CM Directs Inclusion of Disaster-Resilient Housing in Rs16 Billion Climate Resilience Project

GILGIT, Aug 06 (APP): Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Amjad Hussain was briefed by the Planning and Development Department on a Rs16 billion Climate Resilience Project being launched with the support of international development partners to strengthen climate resilience and improve public infrastructure across the region.

The briefing was informed that the project envisages a number of initiatives, including the construction of climate-resilient and environmentally friendly infrastructure, provision of safe drinking water, development of sewerage systems, and easy-access loan schemes for communities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said Gilgit-Baltistan was highly vulnerable to natural disasters, where cloudbursts and flash floods destroy homes every year. He said the provincial government had decided to ensure the construction of safe and disaster-resilient houses for people whose homes had been damaged or destroyed by natural calamities.

He said that with the support of the Federal Government a housing colony had been established last year for flood-affected families in Bubar, while 200 houses were currently being constructed for disaster-hit families with the assistance of the Government of Sindh. He emphasized that rehabilitation of disaster-affected communities and provision of safe shelter should remain a priority.

The Chief Minister directed the Planning and Development Department to incorporate a disaster-resilient housing component into the Climate Resilience Project and to initiate reconstruction and rehabilitation measures for houses damaged in disaster-prone areas after obtaining formal approval from the relevant steering committee.

To ensure transparent and effective implementation of the project, the Chief Minister also directed that the appointment of the Project Director be made strictly on merit through a transparent recruitment process. He stressed that qualified professionals from all relevant disciplines should be given an equal opportunity to compete so that the most competent candidate could be selected.

The Chief Minister said the project would not only improve the provision of essential public services but would also play a significant role in promoting economic activity and sustainable development in Gilgit-Baltistan.