Future of ERRA:
Lurking between ERRA & NRRA;
Delay in Notification Hampers on-going Projects
Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) established on October 24, 2005 through Presidential Ordinance has become National Reconstruction & Rehabilitation Authority (NRRA) after signing of the Bill by President Asif Ali Zardari, the notification of which has not yet been issued INFN has learnt.
The earthquake caused massive loss of precious lives as well as livelihood to the victims, while dipping all essential facilities and infrastructure to dust and debris. ERRA’s mission is to “Convert this Adversity into an Opportunity” by reconstructing the lost and destroyed facilities, while following highest standards of reconstruction and rehabilitation with the obligation to “Build Back Better”.
Policy planned through a comprehensive consultative process, all the major donor organizations, whose funds are involved in the reconstruction programs, are on board in conceiving a policy. In this connection the representatives of both the governments i.e. Government of AJ&K and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also in line. Final decision taken by the ERRA Board and ERRA Council for the final decision, ERRA Board works under the Chairmanship of Chairman ERRA and ERRA Council chaired by the Prime Minister.
There was a question mark on the future of ERRA because it was established for a period of three years, after completion of three years period further extension was given. President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari signed the ERRA Bill in presence of Prime Minister, Chairman and Ex-Deputy Chairman ERRA on 09th March, 2011 and became a permanent department which is a part and parcel of Prime Minister’s Secretariat. After the signing of bill, its name has been changed to National Reconstruction & Rehabilitation Authority (NRRA) which is going to be spread in all over the country beside the quaked areas of KPK and AJK.
According to the well placed sources, the Government of Pakistan however, has neither issued notification yet nor the strategy. Delay in notification may harm the ongoing projects, which will put serious question marks on the seriousness of Government to serve the nation. A land mark achievement of ERRA, becoming first ever Government Sector ISO 9001- 2008 Certified Organization in Pakistan is a proof of its professionalism and the government should also show the same.