 water tanks under a Saudi Fund for Development (SFD)-funded Livelihood Restoration Project, which also includes water diversion structures, wells and livelihood support initiatives to improve water access, restore livelihoods and strengthen rural infrastructure in the province.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the project is being implemented through the Project Management Unit of the Human Rights Affairs Department, Balochistan, with grant assistance from the SFD.
The proposed livestock ponds aim to improve water availability for livestock-dependent communities, particularly in rural areas where access to water remains a challenge.
The bidding process for the excavation of the 30 ponds was initiated in 2024, while the bid evaluation was awaiting approval from the SFD.
Another component involves the construction of 10 water diversion structures and the boring and drilling of wells. The SFD has approved the bid evaluation for these works, while approval of the draft agreement remains pending.
The project also envisages the construction of 40 water tanks, with the bidding process reported to be underway. The provision of sewing machines is included among the livelihood-support activities aimed at helping communities generate income.
During an SFD mission to the project in February 2026, the project director briefed the delegation on progress across various activities and procurement processes.
The briefing highlighted that bid evaluations for five schemes had been submitted to the SFD for concurrence. The bid evaluation for the water diversion structures and wells had been approved, while concurrence on other pending schemes was awaited.
The project scope was also rationalized by removing a sub-component involving the construction of 150 rooms, resulting in estimated savings of $0.13 million.
According to the official document, the project has achieved 32 percent physical progress. Its total cost is estimated at $1.50 million, against which expenditure of $0.48 million has been recorded.
