RAWALPINDI, July 13: The Asian Development Bank is expected to finance a management and development programme for water resources in Sindh under its multitranche financing facility.

A fact-finding mission of the bank is in the country to evaluate the project with an emphasis on irrigation infrastructure and water management.

The ADB is likely to take a decision about the project in October this year. The bank has approved an initial technical assistance of $800,000 from the Japan Special Fund.

The assistance will cover sector roadmap, policy framework and programme design and monitoring, an ADB report said.

The project is envisaged to produce an ADB-financed investment programme focusing on water resources infrastructure, institutional strengthening and capacity development.

As indicated in the ADB 2007-2011 country partnership strategy, irrigated agriculture contributes 21 per cent of GNP and more than 60 to 70 per cent of export earnings and employs 43 per cent of the rural labour force.

It uses 95 per cent of all available water in the country.