MANSEHRA, April 28: The Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (Erra) Deputy Chairman Lt-Gen Nadeem Ahmad has said that Pakistan Army will wind up its operation by June 30, 2008 in the earthquake-affected areas of NWFP and Azad Kashmir.

“Following the completion of relief and rescue operation, Pakistan Army was deployed to carry out survey of the damaged houses and issue memorandum of understanding to the victim families and the army had completed its 90 percent task and remaining would be completed till June 30.”

He said this while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the government high school Chattar Plane, some 60 km north of here on Monday. Mr Nadeem also spoke to media on the occasion.

Country Director of South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund (SAERF) Ms Avigail Ziv, Managing Director of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund Kamal Hayat and USAID representative Robert McLeod were also present on the occasion.

Left-Gen Nadeem Ahmad said that Erra’s ongoing activities would not be affected after the departure of the army from the authority as it would continue its operation until the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the October 8, 2005 earthquake survivors and damaged infrastructure was complete. “I am sure Erra would complete its mandate till 2011.”

Lt-Gen Nadeem paid rich tributes to the international community and national and international NGOs for their efforts for the survivors and Pakistan in the critical juncture of the nation, saying, “International community should continue its help until all the survivors are rehabilitated.”

He said that health centres and educational institutions had been rebuilt and urged the people of the area, including teachers and students, to discharge their duties with dedication to take the country forward.

Speaking on the occasion, Country Director of SAERF Ms Avigail Ziv assured the survivors of continued support. She saluted the courage of the October 8, 2005 earthquake survivors, who did not lose their courage and stood firm against all odds of the tragedy. She said that SAERF focused its efforts on health and education sectors assigning funds for health centres, schools and water supply system along with complementary programmes that would improve the life of the survivors.

Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund Kamal Hayat said that in recognition of PPAF’s efforts and interaction with the local communities in the earthquake-affected areas of NWFP and Azad Kashmir, SAERF awarded PPAF $12 million for the reconstructions of 16 educational and health facilities, including two primary and three high schools for girls.