1,000 houses built for quake-hit families in Paktika

SHARAN (Pajhwok): As many as 1,000 new houses have been constructed and handed over to earthquake-affected families in the Gayan district of southeastern Paktika province.

A powerful earthquake struck the district on June 22, 2022, destroying hundreds of homes and causing numerous casualties, including women and children.

Funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the houses were handed over to the affected families on Sunday, the Department of Information and Culture said in a statement.

Director of Refugees and Repatriation Maulvi Hamdullah Fateh put the total cost of the project at approximately 7.8 million US dollars.

Of the 1,000 houses, 200 had been built earlier, while the remaining 800 were handed over on Sunday.

In addition to residential houses, a hospital and a school have also been constructed in the district.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, UNHCR representative Arafat Jamal reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to continued support for displaced Afghans in need of shelter.

Meanwhile, the recipients expressed satisfaction with the provision of houses, school and hospital, saying they would help address their needs for shelter, healthcare and education.

Each newly built house has two rooms, a hall and a bathroom.

kk/mud