Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday directed Chairman Earthquake and Reconstruction Authority (Erra) to focus on completion of ongoing projects followed by operational plans to benefit people traumatised after devastating earthquake in October 2005. The Prime Minister said this while addressing the 13th convention of the Erra Council 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 Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and AJK. The Prime Minister said despite the recent destruction cause by rains in Sindh, his government's commitment 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 percent 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.