KARACHI, July 6: Two mega projects costing Rs four billion for the development of coastal zone of Sindh have been approved and its implementation will start in the fiscal 2005-6 These projects being financed by Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank will be executed by the Coastal Development Authority (Sindh) in various segments of economy in the coastal zone of Sindh.

This was stated by the SCDA Director-General Munawar Opel while talking to Dawn.

The Central Development Working Party has already approved these projects for which the ADB has committed to provide a grant of Rs39 million while the Sindh government will grant Rs9.840 million under the integrated coastal zone management master plan.

He said the World Bank will provide $13.5 million for the development of infrastructural facilities for vulnerable communities in the coast areas.

With the implementation of these projects, there would be tremendous income generating activities in the coastal areas and the life-style of fishermen would greatly change.

Besides, the two mega projects, the CDA is currently implementing projects worth Rs279.200 million from its own ADP including rehabilitation and propagation of the draught affected coastal mangroves of Thatta District.