Several UAE-funded projects, including schools, health facilities and bridges in flood-hit areas of the country, which have either been completed or are under completion will help the affected people resume their normal lives.
The devastating floods of 2009 destroyed the infrastructure of Swat. Realising the difficulties, the UAE government decided to construct the most modern bridge at the site of the formerly known Gammon Bridge which connects Barikot to Kabul across the River Swat to facilitate 70,000 people.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Bridge is the first of the bridges completed under the UAE Pakistan Assistance Programme.
A visit to the site and interaction with the locals showed how the people of the area appreciate this gift which they said is a symbol of true brotherhood and friendship. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan bridge is the symbol of love and care expressed by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed for Pakistan. Khalifa bin Zayed Charity Foundation provided funds for the bridge and Pakistan Army provided technical support for its complete construction resulting in its completion in record time, which will provide access to 5,000 vehicles daily.
The 5-span Sheikh Khalifa Bridge is not only the first multi-span delta bridge ever to be erected in Pakistan but has also become the longest delta bridge erected anywhere in the world, with a total length of 328 meters. Its rapid speed of erection, long span capability, aesthetically pleasing appearance, durability and seismic response capabilities has made this bridge not only an architectural wonder but a source of pride for the friendship between UAE and Pakistan.
On the directives of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of United Arab Emirates, the UAE Pakistan Assistance Programme was launched to reduce the negative impact of natural disaster of floods and its effect on the infrastructure. The UAEPAP consists of comprehensive development plan to serve the society and citizens of Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa and South Waziristan where developmental and life-oriented projects are being executed in the field of education, health, water, roads and bridges with a total cost currently reached up till now 110 million US Dollars.
The UAEPAP includes building and reconstruction of a number of schools in addition to rehabilitating institutes and educational and technical colleges for students at diploma level in the area of scientific rehabilitation and technical training. For health sector, the programme covers building, reconstructing and rehabilitating seven hospitals and OPDs. To meet the needs of water, water purification plants, water treatment and laying down water supply system to supply pure water for the needy areas are under execution. In addition, work is in progress on two bridges destroyed by floods in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa. A study is also going on to construct a road of 50km. in South Waziristan. Overall, 51 educational, 64 water, seven health and three roads and bridges are being executed by the UAE government at a cost of $ 110 million.
