The United Nations has launched an urgent appeal for more than $20 million to build shelter for people left homeless by a devastating earthquake in Pakistan and a demolition drive in Zimbabwe.
The Nairobi-based U.N. Human Settlement Program, popularly known as HABITAT, has asked donors to contribute $22 million for the appeal.
HABITAT chief Ann Tibaijuka has issued a statement, saying there is an urgent need to stabilize the shelter conditions of poor people evicted in Zimbabwe, and those left out in the open in Pakistan.
More than $18 million will be spent in Pakistan, where more than three million people were left homeless by the October quake.
The remainder is to be used in a U.N.-backed program to build 2,500 semi-permanent housing units for at least 12,500 Zimbabweans.
Some information for this report provided by AFP.