The final stretch: Rehabilitation of IDPs in full swing

Roads connecting Tirah, Orakzai and Kurram almost complete

PESHAWAR: An initial instalment of Rs5 billion of total funds for the repatriation and rehabilitation of displaced people from tribal areas was received by the FATA Secretariat.

This was stated in a handout issued on Sunday. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan chaired a high-level meeting to review progress on aid packages.

According to the document, a comprehensive development programme was devised for the repatriation and rehabilitation of tribespeople who were displaced during the recent military operations against terrorists.

“The owners of completely damaged houses would receive Rs0.4 million as compensation while the owners of partially damaged houses would get Rs0.16 million,” said the handout. It further stated that a committee comprising political administration officials, personnel from law-enforcement agencies and tribespeople was established to conduct surveys, estimate the damage and ensure transparency in the transfer of funds.

According to the handout, after the completion of surveys in Shalobar and Qamber Khel tehsils of Bara, Khyber Agency, work commenced in Tirah V alley. “Besides the transfer of Rs5 billion to the FATA Secretariat, the FATA Disaster Management Authority distributed 390 shelter repair kits, 470 roof kits and 65 shelters in Tirah Valley,” it read.



“Development in Tirah can be judged from the fact that a blacktopped road is being constructed that connects Bagh Maidan in Tirah to Daboori in Orakzai Agency,” said the document.  The road would be the first of its kind in the tribal areas. “Tirah Valley will also be linked with Kurram Agency through Bagh Maidan -Haider Kundaw Road and to Peshawar through Tirah Maidan - Dawtoi Road, both of which are nearing their completion.”

According to the handout, 200 levies personnel were recruited to enforce law and order in Tirah. Moreover, financial assistance to open new schools and health facilities is also being provided. “FATA Education Foundation has received funds to open more schools,” stated the handout.

The governor expressed satisfaction over the development initiatives taken in the tribal belt — especially Tirah Valley — and pledged that the tribal people would be given all possible support. He hoped he would be able to reciprocate the sacrifices of the tribespeople.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 31st, 2015.