Repatriation: Shelters built for IDPs returning to South Waziristan

The Norwegian Refugee Council makes 50 permanent one-room shelters for IDP families returning to Ladha.

PESHAWAR:

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has completed 50 permanent one-room shelters for internally displaced families returning to Ladha, South Waziristan, said a statement issued by the NGO.

The Oslo-based international humanitarian organisation is in the process of building 225 shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs) returning to damaged homes.  Most IDPs were previously living in camps across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Each shelter contains kitchen and toilet facilities, and has been furnished. The NRC has also provided furniture – including desks for students and teachers – to eight government-run schools in these villages for approximately 750 students.

Currently, the NRC is focusing its efforts in Inzar Killay, Miziwam, Karloraghazai, Kazakas, Zaghbirwam and Ghurlam villages located in Kotkai. Most of these have been destroyed in military and militant combat.

The project is funded by the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection. It was launched after conducting door-to-door surveys in the areas where the shelters are being constructed.

NRC Country Director Saeedullah Khan explained the organisation will also start “livelihood projects” in various parts of K-P for IDPs.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2013.