PESHAWAR, Nov 1: The NWFP Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani has said that the artificial limbs workshop in the city would be strengthened by putting in place more facilities and making it an efficient institution to produce in large numbers for needy survivors of quake-hit areas.

The chief minister was talking to German Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Gunter Mullack, at the Frontier House on Tuesday.

Mr Durrani said the existing facilities would be upgraded and a committee which had already been formed would carry out the rehabilitation work.

“Cheques are being distributed through a transparent mechanism.

The province had twice been devastated before the earthquake by torrential rains and hailstorms followed by floods. The problems and hardships of the victims would be further complicated as the winter sets in”, he maintained.

Dr Mullack assured the chief minister to develop active partnership for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of quake victims.

He said: “It would be a short-term and long-term partnership in the entire rebuilding process”.

Mr Durrani said the international community and other none-govermental organizations responded swiftly to the earthquake and participated in the rescue and relief operations in the quake-devastated areas.

“The initial response was quick but it is now slowing down that would endanger the affectees struggling to win the war of their lives”, he said.

He said the losses were high and the resources for the quick recouping and efficient management were meagre. However, together we would overcome the worst crisis with hard work, dedication and sharing everything with the quake hit people.

Mr Durrani said the role of GTZ, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other such organisations would play a key role in the relief and rehabilitation process in the quake hit areas.