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A press briefing was held at ERRA Headquarters Islamabad on January 28, 2010 to update the media on progress made by ERRA in its reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. Altaf Muhammad Saleem, Chairman ERRA and Lt Gen Sajjad Akram, Deputy Chairman ERRA gave a comprehensive briefing to the journalists and media persons. On this occasion the Chairman apprised the participants about various issues causing delay in the completion of reconstruction projects. He said that non-availability of quality contractors, lack of technical and skilled human resources as well as inhospitable weather and terrain are the major factors responsible for slow pace of work. He added that now that ERRA is working with valuable experience, gained during the last four years, important policy decisions have been taken to speed up the reconstruction work. Continued support and cooperation of Federal, State and Provincial governments has also been instrumental in accelerating the pace of the work. He told the press reporters that the successful completion of Rural Housing Programme and fully functional health facilities like CMH Muzaffarabad speak of ERRA’s commitment and dedication.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chairman ERRA, Lt Gen Sajjad Akram said that this month ECNEC has approved four ERRA projects including AJ&K University Muzaffarabad Campus and Rawlakot Campus worth Rs 1.318 billion and Rs.1.459 billion respectively. He informed that Muzaffarabad District Complex, which is now fully functional, is providing services to people under one roof.

The Deputy Chairman further added that 5361 out of over 13000 projects have so far been completed, while 4,166 are under construction, which are likely to be completed in near future, and remaining 3419 are at tendering and designing stages. He further said that all projects will be completed by December 2011 except Urban Development projects. Talking about the amount disbursed to the affectees, he said that over Rs 70 billion had been distributed for reconstruction of rural houses, besides skills development of over 2,50,000 people.