17 October 2008 / AKIpress
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and its affiliate agency, Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) have committed over 500,000 soms to the Government of Kyrgyzstan in relief assistance following the deadly earthquake on 5 October 2008.
In a statement made immediately following the earthquake, AKDN Representative for Kyrgyz Republic Mrs. Nurjehan Mawani conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of Kyrgyzstan on the loss of life and human suffering caused by the earthquake, and pledged AKDN’s support for the earthquake relief efforts.
In addition to the funds committed by FOCUS, AKDN agencies in Kyrgyzstan have announced a longer-term programme of development in the earthquake affected region. Components will include an Emergency Loan Programme, including the writing off of microcredit loans to the earthquake-affected borrowers of the First Microcredit Company, which is an initiative of the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance, as well as the supply of new, low-interest loans for reconstruction and livestock projects; additional investments by the Aga Khan Foundation through its local implementing partner, MSDSP-KG, for the long-term development of the earthquake affected areas in Alai and Chon Alai rayons in rural development, education, and health.
Also in support of earthquake victims, the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB), of which Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development is the lead shareholder, has committed to donate 1 million soms for construction of temporary dwelling houses for the earthquake victims.
Ismailimail 