By Abdul Ghani

Thirty community livestock ponds will be constructed in Balochistan under the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD)-supported Livelihood Restoration Project.

According to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan, the proposed initiative forms part of broader development interventions designed to support livelihood restoration and improve essential infrastructure in the province.

The document says the bidding process for the livestock ponds was initiated on August 16, 2024, while the bid evaluation was submitted to the Saudi Fund for Development for approval.

The planned ponds are expected to improve access to water for livestock, particularly in rural communities where water availability remains a major challenge for livestock-dependent households.

Once implemented, the initiative could help livestock farmers reduce the difficulties associated with accessing water for their animals, improve livestock management and support the economic resilience of rural households.

The project also envisages the construction of 10 water diversion structures and the boring and drilling of wells, which are expected to contribute to improved water management and availability in the targeted areas.

According to the document, the SDF has approved the bid evaluation for these works, while approval of the draft agreement remains pending.

Other proposed interventions include the construction of 40 water tanks and the provision of sewing machines, reflecting the project's broader focus on infrastructure development and livelihood support.

The document further reveals that during an SFD mission in February 2026, the project director briefed the visiting delegation on the progress of various procurement activities and the status of bid evaluations.

However, the SFD subsequently advised suspending ongoing procurement activities pending the completion of its internal detailed review. A final decision regarding the resumption of the procurement process is awaited, according to the document.

Despite the procedural delays, the proposed livestock ponds and associated water infrastructure represent potentially important investments in Balochistan's rural economy, where livestock rearing serves as a key source of income for many households.

Credit: INP-WealthPk