ERRA urged to expedite work in quake-hit areas
By Khalid Amin

ISLAMABAD—Minister for Political Affairs,Eng. Amir Muqam has urged the high ups of Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) to expedite work on the ongoing projects in the quake-affected areas.
Speaking to a meeting at ERRA’s office here on Saturday, he said that payment of amount to the quake-victims for construction of houses should also be ensured before the coming winter so that the people could complete construction of their houses.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Yaqub Khan, Nazims and elected representatives of the five affected districts- Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Abbottabad and Mansehra. Deputy Chairman ERRA, Lt.Gen. Mohammad Nadeem told the meeting that an amount of Rs 45 billion has so far been distributed among the quake-victims.
He said that under the Livelihood programme, Rs 93 million has been spent on education sector while Rs 395 million has been spent on construction of roads in the quake-hit areas. Mohammad Nadeem further said that Rs 400 million has been spent on electricity projects while Rs 340 million on water and sanitation projects.
He told the meeting that an ERRA strategy was being made to expedite the pace of work on the ground, adding that it would help early completion of the ongoing projects. The Minister said that the local people of the affected areas should be given concession in ERRA’s design rules to construct their houses according to their requirements.
Amir Muqam said that the construction of 22 kilometer international standard road in the affected areas would help the local population in their communication facilities. He said that following the completion of ongoing projects in health, education, communication and other sectors in the quake-hit areas would bring prosperity and development in the areas.
Appreciating the role of ERRA for carrying out development projects in the quake-hit areas, the minister called for consultation of elected representatives in construction and early completion of the projects.