Aug 08 , 2015
News
PM says new dams necessary to prevent floods
Nawaz announces Rs 1.3bn for flood-hit Mianwali
INPMIANWALI - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said the government would spend an amount of Rs 1.30 billion to protect Mianwali from devastating hill torrents, which caused widespread damage.
Addressing a gathering of the flood affectees, he said the government would utilise all resources for the early rehabilitation of the flood affected people. The prime minister - who was on a day-long visit to Mianwali - had an aerial view of the area. He visited the relief camps and handed over food and relief goods to the affected persons.
He said an estimated amount of Rs 1.30 billion would be spent on managing the hill torrents, which caused havoc in the area. He also announced a grant of Rs 200 million for the construction of a water supply in Isakhel.
Prime Minister Sharif directed Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to expedite work on projects to protect the area from flash floods. He said the government would provide funds and a number of embankments would be constructed to divert the flood waters. He said new dams needed to be built to prevent flooding in future.
Nawaz Sharif expressed grief over the damages caused by rains and hill torrents and prayed to Allah Almighty to keep everyone safe. He said the compensation for those who lost their lives was in no way a replacement of the precious lives lost, but was meant to help their families.
- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor -
He said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will pass through Mianwali and would help bring about a major change in the lives of the masses. He said not only it would generate employment, but also open up new avenues for progress and development. He said Pakistan today was in a much better economic condition and was being able to handle the situation.
- Electricity infrastructure -
He said the floods this year were far less in intensity than the ones in 2010, and was appreciative of the role of the National Disaster Management Authority and other departments and organisations for flood relief and rehabilitation. The prime minister asked the officials concerned to ensure that the electricity infrastructure was strong enough to withstand flooding in future.
- Flood damage -
Earlier, upon his arrival, Nawaz Sharif was informed that heavy rains in the area resulted in seven deaths, while 2,345 people were evacuated to safe places. According to officials, 2,692 houses were damaged, 45 villages and a population of 55,000 were affected. The officials said that at least 12,924 acres of crop land was also damaged.
- Relief Activities -
The prime minister was informed that at least 9,800 ration bags had so far been distributed, while 2,214 tents were provided for shelter amongst the displaced and 11 relief camps set up. He was informed that a payment of Rs 0.5 million each to the families of the deceased had already been made.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk