ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (ABC): The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD)-supported Livelihood Restoration Project in Balochistan envisages the excavation of 30 community livestock ponds and the construction of 40 water tanks to improve water availability and support rural livelihoods.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the proposed ponds and water tanks are among several interventions aimed at restoring livelihoods and improving essential infrastructure across the province.
The documents show that the bidding process for the excavation of 30 community livestock ponds began in 2024. However, the bid evaluation was still awaiting approval from the Saudi Fund for Development.
The proposed ponds aim to improve access to water for livestock-dependent communities, particularly in rural areas where water shortages remain a challenge.
Water infrastructure and livelihood activities
Another major component involves the construction of 10 water diversion structures and the boring and drilling of wells.
The SFD has approved the bid evaluation for these works. However, approval of the draft agreement remains pending.
Meanwhile, the project also includes the construction of 40 water tanks. According to the documents, the bidding process for these tanks was underway.
In addition to water infrastructure, the project envisages the provision of sewing machines to support livelihood restoration activities.
These interventions form part of broader efforts to improve basic facilities and create livelihood opportunities for communities in Balochistan.
SFD reviews project implementation
An SFD mission visited the project in February 2026 to review implementation progress and procurement activities.
During the visit, the project director briefed the delegation on the status of various schemes and the progress of bidding procedures.
The briefing highlighted that the project authorities had submitted bid evaluations for five schemes to the SFD for concurrence.
The fund approved the bid evaluation for the water diversion structures and wells. However, approval of other pending schemes was still awaited.
The authorities also rationalised the project’s scope by removing a subcomponent involving the construction of 150 rooms. This adjustment resulted in estimated savings of $0.13 million.
Project records 32% physical progress
According to the official documents, the Livelihood Restoration Project has achieved 32% physical progress.
The Project Management Unit of the Human Rights Affairs Department, Balochistan, is implementing the initiative with grant assistance from the Saudi Fund for Development.
The documents put the project’s total cost at $1.50 million, while expenditure has reached $0.48 million.
The planned livestock ponds, water tanks and other infrastructure works remain important components of the project. Their completion will depend on the remaining procurement approvals and subsequent implementation activities.
