Mitigating Measures: ERRA chief calls for implementing of building codes

ISLAMABAD:

Almost eight years have passed since the devastating October 8, 2005 earthquake, however Azad Jammu and Kashmir are yet to be fully redeveloped. The reason for this is ‘slow release of funds’, according to the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (Erra) chief. 

Of the 14,000 projects approved, 9,500 different structures such as buildings, schools, hospitals have reached completion whereas 2,500 are still in the pipeline, stated Erra Deputy Chairman Major-General Azeem Asif on Tuesday. He further informed that Erra has reconstructed 600,000 shock-proof houses in disaster-prone areas across Pakistan.

At a workshop titled Implementation of Building Code for Disaster Risk Reduction, Asif said the pace of redevelopment is dependant on funding as well as the nature of the project. “After any mega disaster in the world, it takes up to 10-15 years to reconstruct and rehabilitate the region” said Asif.

Highlighting the importance of adhering to building codes for reducing danger during natural disasters, he said these codes were essential for reconstruction and the public needs to be informed of their value at all levels.

Regarding the merger between Erra and the National Disaster Management Authority, he said he was clueless about it, adding that both bodies had autonomous roles to play and operate in different areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2013.