‘Reconstruction drive for generating economic activities in quake-hit areas’
By Asad Cheema

ISLAMABAD—Advisor to PM on Finance and Economic Affairs Dr. Salman Shah has said the reconstruction drive will lead to revival of economic activities and strengthening of food, agriculture and livestock sectors in the quake affected areas.
He stated this in a meeting with 22-member Chinese delegation which is visiting under the leadership of Chen Jian, Assistant Minister of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce here Tuesday night.
Dr. Salman Shah said the people in affected areas need to start commercial activities in a way to resume their routine activities and take part in the reconstruction work. He said "We need to start entrepreneur type of activities in the quake affected areas where small and medium business should get momentum to fulfil the needs of the people.
There is also a need to start vocational training for the stakeholders to prepare the local population to take part in the reconstruction work of the affected areas, he added.
He said "we have to set up temporary schools to start imparting education to the school going children." Advisor to Prime Minister said "We will be looking forward to start reconstruction work and setting up of important infrastructure enabling the people to carry on their routine life activities. He said that assessment teams are sorting out details of losses through field work and a draft report is to be submitted to the government by November 5.
Dr. Salman Shah said "we need approximately $ 1.5 billion to $ 2 billion for providing food supply during next six to twelve months and an amount of $ 4 billion to $ 5 billion may be required for carrying out reconstruction and rehabilitation work in the affected areas over the next five years."
He said the government is also organizing an international donors conference here on November 19 to review the overall situation and formulate a strategy to mitigate the sufferings of the people. He said one of the biggest earthquake had inflicted huge losses in 30,000 square KM area of AJK and NWFP on October 8.
The quake has affected over three and a half million people and caused injuries to 75,000 people while death toll has increased to over 57,000 and this figure may enhance to 80,000.
He said the joint assessment teams of World Bank, Asian Development Bank and government institutions are making estimates of the losses and they will submit a draft report in this connection by Nov 5, 2005 to the government.
A large number of buildings including official and private have been damaged including school buildings, he said adding, road infrastructure has been badly damaged causing hinderance to the relief activities in the affected areas. Dr. Salman Shah said the affected areas are mountainous where temperature is dropping day by day and severe winter is approaching very fast which may prove very harmful if proper heating arrangements are not made for the affected people.
He said "We are running against time to provide shelter and food to the needy people."