Nov 15 , 2015
News
Compensation for quake damaged houses to be paid by Nov 17: Nawaz
APPSWAT/BARIKOT: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said the first phase of relief operation for the flood affected people had been completed with provision of supplies and payment of compensation to families of those killed.
Addressing quake victims at Barikot in Swat, the prime minister said the federal government in consultation with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government firmed up the compensation package for the victims soon after the calamity. He said he has been informed that compensation for about 11,000 fully destroyed or partially damaged houses will be completed by November 17 to enable the people to have their own shelter before the harsh winter sets in.
The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the pace of relief and compensation efforts in October 26 quake affected areas of Swat. He lauded efforts of all stakeholders including federal, provincial, district and local governments and armed forces response to the natural calamity which jolted parts of the country including Malakand division, destroying homes and resulting in loss of previous lives in October.
He said that he himself, the chief minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the governor and his advisor Amir Muqam met in the aftermath of the calamity and decided prompt compensation to the affected populace of various areas in the province.
The compensation amount of Rs2 lac for each completely and Rs1 lac for each partially destroyed home was agreed to be distributed swiftly so that the sufferings of the affected people could be mitigated, he added.
“The government of KP provided support while we also supplemented them with financial aid. Teams from civilian and army reached there and evaluated losses, so that the situation could be tackled in a better way,” he added. The prime minister praised the district coordination officer for his efforts to distribute cheques till November 17, prior to the set deadline.
He said the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) also deserved accolades for distribution of blankets, medicines and potable water among the affected people in rough terrains.
The prime minister, on the occasion, also announced construction of a Chakdara-Kalam road on the demand of residents of Barikot. He told the gathering that the quality of the newly constructed road would match the motorway. He said the construction on Nawaz Sharif Hospital in Swat had started when he was a leader of the opposition and told his advisor Engineer Ami Muqam to gear up his efforts for making it fully functional.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk