Friday, October 1, 2010

Geo436.com blog: Pakistan, UN launch 120 million dollar flood victim scheme

Geo436 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Friday launched a 120 million dollar programme to help people rebuild their lives following the country”s recent devastating floods.

“The one-year programme, which is part of a broader UN emergency response plan, aims at restoring livelihoods through job creation, repairing basic community infrastructure,” the UN agency said in a statement.

The United Nations has issued a record two-billion-dollar appeal for funds to cope with the disaster, which UN agencies say affected 21 million people and left 12 million in need of emergency food aid.

“There is not a moment to lose. It is critical that winter crops are planted so that millions of farmers do not become dependent on food,” said the statement, quoting UNDP country director Toshihiro Tanaka.

“Jobs need to be created through cash-for-work schemes so that affected communities start to become self-reliant,” it said, adding: “early recovery is crucial for the country”s long-term development.

The programme aims to revive livelihoods across 39 of the most affected districts by offering grants to 2,500 small and home-based businesses.

People affected by floods will also be provided agricultural goods, including seeds and fertilizers, and creating temporary work to repair roads, water facilities and protection walls.

The programme will also support efforts to restore basic and critical community infrastructure and services.


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