USAID to help address development challenges in Pakistan
By Nasreen Aslam - Pakistan Times Staff Correspondent

LAHORE: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched lots of programmes in Pakistan for improving governance at the local, provincial and national level.

USAID sources said the programmes will helps build a more participatory, representative and accountable democracy in the country with goals to improve the transparency, accountability and competency of the legislative branch and establish strong relations between legislative bodies, civil society and citizens.

The programme is primarily aimed at to create opportunities for district governments to address pressing development challenges in their communities, by forging partnerships with their communities, the private-sector and NGOs.

Perspective

USAID is awarding grants of up to Rs.3 million to districts whose communities develop projects that address social and economics concerns.

Projects funded have included water/sanitation schemes, small-scale irrigation canals, and access roads.

Eleven District Grants have been awrded, with representation from all four provinces.

USAID is helping establish broad-based civil society parternships to improve and implement governance reforms in Pakistan.●