July 23, 2015
News
PM announces Rs 500m grant, agri loan write-offs for flood-hit Chitral
* Aid will be equally matched by provincial government g Compensation of Rs 0.5 million for each family whose house has been completely destroyed
APPCHITRAL: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday announced aid of Rs 500 million from the federal government, to be equally matched by the provincial government for relief work in Chitral.
The prime minister, who was on a daylong visit to Chitral to witness the devastation caused by torrential rains, assured prompt rehabilitation of the infrastructure damaged by the devastating floods. He addressed a gathering of notables in Chitral and announced a compensation of Rs 500,000 for each family whose house was completely destroyed, and said compensation for partially damaged houses would be announced after damage assessment. He announced construction of Chakdra-Chitral road at a cost of Rs 27 billion and said Chitral will evolve into a modern city and would be linked with the Central Asian Republics (CARs).
Prime Minister Nawaz said it would be linked to the CARs through the Wakhan Strip and bring immense business and employment opportunities for the local people. He said Chitral’s agricultural and fruit produce would find new markets and help boost the economy. Addressing a gathering of flood-affected people in Kuragh area of Chitral, he announced completion of Lowari Tunnel before December 2016 and said the PML-N government was committed to serving the masses and to look after their welfare. The prime minister said that this year Rs 4 billion have been allocated for Lowari Tunnel project, while another Rs 7 billion would be allocated during the next fiscal year.
More funds as much required for this project will be provided, he added. Nawaz Sharif said it was his earnest desire that this area is developed at par with other areas and more job opportunities are available for progress and prosperity of the people. Upon his arrival at Kuragh a large crowd received the prime minister with slogans of Pakistan Zindabad and Nawaz Sharif Zindabad. The prime minister assured that the government would provide all resources for rehabilitation of flood-hit people and ensure reconstruction of roads, bridges and other infrastructure destroyed and damaged by the flash floods.
Responding to the demand of the people Nawaz said that in view of provincial government declaring Chitral a calamity-hit area the ZTBL loans stood waived off. He assured the people that they will not be left alone in this hour of distress and the whole nation will stand with them. The prime minister directed to open Utility Stores in Mardan, Karimabad, Arkari, Parabeg and Kuragh, to ensure provision of edible and other essential items to the people in the areas cut off from Chitral due to flash floods.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk