UNDP to restore basic energy to flood-hit areas

KARACHI: After receiving $2 million from COFRA Foundation, Switzerland, UNDP’s programme is working towards restoring the basic energy needs of the flood-affected people, announced a visiting UNDP delegation at the CM House on Saturday. The UNDP also suggested many proposals in this regard: provision of panels, water heaters and pumps propelled by solar energy to 105 most flood-affected areas of the country.

During the meeting with Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, the visiting delegation, which also included members of the British Red Cross, informed the meeting that it was the Sindh government which initiated efforts for the rehabilitation of flood survivors. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has generated financial assistance worth $1 billion in Pakistan, out of which $300 million have been provided to Sindh for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction works, the representatives said. The delegation was led by UNDP deputy programmes country director Jean Luc Stalon.

Meanwhile, the chief minister briefed the UNDP representatives about the post-flood situation in the province. He appreciated the role of the United Nations and specifically the efforts of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who urged the world to come forward and help the people of Pakistan. Fifty per cent of the victims are still facing hardships and are in the dire need of shelter, food and other relief goods, he informed the delegation. Shah supported the proposal of holding a seminar, jointly organised by the Sindh government and UNDP, and inviting representatives of foreign countries to participate.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2011.