ERRA FORMED IN CHARGE OF REBUILDING DAMAGED INFRASTRUCTURE

    The Pakistani government has established an Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA), with Lt. Gen. Muhammad Zubair as its chairman to rebuild the damaged infrastructure in the quake-affected areas, including roads, bridges, houses, government buildings, schools and private buildings.

    The local government facilities and infrastructure had been totally damaged in the quake-stricken areas of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and NWFP, with initial estimates showing around 5 billion dollars loss in terms of infrastructure destruction.     

    PM PROMISES PROPER SUPPLY OF RELIEF GOODS TO QUAKE VICTIMS

    Prime Minister Aziz Saturday urged the Federal Relief Commission to ensure proper supply of relief goods among victims of the quake-stricken areas according to their need through coordinated efforts.

    The prime minister stressed the need for enhancing the coordination between the government, private organizations and foreign agencies to give further impetus to rescue and relief efforts.

    He said as relief assistance is flowing into the earthquake-hit areas in large quantities from around the country and abroad, there is a need to adopt a coordinated and planned way for its proper distribution.

    The prime minister said the Commission should identify the needs of the people and review the daily supply and then prepare plans to fulfil the needs of the people in the affected areas to avoid superfluous of the relief goods.     

    PAKISTAN OFFERS 90-DAY FREE LANDING PERMIT FOR RELIEF WORKERS

    The Interior Ministry has offered a three-month gratis visa/landing permit to all relief workers/doctors arriving from abroad whose intent is to participate in relief activities in the quake-hit areas.

    The facility has become valid with immediate effect.

    Meanwhile, the United Nations has arranged an international donors conference to be held within a week in Geneva to discuss the earthquake in Pakistan. Enditem