The PAIDAR programme has introduced the Communal Infrastructure Development Grant Window to support villages severely affected by the 2022 floods in Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, and Tharparkar. Settlement plans for approximately 200 villages have been created using GIS mapping, drone surveys, and community consultations to identify social and communal needs. This data is integrated into an interactive dashboard for implementation planning.

In partnership with the Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF), PAIDAR is implementing these plans to complement the Government of Sindh’s housing reconstruction initiative and develop model villages. Following a successful micro-HACT assessment, SPHF has been formally engaged as the implementing partner through a contract agreement valued at €5 million. This collaboration leverages SPHF’s existing infrastructure, ensuring cost-efficiency and avoiding duplication of efforts.

Settlement Planning Process

The PAIDAR programme has launched a Micro and Cottage Enterprise Grant Window to address the unique needs of small businesses across target districts. This initiative focuses on unlocking the economic potential of micro and cottage enterprises while aligning with the Government of Sindh’s Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS).

After a rigorous selection process and stakeholder engagement, five intermediary partners (IPs) are implementing the grant in the target districts of Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparkar, and Larkana, ensuring localized support for micro and cottage enterprises.

Simultaneously, the programme recognized that reducing poverty in the target districts would be unattainable without creating job opportunities for the underprivileged, especially youth and women. One strategy to achieve this objective is by encouraging private sector investments in sustainable businesses. To facilitate this, the programme established a grant window for SME development, offering matching financial support between 10,000 and 200,000 Euros. This grant window operates in two phases. The first phase involves issuing an Expression of Interest (EOI) to attract business ideas from potential investors. In the second phase, a restricted call for proposals is initiated, allowing qualified SMEs to submit their finalized business plans and necessary documentation.

Tailored capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders, government, and SMEs. The PAIDAR programme is committed to empowering stakeholders at every level through tailored capacity-building efforts:

Supporting the Government of Sindh

1. PAIDAR offers technical assistance to the Government of Sindh to enhance performance management systems, enabling improved governance and service delivery.
2. Our expertise supports the integration of innovative tools and strategies to ensure sustainable progress in development initiatives.

Guiding Intermediary Partners (IPs)

1. To ensure the effective implementation of micro-grants, PAIDAR provides hands-on advisory support and technical guidance to its intermediary partners.
2. By fostering collaboration and building capacities, we aim to maximize the impact of the grants on micro and cottage enterprises in target districts.

Enhancing SME Grant Processes

1. For the SME Grant Window, PAIDAR has onboarded specialized consultancy firms to assist SMEs in developing comprehensive business proposals tailored to their unique needs and goals.
2. Capacity-building bootcamps and workshops are organized regularly, equipping SMEs with essential skills in business management, proposal writing, and growth strategies.

Through these initiatives, PAIDAR ensures a holistic approach to capacity building, driving impactful and sustainable development in rural Sindh.