KARACHI, Nov 21: An Italian ship will arrive Karachi on Tuesday with 1,800 tons of heavy machinery, including 140 vehicles, for reconstruction of infrastructure destroyed by the October 8 quake in Bagh area.

This was stated by Consul General of Italy in Karachi, Bruno A. Pasquino, at a news conference here on Monday. He said this was part of the humanitarian effort Italy was offering to Pakistan within the framework of the international relief action, to which Italy was one of the largest contributors.

The first batch of Italian Engineer Corps, consisting 41 members, arrived Karachi on Sunday, he recalled, and added that the engineers, along with technicians, would help rebuild the road system and water distribution system, clear the debris and set up camps for the homeless population.

The Italian team is guided by Lt-Col Biot Giulio and will work in close coordination with the Pakistan Army, Nato contingent and the relief teams from other countries.

Col Biot said it was difficult to deploy heavy machinery in the area but it was being done as it was very much needed.

—APP