(adb.org)
Updated: 2008-05-27 12:19

Manila - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is extending a $1 million technical assistance (TA) grant to China to assist in aid efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck the country’s Sichuan province two weeks ago.

"We sincerely hope this TA will be a small but symbolic token in the huge reconstruction task that the PRC Government is undertaking," said Klaus Gerhaeusser, Deputy Director General of ADB's East Asia Department.

The TA will fund the acquisition of essential equipment and supplies for basic services, review the disaster management framework for the quake area, and conduct a preliminary damage and needs assessment of the physical and social infrastructure based on the government's ongoing damage and needs assessment. Subsequent reconstruction programs and projects may require additional ADB-supported funding.

"Flexibility has been incorporated in the design and implementation arrangements of this TA to enable an immediate response to the substantial uncertainties and risks associated with such a major disaster. It will emphasize quick action to protect the poor, children, vulnerable, and other at-risk groups," says Manmohan Parkash, ADB Senior Transport Specialist.

The total cost of the TA is estimated at $1.25 million equivalent, with the government contributing $250,000 equivalent to cover office accommodations and counterpart staff. Ministry of Civil Affairs will be the Executing Agency of the TA.

On May 12, a massive earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale struck southwest China. The earthquake, the worst natural disaster of the country in the past 30 years, has killed more than 65,000 people, with another 23,000 still missing.

ADB, a development partner of the China since 1986, has provided substantial support for the development of the poor central and western regions of the country.