IOM has started a permanent shelter reconstruction training
programme targeting a quarter of the 35,000 people displaced by the
October 2005 earthquake and still living in camps.

The programme, funded by Irish Aid, will ensure that
earthquake-resistant reconstruction guidelines and standards set by
the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA)
are followed when people return to their villages in the
spring.

IOM social mobilizers will visit all 47 camps in the
earthquake-affected areas in the coming weeks to increase people's
awareness of the need for better construction techniques.

Teams of master trainers in carpentry, masonry and steel-fixing
will then provide five days of expert training to craftsmen.

"The idea is to generate common standards in building
reconstruction, create greater efficiency in housing reconstruction
and avert future disasters," says IOM project manager Conor
Fyans.

The IOM master trainers, who were trained by UN Habitat and
Mercy Corps, will build structures in front of the craftsmen to
demonstrate earthquake resistant construction techniques.

The reconstruction training follows a major operation to help
urban camp residents to survive the bitter Kashmiri winter. IOM,
with the government and the humanitarian community provided
winterized tents, blankets, quilts, plastic sheets and warm
clothing to more than 4,500 families.

For more information, please contact:

Saleem Rehmat

IOM Islamabad

Tel. +92.300.8565967

E-mail: "mailto:srehmat@iom.int">srehmat@iom.int