Village Reconstruction nears completion in Swat

09 Feb, 2012

A fundamental part of Imran Khan’s vision for the long term rehabilitation of Pakistan’s rural population is village development.  It is envisioned that approximately 40 flood affected village communities all over Pakistan will be reconstructed using a participatory approach to social development; through the combined efforts of the IKF and the local communities.  While there are considerable challenges that stand in the way of success of such an ambitious program, the IKF is proud to report that it is well on its way to success in Damana, Qandeel and Ariana villages of District Swat where just over 1000 residents are set to move into the 145 newly constructed homes that they themselves have built in collaboration with the IKF and its implementing partner Sarhad Rural Support Program (SRSP).

              

These communities, were utterly destroyed back in July 2010, following the flood waters as they passed through KPK.  Since then the residents have been living in transitional shelters, sharing homes with their relatives with some even living in tents.  As it stands now, even the land that that they used to farm on has been washed away.  The local communities however, have not been deterred and when the IKF arrived on the scene to socially mobilize the residents we found a most willing volunteer corps ready to work with us.  The Community Elders Network (CEN) helped the IKF to chose its Young Village Volunteers (YVV) without whose hard work this reconstruction project might not have been possible.  While it is expected that the reconstruction portion of the work will be complete sometime in April 2012, this is only the beginning.  The IKF’s integrated approach to village development will require their consistent input and ability to do the heavy lifting in order to ensure an educational facility, a basic health unit and a community/skill development center and/or mosque can be constructed as well.

For now though, please take comfort in the fact that thanks to your support, the IKF has been able to give hope to at least 1000 residents of Swat that their better days may yet be ahead of them.