ISLAMABAD, Jan 23: The United States Agency for International Development will construct over 60 schools, a hospital four rural health centres and 20 basic health units in 2006.

The USAID on Monday announced further details of the $200 million grant agreement signed by United States Under-Secretary of State R. Nicholas Burns and Pakistan Minister of State for Economic Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar on Jan 21.

USAID will work closely with the government to select schools to rebuild. In February, USAID will start construction on a middle school in Balakot, one of the most affected cities.

By October 2006, construction will begin on 60 more schools — 40 primary and middle schools and 20 high schools. USAID is supporting the building of schools and also training teachers who will work in them.

Construction will also begin this year on healthcare facilities, including a secondary hospital, four rural health centres and 20 basic health units.

To support these institutions, USAID plans to increase the capacity of healthcare professionals and healthcare systems in the affected areas.

The agreement was the US’ first tranche of $15 million toward the $200 million pledged for reconstruction efforts for rebuilding schools and hospitals destroyed by the earthquake and for reviving the livelihoods and systems needed for effective education and health care.

The United States’ earthquake reconstruction programme is in addition to the current five-year, $1.5 billion USAID programme which will continue to provide education, health, economic growth and governance support throughout Pakistan.—APP