The Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (Erra) on Saturday started the disbursement of housing compensation to the survivors in the earthquake-hit areas.
The Erra Deputy Chairman Major General Nadeem Ahmad distributed cheques for Rs 75,000 each among 50 quake-survivors of Ghani Abad and Makhdoom-Koth in a ceremony held in Bagh on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering, he said Erra had started giving compensation money to the affected people for the reconstruction of their houses after complete assessment.
He assured that Erra would provide every possible support to the affected people of quake-hit areas. He said Erra had started payment well before due time as it started distribution of compensation amount on April 15 instead of proposed April 17.
General Nadeem appreciated the contribution of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) to the housing assessment and sponsorship programme.
He said efforts would be made to further strengthen the partnership established with PPAF and NRSP. He said the Erra had planned 11 different programmes out of which in its first phase the authority would, after approval from the President and the Prime Minister, particularly focus on four major areas including livelihood, housing, and health and education sectors.
He advised the local communities of affected areas to contact with Housing Reconstruction Center and mobile training teams of NRSP for getting assistance for the reconstruction of seismically safe houses.
General Nadeem Ahmad said under livelihood programme, special compensation of Rs 3,000 per month will be provided in next six months to those families having destroyed houses.
He said the priority would be widows, families with disabled members, orphans or those having no way of income. He added that most deserving families would get compensation for next one year.
He said the quake victims could register their concerns with Grievances Redressal System established to address their complaints.
He said Pak army contributed a lot in the relief operation and also appreciated the exemplary role of local community who fully supported and helped during relief work.
Chief Executive Officers of PPAF and NRSP and community leader Maulana Kabir also spoke on the occasion.