Islamabad: An important meeting was convened by the Federal Minister for Planning, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, focusing on the ongoing rehabilitation efforts in the flood-affected regions of Balochistan. The session, under the banner of the Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project (IFRAP), addressed the urgent need for completing reconstruction projects swiftly to aid the displaced and affected communities.
According to Press Information Department, the meeting reviewed both the current state of the affected areas and the progress of the rehabilitation activities. Mr. Iqbal emphasized the federal government’s commitment to rebuild at least 400 houses in each affected area and underscored the importance of providing comprehensive educational and healthcare services during the reconstruction phase. He assured full cooperation with the provincial government to facilitate these efforts.
The discussion also touched upon the broader impacts of infrastructure improvements, recalling the significant reduction in travel time between Gwadar and Quetta from the construction of a major roadway during the previous government’s tenure from 2013-2018. This development was highlighted as a catalyst for local economic opportunities and is a model for the current rehabilitation efforts which also aim to improve local employment through agricultural and irrigation projects.
Furthermore, Mr. Iqbal expressed concern over the delayed start of the National Highway Authority’s Emergency Build Assistance Project, which has consequently tripled in cost. He stressed the necessity of enhanced coordination and communication between the IFRAP project team, local authorities, and the communities to ensure transparent and timely completion of the development projects.
The meeting concluded with a call for the active involvement of local communities in the ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, which are vital for ensuring the projects’ success and sustainability.