IOM this week completed the distribution of basic repair toolkits
to 62,694 registered returnee families in Buner district, Malakand
division, where Pakistani government forces have been fighting
tribal militants.

IOM staff and locally hired workers distributed the kits from
hubs in Sawari, Pir Baba, Jowar, Ambaila, Dewan Baba and Kinglay,
where registered returnee families were also issued with food
rations.

"Despite security challenges, the three-month project was
completed successfully. The kits will play a key role in helping
people to rebuild their houses, businesses and vegetable gardens,"
says Emergency Officer Izora Maskun.

Each toolkit includes a shovel, pickaxe, adze, hammer, nails,
pliers, pincers, chisel, wrench, trowel, hand saw, gloves, nylon
rope, binding wire and a packing bag.

The project followed earlier distributions of 1,550 shelter kits
to address overcrowding among internally displaced people (IDPs)
living in host communities and public buildings in Mardan district.
Subsequently it focused on growing numbers of IDPs returning to Dir
and Swat districts.

The earlier project, implemented through the French NGO ACTED
and funded by Sweden (SIDA), covered 17 union councils in Swat and
15 union councils in Dir.

The shelter kits were distributed to returnee families whose
homes had been destroyed or damaged and to other displaced families
in need of shelter.

Rahmat Ali, 20, who lost his father and uncle when their house
was hit by shelling during the conflict, now lives with 18 family
members in Khal Kalay union council in Lower Dir and was one of the
beneficiaries.

"The tent and shelter kit provided my family with adequate
accommodation, especially for the women and children, when it was
impossible for us to live in the damaged house," he says.

For further details, please contact:

Saleem Rehmat

IOM Islamabad

Tel. +92-300-856-0341

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