Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Asseri supervised signing of contracts between the Saudi Public Assistance for Pakistan Earthquake Victims (SPAPEV) and three private Pakistani companies to provide 4000 prefabricated homes for quake affectees of Balakot on Thursday. Asseri told the reporters that these homes, costing $16.7 million, would be erected in the next four months. This is the first phase of such Saudi assistance. The representatives of the Pakistani firms and SPAPEV Director Abdullah Al-Anqari signed the contract papers in the presence of Earthquake Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Authority (Erra) Director General Brig. Sher Afgan Niazi. Asseri said that each home costing $4200 would be of 350 sq. ft., having two beds, a kitchen and an entrance hall. We are proud to say that these homes are meant for the most needy people of Balakot. We are proud to be part of the healing process. Anything that hurts Pakistan hurts us. The ambassador said that the contracts for supply of 4000 prefabricated homes have been signed in the holy month, which would bring more khair (good) for the people. Let' s pray for more strengthening of our brotherly relations with every passing day, he said adding that the Saudi-Pak ties are unique in the world as no two countries in the globe have this kind of relationship. He said an average life of this prefabricated home would be 20 years and it could be shifted and reassembled for 18 times. It will be winter and snow protected.
