MUZAFFARABAD, Dec 24: Unicef, which committed Rs500 million assistance for water, sanitation and hygiene projects in Azad Kashmir, on Saturday hinted to continue its presence in the quake-ravaged capital beyond its initial six-month mandate to continue rehabilitation process.

“Unicef is committed to be in the quake-hit areas of AJK till the time on-ground work to rehabilitate drinking water supply and projects on sanitation and hygiene is not complete,” Mohammad Munir Safieldin, Unicef AJK representative, told a group of Islamabad-based reporters here on Saturday.

Environment Minister Tahir Iqbal, who was also accompanying the group, appreciated Unicef for its commitment towards the welfare of the people and assured that special teams would soon be visiting AJK to collect statistics on water reservoirs and to conduct need assessment in affected areas for provision of water facilities.

“If the decision to change the capital of Muzaffarabad to a new site is finalized, AJK administration should conduct first environmental impact assessment study to protect environmental degradation,” the minister said.

About the ongoing projects, the Unicef representative said the organization would spend $30 million on rehabilitation of water and sanitation in AJK and NWFP.

Progress in the implementation of different projects will ensure generous flow of more funds from donors, he said, adding that efforts were being made to ensure safe drinking water, sanitation facilities and hygiene in the quake-affected areas.