ISLAMABAD, Nov 23: US Ambassador Ryan C Crocker and Alaska Structures Founder Richard Hotes on Wednesday inaugurated in Puthian a $4.2 million worth of hospital complex, school and 117 family unit tent structures. According to a statement issued on Wednesday, the structures, donated by the Washington-based US company Alaska Structures, would boost relief and recovery for earthquake survivors in the remote village of Puthian as the Himalayan winter sets in.

The public-private initiative was the result of a partnership amongst Alaska Structures, the Human Development Foundation of Pakistan, Human Development Foundation of North America, the US Agency for International Development, all working closely with the Pakistani authorities, the statement said.

The Puthian village project was being coordinated by the Human Development Foundation of Pakistan which would provide health and education services to the community.

The US Agency of International Development (USAID) had worked in partnership with Alaska Structures and the Human Development Foundation to ensure that the structures were transported to villages as early as possible.

Mr Hotes with a team of 20 personnel had been in Puthian for several days and was personally supervising the assembly of the structures. The statement said that the family living units were 3.6x6.1 metres and 2.1 meters high homes with two windows and one solid, front locking door.

These extreme weather insulated homes were made of heavy duty vinyl. Each house was equipped with electrical system, beds, wooden floor panels and carpets to ensure a comfortable and safe living environment for families.

The main hospital structure was 8x20 meters and would be combined with several of the family living units to provide examination rooms.

The statement said that the US responded immediately and generously to Pakistan’s call for assistance following the tragic and devastating earthquake of October 8.

USAID Administrator, Andrew Natsios announced on November 19 during the Donors Conference an increase in the overall US commitment to Pakistan for relief and reconstruction to a total of $510 million. This amount included $300 million in cash for relief and reconstruction $110 million in military in-kind support for relief operations and $100 million from US private contributions.