Building back better through ILO-PWF rapid infrastructure rehabilitation project launched in Baluchistan
In response to devastating floods of 2022, ILO has supported Pakistan Workers Federation to launch “rapid infrastructure rehabilitation” project for the flood-affected people in Hanna Orak Baluchistan. This project will generate around 5000 of person days of employment for the flood affected people.
This employment will help in clearing the access to the village of Haji Abdul Waheed, cleaning camp sites with hundred of children and women residing in them, establish temporary toilet facilities, draining the standing flood water, removing mud and rubble to clear the access pathways and minor repairs in return for daily wages that will help the affected households in meeting day to day expenses. The project will ensure that employment opportunities created are in line with international labour standards and that no children is engaged in labour and women and men are provided equal opportunities.
Visiting the affected village of Hanna Orak, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and HRD, Mr Sajid Hussain Turi applauded the joint collaboration of the ILO and PWF. He met with men and women, children and elderly in the camps and in the temporary shelters where children were engaged in non- formal basic education imparted by PWF team and volunteers from the community specially girls.
ILO Officer In charge for CO Pakistan, Mr Manzoor Khaliq, said that the ILO is committed to initiate pilot projects through its social partners in parts of the country that are most affected by the floods so that people can be provided with immediate relief.
Provincial Minister Mir Gohram Bugti and Provincial Secretary Tariq Qamar Siraj ud Din, Department of Labour, Government of Baluchistan also joined the visit to Hanna Orak and reassured the community of their support. Noting the need for extending medical care and psycho-social support.
Central General Secretary PWF, Ch Yaseen and General Secretary PWF Baluchistan, Pir M Kakar said that PWF has mobilised its team and its network in the affected communities to extend support to the affected people. Ch Yaseen spoke to the workers and encouraged them for their bravery for coming forward and joining the project despite having lost everything to floods.
The launching ceremony was attended by officials of Workers Welfare Board, Chamber of Commerce and Industries, ILO, the representatives of National Labour Federation, Mutahida Labour Federation, Mines Workers Federation and media personnel.