The UK government is giving an extra £35 million to help people continuing to rebuild their lives after the devastating earthquake, which struck four years ago, its development agency DFID announced today.

UK assistance will be channelled through the government’s Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) and other frontline agencies.

The funds will go to completing the construction of earthquake resistant homes for nearly 200,000 people and 50 bridges connecting communities in the earthquake affected areas. UK support will also focus on helping to build 750 schools and give 90,000 children access to a safe learning environment so that they no longer have to rely on tented facilities.

This latest package of assistance from the UK is part of DFID’s ongoing commitment to helping the 3.5 million people affected by the disaster, bringing its total contribution for reconstruction and rehabilitation to £84 million.

Today, on the fourth year anniversary, George Turkington, Head of DFID’s country office in Pakistan visited new housing schemes and schools witnessing first hand the scale of the reconstruction efforts underway.

“Real progress has already been made and DFID is proud to be among those continuing to provide support,” comments George Turkington.

“Over 80% of homes to date have been rebuilt to seismic resistant standards. The government, donors and civil society have shown how much can be achieved working together and putting people at the centre of decision-making. This new funding will help to make sure local people see the same results in education and other priority areas.”

Lieutenant General Sajjad Akram, Deputy Chairman, ERRA, added on the occasion. “We are highly appreciative of DFID's continued support, which is having a significant impact on the lives of so many families affected by the 2005 earthquake. These additional funds will allow us to press ahead with the remaining tasks and further strengthen our excellent partnership to deliver for those in need.”

Notes for Editors

1. The Department for International Development is part of the UK government that manages Britain’s aid to poor countries and works to get rid of extreme poverty.

2. Over the next four years DFID is giving £665 million of assistance to Pakistan and by 2011 Pakistan will be the UK’s second largest development programme. Our priorities in Pakistan include improving access to better health and education, growth and jobs for poor people and making government more effective.

For further information, please contact:
DFID Pakistan Head of Communications on 051 201 2536

For further information about the British High Commission www.ukinpakistan.fco.gov.uk
For further information about DFID at www.dfid.gov.uk

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