LONDON, Nov 22: The British Department for International Development (DFID) has suggested to the relevant authorities to incorporate proper building codes in post-earthquake reconstruction in Pakistan. This was stated in the House of Commons by secretary for International Development, Hilary Benn, in response to a question by MP Tim Loughton who had asked if the British government would ensure through aid conditionalities that public buildings being rebuilt in Pakistan using UK aid were earthquake-proof.

The DFID secretary said: “In Pakistan, DFID is an invited member of the Steering Group helping to advise the Pakistan Government’s Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority. This includes encouraging appropriate design for reconstructing public buildings in affected areas and improving the knowledge of building codes for engineers, contractors and planners involved in post-earthquake reconstruction.”

The secretary said good building codes existed in Pakistan but the challenge was to see how those were carried through into practice.

“DFID has also funded research into building codes and post-earthquake reconstruction recommendations. DFID incorporates work on building codes and building code implementation within a broader approach to Disaster Risk Reduction, which seeks to reduce the vulnerability and increase the disaster preparedness of poor people and governments,” he said.