KARACHI, May 29: The Sindh Coastal Development Authority (SCDA) has proposed five projects worth Rs4 billion for consideration of an Asian Development Bank (ADB) mission, which is due here shortly.

The delegation on a reconnaissance mission for the proposed coastal and inland community development projects was due in Pakistan from May 4-8 but postponed the visit.

SCDA sources told APP that the Sindh government had asked them for bringing up five schemes before the mission.

If taken up, these would benefit the inhabitants of eight Talukas of Mirpur Sakro, Ghorabari, Keti Bandar, Kharo Chhan, Shah Bandar, Jati, Badin, Golarchi of Badin and Thatta districts.

The schemes to be considered by ADB include: initial electrification of about 200 coastal villages/hutments situated in remote areas of Thatta and Badin districts through wind and solar hybrid system at an estimated cost of Rs700 million; linking of 17 major creeks and some minor ones through a network of roads at a cost of Rs600 million; recreation activities in district Thatta costing Rs600 million; revitalisation of Keti Bandar project at an estimated cost of Rs1 billion; and upgrading the 120 km road from Gharo to Shah Bandar via Keti Bandar at an estimated cost of Rs1.2 billion.

SCDA sources said that when implemented these projects would have a positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of the coastal belt and the people of Thatta and Badin districts.

Unfortunately, the sources pointed out, that the great potential of the area had not been exploited and should be developed on international standards.

The SCDA had requested the Sindh government to approach the the federal government for a 'tax holiday' for solar and wind power investors so that villages in the coastal belt could be provided with electricity.-APP