The Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) on IDPs has approved in-principle Rs 86.215 billion for the development of social, physical infrastructure and productive sectors for the second phase of reconstruction and rehabilitation in Malakand Division. This decision was taken in the meeting of the committee chaired by the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at PM house here on Friday.
The Committee discussed the next phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction in Swat and Malakand Division and gave approval in-principle of Rs 86.215 billion for the development of social, physical infrastructure and productive sectors for the second phase of reconstruction and rehabilitation in the area. This amount also includes Rs 15.891 billion for the development of Fata. Out of the amount of Rs 86.215 billion, Rs 6620 million would be spent on Housing, Rs 5484 million on Education, Rs 1528 million on Health, Rs 313 million on Water and Sanitation, Rs 1865 million on Energy and Rs 920 million on Infrastructure Development.
The meeting was informed that 348 schools demolished, destroyed or damaged by the terrorists would be reconstructed.
The meeting was informed that during his visit to Peshawar the Prime Minister had announced Rs 25 billion for the strengthening and capacity building of Law Enforcement Agencies. First instalment of Rs 6 billion was released on 21st July 2009. This amount would be spent for the creation of additional posts, provision of Special Risk Allowance for Malakand Division, Creation of posts of Special Police Force, Purchase of APCs, Recruitment of Ex-army servicemen, procurement of arms and ammunition, transport and infrastructure development of police, Frontier Constabulary, Frontier Corps and Levies as well as the purchase of land for setting up of Elite School in Mansehra.
The meeting was informed that NWFP Home Department has demanded Rs 119 million for providing compensation to the families of dead and injured from the first instalment of Rs 6 billion. Out of the total amount Rs 476 million would be given to them for the purpose in four instalments.
The Prime Minister directed the concerned departments to take immediate steps towards providing sufficient safeguards against weather related emergencies as children and women were more vulnerable in such conditions. He said communication network in these areas has been substantially damaged which needs immediate attention for ensuring smooth food supplies during winters.
The Prime Minister emphasised that adherence to financial discipline and meeting the timeline were the deciding factors for the success of any project. He underlined the need to restore public confidence through provision of essential public services at their doorstep.
The Prime Minister said that estimates of losses compiled and the extent of damaged caused to the public and private properties should be conducted in the troubled areas where limited access was available to the surveyors and others involved in the collection of data.
The Prime Minister was apprised about the details regarding damages and destruction of houses, schools, hospitals, public and private buildings, livestock, agriculture, orchards and other private businesses to make the assessment meaningful. The Prime Minister said, "We are all aware that transport, agriculture, livestock and private businesses were worst hit as people had to leave their crops, orchards and private businesses in a very short time. To avert economic catastrophe an immediate plan for rehabilitation of people related to these sectors needs to be taken through short and medium term measures."
The meeting was briefed on the status of the Damage Needs Assessment (DNA). The DNA process was initiated in June 2009 and sector-wise teams were constituted in the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, who also trained a team of departmental focal persons from NWFP. The meeting also offered fateha for those who lost their lives in Friday's bomb blast in Peshawar.-PR