Concern's plans for earthquake region
Sunday, 1 October 2006
Concern is focussing its recovery and rehabilitation programmes in Mansehra, the worst hit district in North West Frontier Province. Working with Mansehra based organization HAASHAR Association, the major focus will be working directly with affected communities to help them back to sustainable and independent living.
Helping people rebuild their lives
We have compiled a three year programme which addresses post-earthquake early recovery and longer term rehabilitation needs. Our focus is on advancing the 'building blocks' necessary for long term development: housing, healthcare and the tools necessary for economic development.
We are working with communities to encourage their participation in the decision making processes, increase their understanding of environmental management and help them plan for future emergencies to minimise their impact. As with all of our work, we focus on the poorest people in the poorest communities.
Livelihoods
Our livelihood support programme aims to help people return to a self-sufficient way of life. We are working with communities to rejuvenate local economies through the revival of agriculture and livestock, and develop small businesses and trading to create employment opportunities.
Water and sanitation
We will establish clean water supplies to local communities, repair damaged latrines and construct new ones where needed. We will also establish an education programme on hygiene and primary health issues.
Housing and shelter
Concern has decided to concentrate on livelihoods rehabilitation rather than a major house rebuilding project as the Pakistani government is concentrating on house reconstruction. However, we are providing communities with re-usable shelter materials, including corrugated iron sheets, nails, nuts, bolts, a toolkit and some cash support for construction. These materials can be used both as temporary shelters and also as part of more permanent house reconstruction.
Infrastructure and Environment
We will repair and reconstruct infrastructure, concentrating on irrigation channels and roads. We will also prepare and plant of thousands of acres of land which will benefit farming and agriculture, and minimise the impact of future disasters.
