KARACHI, Nov 17: A number of projects aimed at alleviating poverty will be set up from coastal area of Thatta to Steel Mills, covering an area of over 400 square yards, by using modern technology.

This was stated by convener of the Poverty Alleviation Programme and chairman governor’s inspection team, Brig A.S. Nasir (retired), while inaugurating a model project ‘Baqai Khushhal Nagar’ in Gharo, which has been jointly developed by the University of Karachi and Baqai Medical University.

Sindh governor’s mother, Begum Saeeda Soomro, was the guest of honour at the ceremony, which was attended, among others, by the city government’s executive district officer (works); Baqai University’s chancellor Dr F.U. Baqai, and district officers of different departments.

The model project has an eye surgery unit, an industrial home, primary school, secondary health centre and an income generating unit. People residing in the vicinity of the project and those poor farmers who will be allotted land for doing poultry and agriculture farming will benefit.

Brig Nasir said the project had a system of drawing water and generating electricity through windmills, solar energy and biogas units.

Emphasising the need for developing more and more such model projects in rural areas, he said that projects having education, health and employment opportunities would play an important role in alleviation of poverty.

He hoped that EDOs and other government officials would benefit from these ideas and help in providing these facilities in rural areas.

Begum Saeeda Soomro said poverty is the common problem in the country and as such a joint struggle is needed for tackling the issue.

Dr Baqai said since 40 per cent of the country’s population is living below the poverty line, the gigantic problem could be tackled through public-private partnership.