Work launched to rehab markets in Kohi area of Bara

BARA: The work on the rehabilitation of markets in Kohi area of Bara tehsil in Khyber district, which had been damaged during militancy, was launched on Tuesday.

Khyber Deputy Commissioner Mahmood Aslam Wazir, Hussain Awan, area Programme Coordinator, Islamic Relief Pakistan, representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), government line departments officials, members of civil society and others were present on the occasion.

“The government is committed to bringing ease in the lives of the people of merged districts,” Deputy Commissioner Mahmood Aslam Wazir said.

He said the government was focusing on human and physical infrastructure development

which would enhance business opportunities in the area.

Speaking on the occasion, Hussain Awan said the recent humanitarian crisis badly impacted the socioeconomic fabric in the tribal districts.

“The infrastructure was completely damaged after the local communities return to native areas,” he said, adding the people were living a miserable life.

Hussain Awan said that the Islamic Relief in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and USAID is implementing “Fata Economic Revitalization Programme” (FERP). It is aimed at rehabilitation and restoration of livelihood sources and opportunities for the people of Khyber district.

The Islamic Relief representative said they would continue to work with other stakeholders to improve the life standard of people living in newly merged districts.

Abdul Haseeb, National Technical Specialist, Fata, UNDP, said, “through the generous support of USAID and in partnership with Islamic Relief Pakistan, UNDP had rehabilitated 30 markets in the Bara tehsil.