News
PM announces compensation for Hunza lake affectees
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday announced a comprehensive compensation package for the people affected by the inundation of their homes created by the artificial lake, due to land slide at Atta Abad in Hunza.Gilani dismissed criticism following his visit to Gilgit and Hunza said it would have been unfair if compensation was announced without conducting proper damage assessment.
“We will do all within our resources to alleviated the sufferings of the people,” he said and vowed to stand by the affected people in their hour of need.
He said each and every person would be cared for and assured that the government will fully support the affected people of Gilgit and Hunza.
The prime minister assured that all the 500 families would be provided due compensation transparently.
He said relief goods worth Rs 50 million have already been dispatched to the area for the affected people. He said an amount of Rs 200,000 would be paid for those who lost their land, Rs 400,000 for completely damaged houses and Rs 160,000 for partially damaged houses.
The prime minister said the government of Gilgit Baltistan would provide free wheat and flour for next two months to the affectees and Rs 100,000 for the submerged properties of Aminabad, Shishkat and Gulmit, besides an amount of Rs 5000 for each affected family for six months.
He said Utility Stores Corporation would set up its outlets at Gilgit and Sust.
To a question Gilani said there was no negligence as the helicopters made 751 sorties to provide relief goods and to evacuate and shift the stranded people. He said it was apart from relief goods carried by 3 C-130 plane loads.
Gilani appreciated the efforts of Frontier Works Organisation that created the spillway to reduce the risk of devastation and placement of an early warning system.
He said an additional food support of Rs 55 million was being provided besides an amount of Rs 45 million by NGOs and various organisations.
He also asked the government of Gilgit Baltistan to establish an Education Assistance Fund for at least two semesters for the affected children in the area.
The prime minister also announced construction of the damaged sections of the Karakoram Highway.
Courtesy www.Geo.tv