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| April 16, 2006 | Sunday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 17, 1427 |
EC to give 9m euros for rebuilding
ISLAMABAD, April 15: European Commission (EC) will provide 9 million euros to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for rebuilding the earthquake affected areas in NWFP and Azad Kashmir.
An agreement in this regard was signed here on Saturday in the presence of secretary economic affairs division. EC Ambassador Ilkka Uusitalo and UNDP resident representative Jan Vandemoortele signed the agreement.
A separate project document between the government of Pakistan and the UNDP for implementation of the project was also signed.
The aim of the project ‘community based livelihoods recovery programme for earthquake affected areas of AJK and NWFP’ is to assist immediate and mid-term livelihood recovery of the people to allow them to return to their places of origin.
The three-year project, starting this month, would benefit approximately 73,527 families. UNDP would be executing the project in collaboration and close partnership with Erra and the governments of AJK and NWFP, along with UN agencies and NGOs.
The project would contribute to the post-earthquake recovery and reconstruction efforts by strengthening and reviving the capacity of community organisations, local NGOs and local governments.
Focus would be laid on planning, facilitation and implementation of development activities.
Restoration of agriculture, afforestation to mitigate environmental effects of the earthquake and restoration of minor, but critical infrastructures were also foreseen under this project.
To this end, activities would include the provision of high yield crops, establishment of seed villages, fish farms and fruit nurseries, conservation of local forest, construction of dams, water tanks, ponds, water channels, fields terracing and stone protection walls.
Skills and micro-enterprise development would be another major area of intervention. A series of initiatives would be addressed at community level in this respect.
The vulnerable population would be assisted to earn sustainable livelihood through vocational training in different trades like kitchen gardening, fruit and vegetable preservation etc with a focus on marketing.
Moreover, trainings would be provided in construction work, such as masonry, carpentry, roofing and plumbing, which would enhance construction of earthquake proof buildings.
Special packages of livelihoods would be developed for economic and social empowerment of disabled persons and widows which would assist their integration into the local society allowing them to lead an independent and dignified life.—APP
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