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Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Rehabilitation of flood victims more important than anything else: Shahbaz SharifLAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif has said that relief and rehabilitation of flood victims was more important to him than anything else as service to the people was the focus of his politics.
The CM expressed these views while inspecting a protective embankment at Harsa Sheikh, Chiniot. Visiting the flood-affected areas and talking to the victims on Tuesday, he said that he was visiting the areas to gain firsthand knowledge about the situation and to take immediate measures for resolving the problems of the calamity-hit people.
He said that flood-hit people would not be left alone in this difficult time. He directed the administration and the departments concerned not to spare any effort in the relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims. He said that he was standing with the calamity-stricken people as he is committed to live and die with the masses. He said that he was personally assessing the flood situation and supervising the relief activities. He said that he would not rest until the affected people return to their homes.
The CM said that the recent rains and floods are a challenge to the government. The government has taken effective measures for coping with it, he added. He said that relief items like ration, tents, medicine, mineral water and blankets were being provided to the flood victims on a priority basis.
He said that he as well as other provincial ministers were visiting flood-affected areas on a daily basis to assess the damages due to the flood.
He further said that a comprehensive survey had been started to ascertain the damage to crops and houses in the light of which compensation would be provided to the victims. He directed the administration and departments concerned to take measures on a priority basis for relief and rehabilitation of flood victims and help them in this hour of need for achieving success in this world and the world hereafter. He said that the rehabilitation of flood victims is the top priority of the government and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had also issued instructions for the rehabilitation of the distressed people. The CM said that flood victims were being provided food, essential items and mineral water in relief camps and added that their supply should be ensured to every affected family. He directed the district administration to ensure all basic facilities in the relief camps. He said that solid measures should be taken for curbing an outbreak of viral diseases and an abundant supply of medicine should be ensured. He directed the authorities concerned that besides drainage of floodwater from the affected areas, repair and reconstruction of the roads should also be started. The CM directed the administration to raise and strengthen the protective embankment around Chenab River. Earlier, the CM was given a detailed briefing at Harsa Sheikh, Chiniot, by the DCO on relief activities and the flood situation. The DCO said that 142 villages had been affected while nine relief camps had been established. The CM visited the relief camps and checked the quality of the relief items. He listened to the problems of the flood victims and took an aerial view of flood-affected areas. prCourtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk