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UN to expedite reconstruction process in NWFP
PESHAWAR Mar 28 : United Nations has decided to expedite the reconstruction process and permanent rehabilitation of earthquake affectees in NWFP due to change of weather and seeking coordination with provincial government for this purpose as well.
The UN Resident Coordinator Jan Vandemoortele called on the NWFP Senior Minister Sirajul Haq in Peshawar in this respect and discussed matters relating to reconstruction and rehabilitation process as well as other ongoing and new developmental plans launched with the help of UN.
He agreed with the Senior Minister that rehabilitation and reconstruction would be given priority to mitigate sufferings of the affectees and every endeavour would be made to complete this process as soon as possible so that affectees could start living in their own houses and they did not need any more help.
UN official said that a master plan has been handed over by UN to the concerned authority ERRA established by the federal government for this purpose wherein 4 out of 20 helicopters would be retained for reconstruction duties after completion of six months relief process ending next month.
Sirajul Haq thanked UN and world community for providing relief to the earthquake affectees and expressed the confidence that reconstruction process would be started at earlier stage to ensure its timely completion as well.
He lamented that there was general impression among the people in NWFP that international donor agencies usually delayed provision of practical help in time of its need. He said that solid and practical measures could make the people realize a better change, harvest fruits of development and promote goodwill at international level.
In response to a question about stay of the international experts and monitors of reconstruction process at Peshawar or any other suitable place, the Senior Minister said that they should reside in the nearest vicinity of affected areas like Abbottabad and Mansehra so that developmental process could be completed in effective manner.
He said that Provincial Government has established Provincial Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (PERRA) for this purpose to implement and coordinate the reconstruction activities accordingly.
Provincial Secretary Planning & Development Syed Manzoor Ali Shah Bacha told the meeting on this occasion that so far Rs. 70 million have been spent on relief activities in earthquake affected areas while provincial government has informed the federal government, UN and other donor agencies about the requirements for reconstruction and permanent rehabilitation activities in NWFP.