Aug 09 , 2015

News

Govt to build new dams to avert flooding
* Nawaz pledges early rehabilitation of flood-affected people
APP

ISAKHEL: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said the government would build new dams to prevent floods in the future.
Addressing the flood-stricken, he said the government would utilise all out resources for their early rehabilitation. He visited the relief camps and handed over the food and relief goods amongst the displaced people.
Nawaz said Rs 1.3 billion would be spent on managing the hill torrents that cause havoc in the area. He also announced Rs 200 million for water supply scheme in Isakhel. The PM ordered his brother Shahbaz Sharif, who happens to be the Punjab chief minister, 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 floodwater. He also announced that the government would release further funds to complete the remaining work of the cadet college in the city. He said the government would make efforts to develop the Mianwali area at par with the developed cities of Punjab. Nawaz said he was saddened to see the damages, caused by rains and hill torrents and prayed to God 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. He said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would pass through Mianwali and help bring about a major change in the lives of the people. He said not only it would generate employment, but also open up new avenues for progress and development. He said under corridor project, new schools, colleges and universities would be opened in the city besides creating employment opportunities.
He said work on the embankment of Baroch and Chachali torrents and called for measures to prevent the floods. He said Pakistan today was in a much better economic condition, as compared to previous two years and resolved that the economic situation would further improve during next three years.
He said the floods this year were far lesser in intensity than the ones in 2010 and was appreciative of the role of National Disaster Management Authority, Shahbaz and other departments and organisations for flood relief and rehabilitation.
He said the government was fully prepared and has been able to handle it well. The PM asked the officials concerned to ensure that the electricity infrastructure was strong enough to withstand flooding in future. Later, the PM also took a round of Isakhel city and waved to the people standing on the road to greet him. He also stopped twice during the city’s visit and interacted with the people. He also directed the DCO on the spot to address the residents’ problems.
Earlier, the Mianwali DCO briefed Nawaz that heavy rains in the area caused seven deaths, 2345 people were evacuated to safe places, 1535 mud houses and 1157 houses were damaged, 45 villages and a population of 55,000 affected, 12,924 acres of crop land also besides damages to roads, bridges and power transmission services.
He said around 9800 ration bags have so far been distributed, while 2214 tents provided for shelter amongst the displaced and 11 relief camps were set up.
He was informed that a payment of Rs 0.5 million to each of those who lost their lives, has already been made.
Punjab Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority Major General Asghar Nawaz, besides the lawmakers, representing the district, were present on the occasion.

 

Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk


 

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