The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved $400 million in financing for a new project that will provide safely managed water, sanitation and basic hygiene services, and help improve the institutional and financial performance of local urban administration in Punjab province.

The PICP programme will be launched in sixteen cities across Punjab to support the improvement and rehabilitation of sewerage systems and water treatment plants.

The Punjab Inclusive Cities Program (PICP) will support the improvement and rehabilitation of water supply networks, sewerage systems, and wastewater treatment plants, provide stormwater drainage, and enhance the capacity of local governments to sustainably deliver services and increase revenues in 16 secondary cities in Punjab.

The program will also support the improved performance of solid waste management systems in Punjab, including for the sanitary disposal of waste.

PICP aims to deliver improved water, sanitation, hygiene and drainage services to approximately 4.5 million people and improved solid waste management services to an additional 2 million people.

This program will help reduce healthcare costs by lowering waterborne disease, lowering child stunting rates, and strengthening the capacity of urban local governments to deliver sustainable services.

It includes gender benefits by prioritising hiring women in decision-making roles, establishing gender complaint desks, and providing targeted capacity building to help female workers develop new skills.

Community campaigns will promote better hygiene practices, and the program aims to mobilise private capital to support water and sanitation services in secondary cities.