ReliefWeb

ISLAMABAD, May 27 (APP): Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) Operational Chief Brigadier Waqar Iqbal Raja has said that over 4,400 quake-hit families would be rehabilitated in the new city of Balakot. Brigadier Waqar Iqbal Raja said that the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the new Balakot city would cost US $ 200 million, GEO TV reported. He said the government would spend Rs. 2.7 million on the rehabilitation of each family in Balakot. Waqar Iqbal said the new city will be equipped with all modern facilities, and it could be expanded in three different directions, while it has the capacity to house 2.5 million people in next 25 years. He added that the new city would have 40 feet roads with schools, mosques, hospitals and other services just 5 to 10 minutes walk. He also announced construction of Shawal Bridge on River Kunhar and other development projects in the area.