CARITAS' earthquake resistant reconstruction project of public schools in Northern Pakistan
Swiss Re has entered into partnership with Caritas Switzerland in September 2006. The decision for cooperation was prompted by the devastating earthquake in parts of Pakistan and Kashmir in 2005 which caused thousands of casualties and left millions homeless.
Disaster prevention is part of Swiss Re's corporate citizenship programme. By extending financial funds and risk management expertise to selected partners, the Group strives to promote solutions to environmental and social issues that are relevant to its business and to society as a whole.
Disaster prevention as part of Swiss Re's corporate citizenship programme
Based on its risk management expertise, Swiss Re strives to support the development of practical solutions for humanitarian challenges. Disaster prevention and providing instant relief to catastrophe victims is a key target of Swiss Re's humanitarian initiatives. Recent experience shows the importance of systematic efforts in preventing natural catastrophes from turning into humanitarian disasters. Intent on making a tangible contribution to this goal, Swiss Re has entered into long-term partnerships with leading organisations in the field. The partnership with Caritas Switzerland aims on preventing humanitarian disasters as a consequence of earthquakes.
Swiss Re has supported emergency relief in October 2005 for urgently needed food, tents and blankets to Pakistan Red Crescent Society. Currently Swiss Re is providing direct support for the rebuilding of two schools in Pakistan in an earthquake-proof manner and the publication of an easy-to-use handbook on earthquake resistant construction techniques.
Caritas' activities in Northern Pakistan
The devastating earthquake, which occurred on 8 October 2005 in Pakistan, created massive destruction in the North West Frontier Province (N.W.F.P.) of Pakistan and in both Pakistani and Indian administered Kashmir. More than 70 000 deaths were reported and more than 100 000 dwellings were partially or completely destroyed. The earthquake affected a large population of over 1 m in 500 villages.
The most significant cause of death was directly attributable to poor modern construction culture, particularly with regard to public buildings. Observations by aid agencies in the aftermath of the earthquake highlight that modern buildings in villages were mostly made using methods that are very sensitive to construction errors. Such errors, however, are extremely frequent in "low technology countries" as demonstrated by every earthquake.
First aid support has been concluded by mid 2006. Caritas has committed itself to rehabilitate 18 primary and secundary high schools for girls using earthquake resistant reconstruction techniques in N.W.F.P.
Pakistan's education system is among the most deficient and backward in Asia. One of the key problems of the education system is the high level of state funding for higher education compared with primary and secondary education with a literacy rate in 2003/04 of 52 percent. After careful preparations for reconstruction actual building activities have started in March 2007.
Agreement of cooperation between Swiss Re and Caritas Switzerland
Swiss Re has decided to support Caritas Switzerland with the rebuilding of two schools in Northern Pakistan (Attar Shisha and Gudwai). Funds have been allocated to the reconstruction of the primary school at Gudwai and the girls middle school in Attar Shisha.
The first interim report by Caritas has indicated that generally the need is still enormous, also in the field of rehabilitation of schools. Hundreds of school children are still educated outside or in tents. The in-house design of the Caritas schools has incorporated all necessary and feasible knowledge about earthquake-resistant construction techniques, complying with minimum quality standards and assurance as well as passive and sustainable usage of energy. Close construction monitoring through daily visits by Caritas engineers on the construction sites assures good building quality.
Due to this entirely satisfying progress report Swiss Re has decided on supplemental funding. Additional funds are necessary to reconstruct and at the same time enlarge the building in order to meet the increased demand in Attar Shisha and its vicinity.
