A delegation of top American scientific experts led by National Academy of Sciences expert Melvyn Green arrived here on Monday to begin consultations with the government and scientific community regarding earthquake reconstruction policy and planning.
The team's goal is to assist the Pakistan government and scientific community to develop policies and strategic reconstruction plans to ensure that the massive loss of life attributable to inadequate construction methods, materials and codes does not recur.
The team members will draw on recent earthquake reconstruction experiences in India and Iran as well as the best US scientific and engineering resources.
With relief operations continuing, this USAID-funded initiative recognises the need to simultaneously focus on reconstruction planning and concerns.
On Monday, the delegation met Chairman Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) Lieutenant General Zubair, as well as senior officials including Secretary Ministry of Housing Abdur Rauf Chaudhry and Pakistan Engineering Council Chairman Dr Akram Sheikh.