ISLAMABAD, Sept 24: The Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (Erra) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Church World Services (CWS) for construction of pre-fabricated transitional houses for sixty vulnerable families of Balakot in NWFP

Erra representative Daud Ehtesham and Associate Director of CWS Emiline Mamagabanj signed the document on behalf of their respective organizations. Deputy Chairman Erra Lt General Sajjad Akram and other officials of the Authority were also present at the signing ceremony.

The total cost of this project is estimated at Rs22 million, out of which Christian Aid has contributed Rs20 million, while the remaining Rs2 million have been donated by the Lutheran World Relief. The construction work is already underway and will be completed by December 31, 2008.

The unit cost of a single pre-fabricated house is estimated to be Rs350,000, which will include two bedrooms, a kitchen and a toilet. This project will be undertaken completely in line with Erra’s strategy for housing sector as well as the over bearing principle of Build Back Better.

An official of the Erra said providing shelter to the quake survivors, especially the vulnerable groups, was top on Erra agenda. This project is more relevant now in the wake of the approaching winter season. Erra is incessantly working to provide all basic amenities to the marginalised sections of society to bring them, once again, in the mainstream of normal life.