February 01, 2007	Thursday	Muharram 12, 1428

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 31: Erra chairman Altaf Saleem has said that reconstruction master plans for Azad Kashmir have been finalised with the help of internationally reputed consultants.

Talking to reporters after his return from Muzaffarabad on Wednesday, he said that reconstruction in two worst affected districts Muzaffarabad and Bagh would be carried out strictly in line with the master plans to make sure that the buildings were able to withstand quakes in future.

He said that layout plans had been provided to local people so that they could reconstruct quake-resistant structures.

Altaf Saleem said that no construction would be undertaken in areas identified as red zone in the recently conducted seismic survey.

Replying to a question, he said the basic infrastructure would also include development of sewerage system, provision of drinking water and other facilities.

Recalling the rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations carried out in the aftermath of the October 8, 2005 earthquake, he pointed out that over 1.5 million people were vaccinated after the quake to control spread of any epidemic disease.

A press release issued by Erra said the chairman inaugurated a water supply scheme in Niaz Pura that would serve 210 households and cater to the needs of nearly 1,500 people.

The Erra chairman said that 3,994 water supply facilities had been damaged in the devastating earthquake, out of which 220 had so far been reconstructed and 230 were nearing completion.

He said that an amount of 735 million had been approved and 70 per cent of the cost had been contributed by the donors and sponsors, indicating success of the Erra policy.

The chairman said that all water schemes would be checked thoroughly for water quality and relevant hygiene advice would be provided to the people.

Altaf Saleem said the water supply schemes would provide drinking water, thus protecting quake-affected people from water-borne diseases.

While inaugurating the basic health unit in Langa Pura constructed with the help of Japan, he said newly-constructed structure of the unit would be completely seismic resistant with special measures to facilitate disabled persons.

He said the unit completed at a cost of 17 million rupees was also equipped with ultrasonography, a diabetic unit, a laboratory, a labour room and a pharmacy, besides having round-the-clock ambulance service.

The BHU built by JICA in a record period of six months is the first permanent structure in the field of health in the post earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation activities.

Mr Hiroshi Kishino, Minister Embassy of Japan speaking on the occasion said that the model BHU project was undertaken with the aim of transferring Japan’s state-of-the art anti-seismic technology to Pakistani engineers and architects.

He said the BHU model was unimaginably strong and could withstand shocks caused by an earthquake of similar magnitude.