News
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Gilani directs to prepare national rehab plan
* Prime minister says uniform assessment policy will be worked out for disbursement of flood aid
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to prepare a comprehensive national rehabilitation and reconstruction plan ensuring judicious distribution among the provinces and transparent disbursement of funds to the flood affectees.
He said that the plan would be discussed in the Council of Common Interests to achieve national consensus. Gilani chaired a high-level meeting to review the flood situation in the country. He said a uniform assessment policy would be worked out in consultation with the provinces for disbursement of the remaining amount of relief package.
He said that the first phase of flood relief operation was close to completion and disbursement of relief assistance was in progress while the second phase of rehabilitation will be launched soon in all the flood-affected areas. He directed all the ministries concerned and institutions to evolve a well-coordinated plan ensuring transparency.
He urged for concerted efforts to sensitise the international community and create better awareness about the plight of millions of flood victims.
Gilani said that the government was determined to using every possible resource at its disposal to help the affected families, but given the volume and magnitude of the catastrophe it was constrained to seek international help to cope with the enormity of this challenge.
He appreciated the international community’s cooperation in rescue and relief efforts and expressed confidence that keeping in view the colossal losses at the hands of ravaging floods, the world community and financial organisations would consider provision of additional resources for rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk