Govt committed to reconstruction of earthquake-hit areas: Gilani
ISLAMABAD, Oct 5 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said that the government was committed to the reconstruction  of earthquake affected areas and would provide all resources in that regard despite financial constraints. Speaking at the inauguration of a photo exhibition organized by the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) and USAID here, he said, “I am glad to inform that since the earthquake of 8th October 2005, ERRA and its partners have been up to the task and made major strides in restoring the infrastructure.”
Fifty-five percent of the total portfolio has been accomplished and 29 percent projects are at various stages of construction, he said, adding that education and health facilities were the worst hit as the buildings were razed to rubble following the earthquake.
 Gilani stressed that reconstructing those sectors had been the top most priority of the government.
 The Prime Minister mentioned the 13th ERRA Council meeting chaired by him a few days ago, which was attended by the  representatives of all federating units, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan.
 The high-powered meeting demonstrated the commitment of government that it would not rest until the objective of complete rehabilitation of the earthquake victims is not achieved, he added.
He said that over 1600 projects had been added since last Council meeting of ERRA and out of these, about 900 were educational structures.
 So far, projects and programmes of worth rupees 365 billion have been completed, the Prime Minister said and added that ERRA, however, still needed to stay the course and make more sustained efforts to complete the remaining projects worth rupees 100 billion pertaining to educational facilities.
 The Prime Minister said photos at the exhibition reminded people of the tragedy that the nation faced but also marked its resilience and sincerity of friends across the world.
 “On the fateful day of 8th October 2005, everything including human lives, buildings and infrastructure was destroyed in a spur of moment.    
 “Under the trying conditions, the people across the world, civil society and the international community rose to the occasion,” he recalled.
 The Prime Minister said the world came forward with a profound sense of commitment to help the affected people and to undertake task of rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the earthquake affected people.
The massive support and the untiring efforts of friends will always be remembered with a deep sense of gratitude by the people of Pakistan, he said, adding that the way the world community came forward in aid of the millions of affected people in a spirit of sacrifice and humanitarian gesture, reinforced belief in the bright future of humanity without any discrimination.
 Gilani extended his deep gratitude to the people of United States, who through USAID,  generously contributed 200 million dollars for rebuilding schools and health facilities destroyed by the earthquake.
The United States along with international donors provided medical and social relief that helped 2.6 million survivors in their endeavours to return to their normal life, he added.The Prime Minister congratulated development partners, international
 community and governments of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and
 ERRA for their accomplishments.
The education sector is top priority of the government and ERRA and its development partners have also given it due importance, he observed.
 He expressed delight at the state-of-the-art educational facilities constructed by the USAID. “This is a testament of United States’ keen interest in the long-term support of the affected communities.”
 Gilani said these facilities would build a generation of educated Pakistanis, which would hold promise of prosperity for the generations to come.”As such, it will go a long way towards building lasting relations between the two nations.”
 As the 6th anniversary of October 8 earthquake approaches, Gilani said, “let us resolve to Build Back Better. Let us turn this great tragedy into a great opportunity. Let us reconstruct hope and optimism.”
 The Prime Minister gave away prizes to students of schools built in earthquake hit areas for their inspiring drawings.
 The Prime Minister also inaugurated the exhibition and took a round of  the photo gallery.
 He said, “I am touched by speeches and drawings of students. The images placed here are reflective of their inspirational journey of resilience and show their determination to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. This gives us renewed sense of commitment to fulfill our promise of rebuilding what was lost.”
 Chairman of ERRA Hamid Yar Hiraj and Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy Richard Hoagland also spoke on the occasion and appreciated the PPP government for its support for the rehabilitation and reconstruction projects.
 Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan, AJK President Sardar Yaqoob Khan, Member of National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Deputy Chairman of ERRA Lt. General Sardar Mahmood Ali Khan attended the event.