Press Release

4 October 2006

UK Announces allocation of further £44 million for earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation

Gareth Thomas, Minister for International Development, today announced that the UK will make another £9 million available for reconstruction and rehabilitation following the earthquake in Pakistan. £1.5 million of this will be used to help affected communities cope with problems faced in winter, including the rapid onset of diseases such as measles and pneumonia, which could affect up to 4 million people in the earthquake area. The funding is from a total of £44 million intended for the next two years.

Last year DFID pledged a total of £70 million for reconstruction and rehabilitation. £5 million has already been spent on rebuilding critical bridges, training teachers and administrators to support the rebuilding of education in the affected areas, and TB prevention and mental health. Gareth Thomas announced the release of further funds in Islamabad, during his visit to Pakistan, after signing an agreement with Ms Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State, Economic Affairs Division. The latest £44 million, will be spent over the next two years, with the final £21 million of the £70 million being allocated in a year’s time.

The rest of the £9 million will help Pakistan monitor its reconstruction programme and help reduce the impact of future disasters in the region. The remaining £35 million is intended for direct support to the Government of Pakistan’s Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority for their reconstruction priorities.

Gareth Thomas said:

“Following the success of getting emergency supplies to those most in need after the earthquake, it is important to maintain the momentum and ensure that the longer term needs of those affected by the earthquake are met.

“The UK is committed to working with the Government of Pakistan and international organisations to help rebuild schools, provide clean drinking water and build better homes to withstand future shocks. Our long term support will help those people worst affected to build a better future”.

The UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), is one of the ‘group of seven’ large donors working with the Government of Pakistan to help meet the earthquake recovery challenge. DFID will play a major role during reconstruction, both as a trusted partner of the Government and as one of the largest bilateral donors.

Notes to Editors

1. Gareth Thomas is MP for Harrow West in London. He is visiting Pakistan from 4-5 October during which time he will travel to earthquake affected areas and speak to community groups, NGOs and senior officials of the Government of Pakistan.

2. In the last three years DFID’s development assistance with Pakistan has increased substantially. This year DFID expects to spend around £100 million as part of a £236 million commitment between 2006-2008.

3. To find out more about DFID’s work in Pakistan please visit our Pakistan Country profile page or call the press office in London on 020 7023 0600 (24 hour number).

4. In response to the devastating earthquake of October 2005, the Department for International Development gave £54 million for immediate humanitarian assistance, and committed a further £70 million over three years to help with long term reconstruction and rehabilitation. DFID played a vital role in the immediate response to the disaster, sending out the first search and rescue team to start work in Pakistan and, working with more than 30 organisations on the ground, providing essential supplies and support over the following months to cope with the aftermath. DFID’s humanitarian contribution helped to provide:

• UK Search and Rescue teams - 84 experts with 4 dogs – who rescued 13 of the total 24 survivors pulled from the rubble;
• Relief supplies including 9,000 winter tents, 165,000 tarpaulins, 40,000 sleeping mats and 204,000 blankets;
• More than £10 million to support essential United Nations (UN) operations in areas with limited road access, including a cash grant, staff support, three Chinook helicopters and four Mi-8 helicopters;
• £13 million to non-governmental organisations such as Christian Aid, Islamic Relief, Merlin, World Vision, Oxfam and Save the Children for shelters, stoves, blankets, safe water, latrines and healthcare;
• more than £4 million for 73 flights to help these organisations and the British Red Cross to fly relief items out to Pakistan;
• £19.5 million to UN agencies for activities ranging from food distribution and shelter to helicopter and plane logistics and co-ordination activities;
• £6.5 million to the Red Cross for a wide range of assistance; and
• a team of 89 Royal Engineer Commandos worked with Pakistani guides to reach remote mountain villages and build winter shelters.

For further information, contact 020 7023 0600, e-mail pressoffice@dfid.gov.uk  or call our Public Enquiries Point on 0845 300 4100.

DFID News is available on our website at www.dfid.gov.uk