PM directs Chairman ERRA to complete ongoing projects
ISLAMABAD, Sept 30 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani directed Chairman Earthquake and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA) to focus on completion of ongoing projects followed by operational plans to benefit people traumatized after devastating earthquake in October 2005. The Prime Minister said this while addressing the 13th convention of the ERRA Council here on Friday at Prime Minister Secretariat. The Prime Minister said that today’s meeting was unique in its composition with representation from Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Gilgit/Baltistan in addition to existing members from Kyber-Pakhtunkhwa and AJK.
 The Prime Minister said despite the recent destruction caused by rains in Sindh, his government’s committment to the reconstruction of the earthquake affected areas remained unwavering and it would provide requisite resources despite financial constraints.
 The Prime Minister said it was encouraging to know that 55 per cent of the total portfolio had been completed and 29 per cent projects were at various stages of completion.
 The Prime Minister commended efforts of the people of Pakistan, global partners and the world community at large that rose to the occasion to help in “Building Back Better” mission.
 The Prime Minister asked the Finance Minister Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh to resolve the issues relating to the provision of funds to the ERRA keeping in view the imperatives of cost-effectiveness and development strategy specific to earthquake areas.
 The Prime Minister appreciated the acknowledgement by the UK Accreditation Services and conferment of UN Sasakawa Award 2011 to ERRA.
 The Minister for Finance while speaking on the occasion urged ERRA to devise strategy keeping in view the financial resources position and it should avoid in taking up such ambitious projects, maintenance of which may become unbearable burden for the respective provincial governments.
 The Finance Minister said to the ERRA authorities to bring next time lists of completed projects in education and health sectors along with the incumbents working there so to have a fair idea about the utilization of projects.
“The projects should be people friendly”, the Finance Minister observed.
 Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Abdul Majid Chaudhry said he would ensure that the recurring expenditures after the completion of the projects by ERRA were met by his government and no amount of austerity measures would come in the way of the projects meant for the people.
 Minister for Industries Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Ahmed Hassan Shah after extending his felicitations to the Prime Minister for holding successful All Parties Conference said the provincial government had restored the educational, health and infrastructure facilities in the earthquake areas. He said it had also upgraded many schools and health units in those areas to provide quality facilities to people.
 The minister said the government would formulate a policy containing the operational plan and also maintenance of such projects which constitute priority of the government.
 The Deputy Chairman of ERRA gave presentation about the projects completed by ERRA and others that were at various stages of completion.
Regarding building of new city of Balakot as a Flagship Project, the Chairman apprised the Council that there were some problems relating to the land acquisitions which were hampering the progress.
The Prime Minister directed the Finance Minister, KPK Minister for Industries and Chairman ERRA to resolve the issue and put the project back on track expeditiously.
 The Council approved that the shifting of Muzaffarabad-Athmuqam road project be taken up at ECNEC for their deliberation and decision.
 The Council approved that the Minister For Finance, KPK Minister for Industries, Sardar Shah Jehan Yousaf MNA and Chairman ERRA will decide the payment of last tranche of housing subsidy for Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund cases.
 Earlier, the Chairman said that there were 3700 educational facilities yet to be built with the funds provided by the Government of Pakistan. He urged the Council to provide special funds as education was a priority.
 The meeting was also attended by Senator Nayyer Hussain Bokhari, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, Mahboobullah Jan MNA and senior officials of the provincial and federal governments.