Network for Human and Social Development (NHSD) in collaboration with Capital Development Authority (CDA) organized a three-day exhibition and conference titled “Public Awareness Campaign on Disaster Management and Emergency: Emerging Issues and Challenges”. More than twenty organizations participated in the exhibition; ERRA’s WatSan sector took part in the exhibition and set up a visiting stall displaying its Rainwater Harvesting Model.

The Conference was inaugurated by the Federal Minister for Communication, Chaudhary Imtiaz Safdar Warraich and Chairman CDA, Mr Inayat Ilahi both of whom visited the WatSan stall where they took particular interest in ERRA’s Rainwater Harvesting Project because of its novelty and effectiveness.

On the 2nd day of the exhibition Secretary General of Red Cross Brigadier Ilyas felicitated the organizers and participants for having arranged a timely initiative to raise awareness amongst the masses about disaster management. This was followed by an academic session in which a select few participants shared research papers and delivered presentations. ERRA presented its Rural Housing strategy in the wake of the 2005 Earthquake as well as a paper on its “Promotion of Rainwater Harvesting Project”. Both papers were appreciated by the audience. As a representative of ERRA’s WatSan sector, DG-WatSan Syed Zaheer Hussain Gardezi delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Promotion of RWH in the earthquake affected areas (EQAAs) in an attempt to sensitize the masses to the need for harvesting rainwater from the roofs of buildings to address water scarcity issues in Pakistan and specifically the EQAAs.

The closing ceremony was held on 10th October; Chairman Bait-ul-Mal Mr Zumard Khan was Chief Guest on the occasion. ERRA won first prize in the stalls category whereas its theme song was given 2nd prize. Later on Chairman Bait-ul-Mal appreciated ERRA’s Rainwater Harvesting Project and also urged for its replication in the flood hit areas of Pakistan.