Govt announces 200 new homes for flood victims
200 new homes planned
The government has announced a major housing initiative for Gilgit-Baltistan flood victims who lost their homes in natural disasters.
Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate said 200 new homes are being built with support from the Sindh government. The houses will be designed to provide better protection against future disasters.
The initiative is part of wider flood relief Pakistan efforts aimed at helping families recover after losing their homes and belongings.
Officials said the new homes for flood victims will focus on safety and better construction standards. The aim is to reduce the risk of homes being destroyed again during floods, cloudbursts and other emergencies.
Rs16 billion project
The chief minister was briefed about a Rs16 billion climate resilience project being launched with donor support.
The project will include several measures to deal with climate change and natural disasters. These include environment-friendly construction, clean drinking water, improved sewage systems and loans on easier terms.
The climate resilience project is also expected to improve basic facilities in areas facing high disaster risks.
Officials said the plan could help reduce difficulties faced by Gilgit-Baltistan flood victims while also preparing communities for future emergencies.
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Safer housing becomes a priority
Amjad Hussain said Gilgit-Baltistan is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Cloudbursts, floods and other incidents regularly damage homes and infrastructure across the region.
He said affected families should not simply receive temporary assistance. They should be provided with safe and durable housing.
Under the plan, new homes for flood victims will be built to provide stronger protection against natural hazards.
The chief minister also recalled that a residential colony was established for flood victims in Bobar last year with federal government support.
This year, another 200 houses are being constructed with assistance from the Sindh government. The move is expected to strengthen Gilgit-Baltistan housing support for disaster-hit families.
Relief to include basic facilities
The chief minister said flood relief Pakistan measures should go beyond rebuilding houses.
He stressed that affected families also need clean water, proper sanitation, secure housing and opportunities to earn a living.
He directed officials to formally include safe housing for disaster-hit people in the climate resilience project.
Immediate steps were also ordered for rebuilding houses damaged by natural disasters. The required approval will be obtained from the relevant steering committee.
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Merit and transparency ordered
Amjad Hussain also directed authorities to ensure transparency throughout the project.
He said the project director must be selected purely on merit. Experts from relevant fields should be interviewed through a transparent process to ensure that a capable person is appointed.
The government believes the project can improve Gilgit-Baltistan housing while supporting economic activity and reducing climate-related risks.
For Gilgit-Baltistan flood victims, timely completion of the homes could provide much-needed stability.
