Fund of 550 million dollars from UN calls for earthquake zone

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which has identified 31 projects that will support sustainable recovery in the earthquake zone, requests an international fund of 550 million dollars for the execution of these projects.

According to the information received from UNDP, after the earthquakes centered on Kahramanmaraş on February 6, the title “Turkey Post-Earthquake Recovery and Reconstruction Assessment (TERRA)” was prepared with the support of UNDP, United Nations, the World Bank and the European Union (EU). The report estimated that the damages caused by the disaster could reach 103.6 billion dollars.

The report was announced at the International Donor Conference in Brussels on March 20, where $6.5 billion was pledged to support Turkey’s post-earthquake recovery.

31 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDATION

Based on the report’s findings, UNDP proposes to implement 31 projects to ensure sustainable post-earthquake recovery and reconstruction in Turkey.

As part of “build back better”, these projects aim to physically rebuild housing and infrastructure, as well as revitalize livelihoods, public services and social services.

The UNDP is requesting a fund of 550 million dollars from the international community to carry out these projects.

‘HE NEEDS TO RETURN TO NORMAL LIFE IMMEDIATELY’

The UNDP Resident Representative in Turkey, Louisa Vinton, said in a statement to the AA correspondent on the subject that the destruction caused by the earthquake was unprecedented, saying: “For this reason, we expect equally unprecedented commitments from international donors. Reconstruction is not just bricks and mortar, it includes lives and livelihoods. “People need a secure job that brings them regular income, public services such as health and education services, shopping, rest and socialization opportunities, that is, they need to return to normal life as soon as possible,” she said.

Vinton stated that, as UNDP, they continue to work on projects that put people at the center of recovery and reconstruction efforts in the region.

4 PROJECTS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The 31 projects proposed by UNDP for sustainable recovery in the earthquake zone are grouped under 4 main headings.

The five projects, the first of which is titled government-led recovery planning, focus on supporting participatory governance and peaceful recovery by establishing information and coordination centers, strengthening protection of rights humans in post-earthquake situations and aid and service planning through data governance.

The 12 projects under the heading of restoration of critical infrastructure and protection of cultural heritage include restoration of cultural heritage for sustainable post-earthquake recovery, sustainable debris management, restoration of water and waste treatment management systems, rehabilitation of natural assets and livelihoods, reconstruction with zero emission buildings.

The 10 projects within the scope of supporting livelihoods and socio-economic recovery aim to accelerate economic activity in affected areas, recover small businesses and reintegrate displaced workers into business life through emergency employment and the rehabilitation of critical livelihood infrastructure.

4 projects aimed at supporting vulnerable groups focus on social and legal support for people with disabilities, increasing psychological support for earthquake victims and increasing the resilience of communities affected by earthquakes.

3.3 MILLION PEOPLE DISPLACED

Detailed information on how these projects will be implemented and investment costs will be shared on the UNDP website.

While the Kahramanmaraş quakes, which affected 11 provinces in Turkey, caused the loss of more than 50,000 lives, the quake displaced 3.3 million people, according to UNDP data.

After the earthquake, it was determined that 301,000 buildings were destroyed, in an emergency situation, or moderately damaged. (AA)