Rehabilitation of IDPs, flood victims: government anticipates $700 million support

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar here on Tuesday chaired the Development Partners Conference to provide update on the findings of the recently concluded Recovery Need Assessment (RNA), besides securing support for the TDPs and flood affected people. The DFID, World Bank, ADB, EU, IDB, Japan, Italy and others affirmed support on the basis of the RNA. It may be added that an amount of $1.4 billion was initially estimated under RNA, while, so far, there is indication for assistance of $700 million.
The Finance Minister said that the Government of Pakistan (GOP) would spearhead the rehabilitation programme and all activities would be undertaken under the mechanisms already established to help people in calamity-hit areas, but efforts would be made to bring visible improvements. Dar said the estimates regarding damages and rehabilitation costs have not been carried out on mere conjectures; international agencies are also currently involved in Damage Need Assessment (DNA), which will take a couple of month to finalise on a fast track basis. The minister said the war on terror had taken a heavy toll on Pakistan's resources and the recurrent floods only added to its economic woes. Pakistan expected the international community to extend a helping hand in this hour of need. The participants were then given a comprehensive presentation regarding the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb and its financial implications. A short documentary on the Operation was also screened. Later, Chairman NDMA Major General Saeed Aleem briefed the Conference about the damages caused by floods in Punjab, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to the presentation given by the World Bank the Multi Donor Trust Fund shall help the IDPs in three phases: Relief that is ongoing, Return management and Recovery within 24 months, Reconstruction that is beyond 18 months. The delivery mechanisms will be cash compensation, livelihood restoration, infrastructure and rehabilitation and analytical and advisory services.
Werner Liepach of ADB in his presentation said, "In response to floods 2014 and natural disasters we want to support priority rehabilitation and reconstruction needs and enhance resilience to future disasters". ADB proposed establishment of a Pakistan Fund for Disaster Management in collaboration with GOP and the Donors. The Fund's scope of work shall be futuristic and will aim at reconstruction of the devastated areas and initiating the Livelihood and prevention programs to help the affected people.
The fund will also provide a common window to pool various resources, facilitate prioritisation of rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts and serve as a vehicle for donor co-ordination with reduced transaction cost. ADB shall provide loan to finance public infrastructure reconstruction needs of floods. The Finance Minister said this suggestion would be considered in the light of comments and opinion put forth by the development partners.
The Finance Minister at this juncture invited the donors for their comments and opinion on information shared with them regarding requirement for rehabilitation work. He emphasised an effective oversight mechanism including donors/development partners ensuring complete transparency and accountability in all rehab activities. The Finance Minister also appreciated the hard work put in by the officials of the Economic Affairs Division for organising the conference in a befitting manner.-PR