Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza has fixed June 30 as deadline for initiation of all those projects, which could not start due to non-availability of land. He directed both the Pakhtunkhwa as well as the AJK governments to ensure that requisite lands are provided for the projects till June 30, else these projects (18 in Pakhtunkhwa and 9 in AJK) would be dropped and deleted from the reconstruction strategy.
The PM further asked the Pakhtunkhwa and AJK governments to take responsibility of the completed projects and ensure their sustainability particularly in the health and education sectors. The recurring expenditures of the completed projects, he said would be borne by the respective governments. He directed both the governments to complete requisite formalities and settle the issues for the completion of projects in urban areas.
He particularly referred to New Balakot, Bakrial and Muzafarabad in this context. He directed that all efforts in this regard should be made on war footings and accordingly, Erra be kept updated with the progress so that these projects could be completed at the earliest. The Prime Minister was chairing the 12th Erra Council meeting at the PM's House Saturday.
While lauding the role of Erra, he said that the government from the very first day was committed to the renewal of livelihood and re-establishment of infrastructure in the earthquake affected areas. The progress made in the two years period is remarkable, he added, which shows the focused nature of government's resolve.
He noted with satisfaction that master plans of all cities have been finalised and approved by Ecnec. He also expressed satisfaction over the completion of 50 percent on New Balakot City Development Project - Phase I and on the signing of contract with the Chinese contractors for undertaking Urban Development Projects of AJ&K. The Prime Minister said the government accords top priority to the health and education sectors and physical targets achieved by Erra were well up to the mark.
He asked the authority to bring further improvement in these areas. The PM said the government would restore the schools through pre-fabricated structures and continue provision of education services, proved critical to maintain the education cycle to save students' academic year.
Gilani observed that seismically resistant reconstruction of schools has raised the confidence and satisfaction level of the parents, which restored and increased enrolment, besides creating an enabling environment for learning. Trained staff is enhancing confidence and health awareness among communities, he added. He lauded the timely interventions by Erra, which prevented the outbreak of any epidemic.
Expressing satisfaction over the complete restoration of electricity in the affected areas, the Prime Minister said that it would significantly contribute in normalising people's lives and the local economy besides facilitating the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.-PR