Chinese firms to undertake urban development project

ISLAMABAD - Two leading Chinese firms would undertake the urban development projects in three quake affected cities Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Rawlakot. An umbrella contract for the AJK urban development project was signed here at Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) in presence of the President AJK Raja Zulqarnain, PM AJK Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob, Federal Minister for Kashmir and Northern Affairs (KANA) Qamar-uz-Zaman Kaira and Chinese ambassador H.E. Luo Zhaohui. The Contract was signed by representatives of two Chinese construction companies and ERRA deputy chairman Lt Gen Sajjad Akram.

In order to assist Pakistan to complete the development work in earthquake affected areas, China offered credit worth $300 million whereas Pakistan government contributed additional $53 Million to complete the reconstruction projects, said ERRA deputy chairman in his address to the ceremony. Meanwhile, for smooth and effective implementation of Muzaffarabad city development project, a steering committee has been constituted under deputy chairman of ERRA Lt Gen Sajjad Akram which has the mandate to give policy direction to project implementation. ERRA's Urban Development Programme aims at providing safe housing, improved city environment, modern physical and social infrastructures with a target to boost economic and social growth in the earthquake affected areas, said Akram.

He said for Muzaffarabad a fund of $190.62 million was allocated for completion of 90 projects. In Bagh 50 projects with the cost of $123.55 million whereas 30 projects in Rawlakot city with a cost of $38.83 million will be completed in next four and half years. These projects will provide all modern days facilities including construction of govt buildings, roads, bridges, shopping centers, satellite towns, play grounds, besides education and health facilities. Addressing the ceremony, ambassador of China; Luo Zhaohui said that 2005 earthquake was a great disaster in Pakistan's national history and Chinese government and people were always prepared to cooperate with people of Pakistan to mitigate the sufferings caused due to this great catastrophe.

Federal Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, hailed the ERRA and SERRA role for recovery and reconstruction efforts after devastating catastrophe. He acknowledged role of China in construction and development of various projects in Pakistan and AJK. "I assure you of full security and other support to complete targets and hope that this urban development project will bring positive change in the lives of the people of AJK," the Minister remarked.

Courtesy: Khalid Amin - The Daily Mail