The objective of Small Infrastructure Projects (SIP’s) was to increase access of poor communities to infrastructure for improving their livelihoods through efficient and productive use of local resources. For this purpose a Community Investment Fund (CIF) was established to finance the Small Infrastructure Projects through participatory process. The involvement of local stakeholders in identifying, planning, executing & monitoring community infrastructure projects greatly empowered them, especially the women. Sharing based process leading to sub-project investment, maintenance & use, enhanced social capital through the formation of cohesive community organizations which were effectively used to deliver microfinance services. 

The Small Infrastructure Projects were undertaken on equity participation of 40% from the Community Organization against the total project cost while 60% cost was funded through the Community Investment Fund (CIF). A Service Provider was engaged to work on technical side of the projects and as a result 1569 SIP’s were completed during the period of Fund. These projects include Roads & Bridges (122), Farm irrigation (689), Domestic Water Supply (164), Drainage & Sewerage (27), School Building (49), Rural Electrification, Computer Centers, PCO’s and Community Halls (518).

* During 2006; the Government of Pakistan decided to establish an Emergency Livelihood Restoration Fund (ELRF) in order to respond to the aftermath of the earthquake in Pakistan on October 08, 2005. For financing ELRF, the State Bank of Pakistan transformed the CIF into ELRF. Consequently entire funds of CIF Income Account were diverted to ELRF. In view of the above, the CIF has ceased its operation, effective April 04, 2006.