Islamabad, 25th May 2009. ERRA signed an MoU at UAE Embassy for the construction of ‘Shaikh Khalifa City, Balakot’ with UAE. UAE Red Crescent and Tanzim Barae Taraqee-o-Bahale Zalzala Zadgan, UAE Ambassador H. E Ali Saif Sultan Al-Awani, DG (A&C) ERRA Brig. Tariq Zaman, Head of delegation of UAE Red Crescent, Khamis Muhammad Alsawed and Qari Aiziz-ur-Rehaman signed the agreement.

Sheikh Khalifa City Project is a comprehensive project which includes the construction of 211 permanent houses, 2 Jamia Masque, 1 Middle School, 1 Basic Health Unit and the construction of water supply & sanitation schemes and roads in the area.

The overall cost of this project is US $ 3.114 Million (Rs. 251.95 Million) and shall be completed in one year. The groundbreaking of this project has already been conducted by Deputy Chairman ERRA Lt. General Sajjad Akram.

On this occasion, H. E Ali Saif Sultan Awani, UAE Ambassador in Islamabad said this huge project is the result of the significant development and initiatives undertaken by the His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan to reduce the suffering of victims and improve the conditions of the needy everywhere. He added that the project laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - May Allah bless his soul and is being followed by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan will play a vital role to reduce the suffering of the victims of earthquake and provide the facilities of residential, educational and health services as soon as possible.

On this occasion Brig. Tariq Zaman thanked people and UAE Government for their support and added that the Pakistani people welcomed the initiative of the UAE with great appreciation and admiration because it came from the leadership of the UAE known for its impartiality and selflessness in the service of their brothers and the developing poor communities.

DG ERRA said that this project is the continuation of their help extended to the affected population of 2005 earthquake. He also said that this project shall be completed in shortest period of time (one year) to facilitate the affected peoples.