 Islamabad,
11 May 2009: ERRA gave a comprehensive briefing to
the Donors & Sponsors who are supporting different
development projects in the earth quake affected
areas of NWFP & AJK. The briefing was largely
attended by representatives of Donors/Sponsors,
Print and Electronic Media and senior functionaries
of ERRA.
In his welcome address, Chairman ERRA, Altaf
Muhammad Saleem, thanked and praised the role of
the donors and acknowledged that it was the
overwhelming support of the International Community
and the donors which was instrumental in the fast
track reconstruction of infrastructure and
rehabilitation of lives in the quake affected
areas.
Lt. Gen Sajjad Akram, Deputy Chairman ERRA apprised
the meeting that ERRA has always been open to
suggestions and welcomed input from the development
partners. He also appreciated the support of
Government of Pakistan, which has always given top
priority to the ERRA projects and there has never
been any shortage of funds.
In sharing progress made by ERRA, the Deputy
Chairman said that ERRA has made lot of progress
over the last year in all the twelve sectors of
ERRA interventions. In Rural Housing progress
jumped from 43.7% to 85.28%. In the New Balakot
City Development Project, 40% work has been
completed. In Health Sector the progress has gone
up from 34.19% to 54.39% while progress in the
Education Sector had increased from 20.12% to
38.21%. It was further stated that a progress of
42.57% has been made in the Water and Sanitation
sector.
The Deputy Chairman said that various measures have
been initiated to facilitate a fast track &
sustainable reconstruction, including light gauge,
cold framed galvanized steel structures and
structural concrete insulated panels (SCIPS),
besides involving leading government organizations
like FWO & NLC. The capacity of NESPAK has been
improved and the number of technical staff has been
increased from 160 to 580.
Lt. Gen Sajjad Akram said that we should all feel
pride in saying that Pakistan’s experience is a
resounding success story and a model for rest of
the world to follow in effectively dealing with
natural disasters.
At the end Chairman ERRA, Altaf Muhammad Saleem
launched the Social Impact Assessment Report
prepared by Monitoring and Evaluation Wing ERRA. |
