press releases
Removing Rubble and Building Incomes
02/14/2006Islamabad – Many roads in the mountainous terrain of northern Pakistan were severely damaged by the 7.6 magnitude earthquake last October, and the recurring landslides that followed caused further deterioration. As the reconstruction phase of the overall relief effort begins, road transport will replace airlifts as the primary means of getting needed supplies and manpower to quake-affected areas for reconstruction of houses, schools, hospitals and institutions. Ensuring that roads are open and safe for passage is vital to this effort.
To help prepare roads for reconstruction efforts, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supports cash-for-work programs that help households increase incomes by creating employment opportunities for the affected population.
Men at the Mehra Tent Camp in the Allai Valley receive approximately $5.00 per day to keep roads and paths clear from the camp to the Allai sub-district. As a result, roads in the area are kept clear, supplies can be carried up the mountains and transportation of goods delivered on tractors and trucks is now much easier.
Through cash-for-work programs such as this rubble removal project, USAID is helping those affected by the earthquake generate income while helping their neighbors recover and rebuild.
The United States, through USAID, is providing more than $1.5 billion in development assistance to Pakistan over the next five years to improve education, health, governance and economic growth. In addition, the United States has pledged a total of $510 million in earthquake relief and reconstruction efforts to assist the people of Pakistan and to support Pakistani government efforts.