Swiss Red Cross building over 700 houses in Sindh

Karachi, April 08, 2013 (PPI-OT): The Ambassador of Switzerland Mr. Christoph Bubb together with his spouse Mrs. Regula Bubb and the Consul General Mr. Didier Boschung visited the Dadu district in Sindh where the Swiss Red Cross is engaged in reconstruction of 710 houses for the flood affected population. The visit had been organized by the Swiss Red Cross team.

The funding of this project was the result of a solidarity campaign launched by the foundation “Swiss Solidarity” in 2010 after the floods in Pakistan. This foundation raises funds for humanitarian relief works and projects whenever and wherever a calamity happens.

The total amount collected for the flood affected people of Pakistan amounted over 45 Million USD and came directly from the Swiss population. This shows the emotions that this tragedy caused in Switzerland and the solidarity of the Swiss people towards Pakistan.

The reconstruction of houses in Dadu district is carried-out by the Swiss Red Cross in collaboration with its local partners. The project is run by “owner-driven approach” which means that the beneficiaries themselves have to be involved in the reconstruction of their homes.

Furthermore, the scope of the project is not limited to reconstruction of houses only but also involves the residents in promoting community development and preparing for future disasters. The community development programs include health and sanitation besides environmental care wherein members of the community will plant two trees per house.

Up to now, about 450 houses have been completed and the rest are under construction and are scheduled to be ready for use by June 2013. The Swiss envoy appreciated the work of the Swiss Red Cross and its representatives in Pakistan, particularly their engagement with the local communities.

For more information, Contact:
Aslam Pervez
Commercial Officer
Consulate General of Switzerland
98, Block 5, Clifton, Karachi 75600
Pakistan
Tel: +92 21 587 39 87
Tel: 031/322 19 76 (from Switzerland)
Fax: +92 21 587 41 04
E-mail: aslam.pervez@eda.admin.ch