§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made with the reconstruction of Armenia-Colombia since the January earthquake. [99255]
§ Clare ShortThere have been considerable efforts to assist the reconstruction of Armenia and the surrounding area, but in the wake of such devastation it will be a long process. The Inter American Development Bank, following a request from the Government of Colombia, redirected the balances of four of its on-going projects totalling $93 million to deal with emergency reconstruction. Initial UK emergency assistance of $1 million was distributed through humanitarian agencies, and assistance has been provided through the Small Grants Scheme for members of the Devon Fire and Rescue Service to work to improve the capabilities of their counterparts in Armenia. The embassy has also raised funding for a school rebuilding initiative.