Work has already begun on a pilot project of one thousand houses, which will be spread over all the five districts of the Northern Province, the Indian High Commission said in a statement today (24). While the bulk of the project to construct 50,000 houses under grant assistance from India will focus on the needs in the Northern Province, it will also cover some areas of the Eastern and Central Provinces, it added. The bulk of housing needs of IDPs will be met by the construction of new dwelling units. The project will also cater to the needs of a smaller number of IDPs who may wish to have their damaged houses repaired. While the primary purpose of this project is the provision of shelter, Government of India recognizes the potential that also exists for the creation of livelihoods as a result of this project , 'the Indian agencies executing this project will make every effort necessary to source materials, labour and expertise locally, wherever available, in order to give a fillip to employment and economic activity in the region', the statement added. The project, as conceptualized, involves meeting the housing needs of IDPs being resettled in these areas. Given the ground situation, it is envisaged that bulk of their housing needs will be met by construction of new dwelling units. However, the project will also cater to the needs of a smaller number of IDPs who may wish to have their damaged houses repaired.