The coordinator of UN and international organizations currently stationed in Bam, Soudabeh Ahmadzadeh said on Sunday that 25 international NGOs have so far presented their plans for the reconstruction of quake-hit Bam city to the government and Kerman province Relief Headquarters, IRNA reported.

She told IRNA that over 90 percent of the proposed plans have been approved and the remaining have been geared towards responding to the requirements for reconstruction in the quake-hit area.

The official noted that the international organizations have sufficient incentives to continue their activities in the devastated city of Bam in southeastern Iran.

"Foreign Ministry and the provincial Relief Headquarters have called on these NGOs to present their exact plan and the related budget allocated to it.

"We have no other plan in conflict with the strategies of Bam City relief and reconstruction headquarters. Actually, they are the ones who identify the requirements in the quake-stricken area and announce the priorities," she added.

Ahmadzadeh said that as coordinator of international NGOs, they make daily contacts with government and local officials and report the latest developments to them.

"The result of foreign states evaluation of the plan and budget for Bam City reconstruction is quite effective in continuous activity of the related NGOs.

"Some 50 international non-government NGOs have been active in Bam one day after the tragic earthquake levelled the city on December 26 and this number has now reduced to 25," she added.

She noted that some of the NGOs which were to take emergency relief operations are through with their missions, while others involved in providing temporary housing for the quake victims are still working.

She said that representatives of several UN commissions including FAO, WHO, UNESCO, UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR are currently involved in humanitarian operations in Bam area.

Ahmadzadeh noted that the UN commissions stationed in the quake-hit area have so far sent 20 reports on their progress to their headquarters.

The official said that health, nutrition, water and sewage, children and women, psychology and temporary housing comprise the pivotal points of the reports.

"The World Food Program (WFP) will soon distribute a three-month food package among Bam citizens, which is rationed for a 100,000 population.

"Five foreign countries have already launched the reconstruction of eight demolished villages in the area in close coordination with the provincial housing foundation," she concluded.

... Payvand News - 2/29/04 ... --