Background and Objectives/History
Since its inception in the year 2000, HaasharAssociation, in collaboration with different partners and donors, has been working for the revival of livelihoods and management of natural resources through community involvement. Austrian Development Agency has remained the main contributor in institutional capacity building of the nascent NGO since year 2004. While HAASHAR was in evolutionary phases, an earthquake measuring 7.6 at the Richterscale destroyed almost everything in the project area of HaasharAssociation. ADA along with other donors contributed generously for relief, rehabilitation and development of the earthquake affected communities.
While relief and rehabilitation activities were in full swing, an idea to construct a multipurpose community centre in Nikki Mohri (Hafizabad) village of Siran valley sprang into the minds of Haaashar decision makers in view of the fact that there did not exist any building for collective gatherings, meetings and trainings. This concept was well supported by Dr. Gerhard Payr, a well-wisher of communities residing in Siran Valley of District Mansehra where he worked for more than eight years as CTA of GTZ funded Social Forestry Project. A series of dialogue among HAASHAR management, local Joint forest management committees facilitated by Gerhard Payr resulted in realization of the proposed idea that a multipurpose building should be built that could serve the purpose of;
1) Trainings and capacity building of the communities
2) Dispensary to provide medical aid to women and children
3) A meeting place for the communities and community based institutions, and
4) A living place for the field staff of HaasharAssociation.
Haashar, on the basis of above mentioned facts, forwarded a proposal to the provincial Government of Carinthia through facilitation of Dr. Gerhard Payr (Austria) for construction of a multipurpose Community Centre in Village Nikki Mohri (Hafiz Abad) of Union council Jabori District Mansehra. In addition, certain individuals from Austria, courtesy Gerhard Payr, committed some money for the purpose. Although the initial money available could not meet requirements for the construction need of the building but still Haasharstarted construction of the building. The actual construction work started in July 2007 and was completed in March 2009.
Although actual work on construction of community centre started in July 2007, a series of planning meetings and brainstorming exercises were held from 15 March to 1st April, 2007 during Dr. Gerhard Payr's backstopping mission to HAASHAR Association.
Engineer Fritz Oettl an Austrian architect contributed his tireless efforts and time in developing design of the building that should be earthquake resistant and fit to the local culture and traditions.
The design of the Community Centre drafted by Architect Fritz Oettl reached Haashar on 11th of April 2007. It was thoroughly examined and approved by the HAASHAR management. Construction plan and cost estimate were ready by June 2007.
The excavation of foundation started in July 2007 while transportation of construction material (sand, cement, iron bars etc) also started at the same time. The design of the centre was special one and needed special skilled labour which was not available inside the project area. Moreover, such skillful persons were difficult to be taken to such remote site. Despite all odds, the construction of the community centre was successfully accomplished by March 2009. Community centre is functional now and meetings/medical camps are held in the community centre.
Operationalisation of the Community Centre
During the period of its construction, the local Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) contributed actively in supervision of the building. They conducted watch and ward of the centre, contributed in cash and timber for Dhajji work at the time when HAASHAR forecasted a shortfall in financial provisions for the construction work.
During final stages of construction work, Haashar held consultative meetings with the local communities on future use of the building. Although the construction work of the building was finalized in March 2009, the local JFMCs have started making use of the building since December, 2008. Regular monthly meetings of the JFMCs are held in the premises of the building. A medical camp under Concern Worldwide funded project was organized in the same building. Haashar management held a meeting with all the three presidents of the local JFMCs and local U/C Nazim to discuss future functioning of the Community Centre. The following decisions have already been taken;
- An executive council comprising six members from communities (Two members from each JFMC) and two members of Haashar Association has been constituted to look after the Community Centre. This committee will also be responsible to decide maintenance and utilization of the Community Centre. ToRs of the Executive Committee are being drafted.
- A local medical technician along with his wife who is also a medical technician have been contracted to start dispensary in the Community Centre. The couple is well experienced and enjoys local support being main contributor in medical aid during October, 2005 earthquake. The deployment of the medical technician is based on recommendation of the executive council.
- Six monthly medical camps will be held in the community centre building so as to provide medical aid to the local communities as envisioned in the objectives of the Community centre.
- After termination of Misereor funded Livelihood Rehabilitation Project, the local JFM area is now under Concern funded Community Based Livelihoods Development Project (CBLDP). Community centre will remain focus of all project interventions.
- The premises of the Community Centre would serve as Training Centre for Women Folk of the area.
- Although in general, the Operational and Maintenance cost of the community centre would be borne by Haasharinitially for at least two years, the management of HAASHAR is in the process of contacting various donors for the purpose.
.JPG)
