ReliefWeb

Islamabad, December 31, 2009 - In a ceremony held today in Islamabad, U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson announced that the U.S. Government will support a $55 million (4.5 billion rupees) infrastructure rehabilitation and construction program in South Waziristan. This support is part of the strategic agreements worth $899 million (75 billion rupees) signed by the Governments of the United States and Pakistan on September 30, 2009. Grant funding will be provided directly to the FATA Secretariat as it works with the Frontier Works Organization, the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), and other local agencies to rebuild roads, develop water infrastructure, and improve power systems.

"Due to the commitment and efforts of the people of South Waziristan, the Pakistan military and civilian agencies, the militants have been forced to retreat. Now, it is time to rebuild South Waziristan," remarked Ambassador Patterson. "The U.S. is committed to this vital reconstruction effort through direct support to the Government of Pakistan."

The U.S. Government is the largest provider of assistance to FATA. Over the past two years, the U.S. has spent more than $100 million (8.4 billion rupees) in small infrastructure, education, health, and economic growth projects throughout the region. In addition, the U.S. has provided more than $300 million (25 billion rupees) to help people displaced by the fighting in FATA and NWFP. The U.S. will continue to support infrastructure development in the region, providing additional grant funding to the FATA Secretariat to re-establish education, health, and other essential services.