Flood Rehabilitation: An Urgent Call To Action

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: The rehabilitation work for flood victims in August last year remains incomplete, despite a year and a half passing since the devastating floods wreaked havoc in Sindh, Baluchistan and South Punjab. This report delves into the reasons behind this delay, the international assistance received, the impact on the affected regions, and the urgent need for a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.

Since the initiation of rehabilitation projects by the Ministry of Planning, 21 development projects totaling three billion dollars have been approved. However, progress has been sluggish, leaving millions of affected people in a dire state. The floods led to significant economic losses and the PDM government sought international assistance, with the United Nations Secretary General’s visit and a donor conference promising substantial funds.

The Pakistani government promised to match international donations for rehabilitation, a promise many believed it couldn’t keep. Now, the situation has evolved into a financial standoff, with Pakistan citing resource constraints and donor countries requesting Pakistan to begin using its own resources for rehabilitation.

The floods had severe consequences, leading to the loss of thousands of cattle and over 1,700 lives. The poorest and most vulnerable districts bore the brunt. A year and a half later, while floodwaters have receded in some areas, the aftermath lingers with the spread of diseases and a healthcare crisis. Households have lost income and assets, food prices have risen, and women, particularly those involved in agriculture, have suffered significant livelihood setbacks.

A Human Impact Assessment report indicates that the floods have pushed millions below the poverty line. In the short term, essential goals like social assistance, emergency health services, shelter rehabilitation, and resumption of local economic activities, especially agriculture, should have been prioritised.

Despite the pressing needs, comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery have been hampered by limited financial resources, inadequate international support, and private investment.

Efforts should be made to create climate-resilient infrastructure and safe zones to address future shocks. The government must also focus on creating a flood prevention system. International cooperation and private sector financing should be mobilized to support these initiatives.

The Ministry of Planning has approved 21 development projects worth $3 billion for flood-affected areas, financed by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Islamic Development Bank. These projects are being successfully implemented by provincial governments. A dashboard for monitoring and transparency will be operational soon.

The delay in the rehabilitation of flood-affected areas is not just a bureaucratic issue; it represents a critical threat to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. It’s a multi-faceted challenge that requires immediate attention and action on several fronts.

The longer the rehabilitation is delayed, the more profound the humanitarian crisis becomes.

The government’s promise to match international donations and fund rehabilitation is not only a matter of credibility but a crucial factor in ensuring that the rehabilitation process proceeds smoothly. The longer this promise remains unfulfilled, the more it erodes trust and hinders international cooperation.

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues. 

The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.