LANDI KOTAL (Khyber Agency), Sept 27: The United States National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley inaugurated the new building of a government primary school in Sur Qamar in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency on Tuesday.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by US Ambassador Ryan C. Croker, Governor NWFP Khalilur Rehman and officials of the USAID, Fata Secretariat and education directorate.

Strict security measures were taken for the visit of the US dignitary to the tribal area.

The school was built and furnished under the Fata School Reconstruction Programme with the financial assistance from the USAID and the government of Japan.

Under the programme, the USAID will contribute $ 4.7 million and the Japan government $2.5 million for reconstruction of 130 schools in the seven tribal agencies.

The US Department of Defence will provide an additional grant of $ 800,000 for provision of water at the schools.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Hadley emphasized the importance of ensuring access to education for children in tribal areas and making schools an enjoyable place of learning.

He said that provision of better education, health and communication facilities contributed to the progress of a backward area.

He expressed the hope that the reconstruction of 130 schools would contribute to development of the tribal areas.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the governor thanked the US government for providing financial assistance for the reconstruction of schools.

He said that the government was striving hard to provide facilities to the tribal people.