Karachi, January 28, 2011 – The U.S. Government announced a new partnership with the Government of Sindh to improve delivery of municipal services such as solid waste disposal, drinking water supply, education, road construction, and health services. At a ceremony at the Chief Minister's House on Friday, the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Mission Director Andrew Sisson signed a statement of cooperation to begin a five-year Municipal Service Delivery Program with $10 million in initial funding.

"USAID's partnership with Sindh will help improve basic service delivery in a transparent way," Dr. Sisson said. "The program will help the government become more responsive to community priorities, reduce losses, and seek an appropriate role for government in the market."

The program will provide technical assistance and resources to improve the management of key services through infrastructure upgrades and operational reforms. It will focus on 14 districts throughout Sindh, some of which were severely affected by the floods and are the most underserved in the province. After the initial $10 million, additional funding is anticipated in the coming years.

Dr. Sisson also announced the U.S. Government's commitment to help the Government of Sindh engage the private sector in the establishment and management of key infrastructure projects, including roads infrastructure and grain storage facilities. USAID is also assisting the Government of Sindh develop a roads network through a public-private partnership.

The program demonstrates the continuing commitment of the American people to partnering with Pakistan to improving the well-being of its people.