WB approves $108m to boost tourism and road infrastructure in KP

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank (WB) has approved an additional $108 million new funding which wll be used for two key development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

It also focuses on disaster preparedness and safer transport for girls. The project is expected to benefit over 1.7 million people in the province.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE) will use its funds to improve access roads and tourist infrastructure. It will also support cultural conservation, local job training, and digital tourism platforms.

World Bank officials praised the projects for promoting inclusive growth and creating jobs. They said better roads and facilities will help local communities and strengthen the tourism sector.

The $78 million in additional financing for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Accessibility Project (KPRAP) will focus on providing safe and climate resilient road infrastructure, by upgrading and rehabilitating rural roads, thereby improving access to services including schools, health facilities, and markets.

The project is also supporting safe and affordable transport to school for girls. Overall, around 1.76 million people are expected to benefit from the project.

The $30 million in additional financing for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE) is expected to help enhance the province’s tourism sector by completing the rehabilitation of two roads that will improve access to the province’s pristine tourist spots in the vicinity.