Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government and the Small and Medium Development Authority (SMEDA), in collaboration with several donor agencies, are expected to implement two economic revitalization projects in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) – according to news sources. The projects are named the ‘FATA Economic Revitalisation Programme’ (FERP) and the ‘Economic Revitalization of KP and FATA’ (ERKF), respectively.
FERP is being funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and SMEDA serving as the executing authorities. It aims to offer sustainable livelihood opportunities to facilitate the economic growth of the newly-merged tribal areas. The project will also assist the private sector in investments, mobilize the local authorities and businessmen to identify and invest in promising areas to ensure a sustainable return.
As per reports, FERP is focused on the North & South Waziristan and the Khyber Agency. Under the programme, at least 4,300 micro-enterprises in the tribes would individually receive a micro-grant of PKR 90,000.
The second project, ERKF, will rehabilitate the businesses damaged by the crisis in the newly merged tribes. The project is administrated by the World Bank and is funded by the Multi-Donor Trust Fund. It will offer matching grant support, and the total funds allocated to the project are USD 4.2 million. SMEDA has already received grant applications from over 30,000 businessmen for this purpose.
Hazafa reveres the art of writing and has been turned into a property enthusiast by profession. Her daily survival kit includes; tea, coffee, keyboard and paperbacks.
