Problematic shifting of priorities. Continuing problems with government approvals, and constant changes in focus, scope, and direction caused major delays. ADB noted a range of concerns over the continuing delays on the processing of the Project in its previous incarnation, the Karachi Mega City Development Program, after developing the loan proposal to the point of loan negotiations in May 2008. Following meetings in July 2008, the program was reconfigured at the request of the government of Sindh, this time an integrated, holistic urban transport program for Karachi, with new implementation arrangements. Unfortunately, the agreed deadlines were not respected while no progress was evident on steps to achieve institutional reforms. The requested revisions to the proposed Project, for a truncated investment in bus rapid transit, a shift in geographic focus to secondary cities, and a two- tranches structure did not lend itself to the envisaged sector reforms, nor was it suitable for ADB's multitranche financing facility (MFF). By November 2008, the proposed Sindh Urban Mass Transit Investment Program was also cancelled. The TA loan was originally designed to provide the prerequisite planning, systems integration, and capacity development to address the sorts of issues that arise in urban planning. However, it did not succeed.
Mega City Development Project