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Govt to provide speedy compensation to flood victims: PM
* Nawaz says govt would not rest until complete rehabilitation of flood-affected people
JHANG: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said the federal government in close cooperation with the Punjab government was working to provide speedy compensation to the flood-affected people.
Addressing a gathering at Jandiana village, he said the first installment of Rs 25,000 was being paid to all those affected by the flood “without any discrimination”. The next installment would be paid to those, who had suffered losses of houses, agriculture lands or farming animals, he added.
He said committees were working round the clock for damage assessment and quick disbursement of payments. The disbursement of the next installment would start by October 20.
He said the government was not doing any favour to the flood affected by making the payments, rather it was its obligation to help them rebuild their damaged property and restore their means of livelihood.
Nawaz lauded his brother Shahbaz Sharif for ensuring that the affected people receive the initial amount of compensation in the shortest possible time. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited the area five times; while it was his (PM’s) second visit to the area, to personally supervise the relief and rehabilitation work, he added.
The PM also expressed concern over the damages caused by the erosion of riverbanks and the destruction of Moza Jogera. The government, he said, would relocate the people and rebuild the village. He said measures would also be taken to stop further erosion of the riverbanks and stop further damage to agricultural lands and villages.
He also lauded the courage of the people who braved the natural calamity and were committed to rebuild their lives. He said he and Shahbaz Sharif were with the flood-affected people and would stand by them until they were fully rehabilitated.
He made it clear that the government would not rest until the complete rehabilitation of flood-affected people.
Addressing the flood-affected people at Jandyana area in Jhang District, he said all available resources have been made available for the relief activities. Damage assessment has been carried out and every affected family would be fully compensated without discrimination.
He lauded everyone’s patience and emphasised his responsibility as well as that of his government to continue working until all victims were rehabilitated.
“We will work day and night for you and I will keep visiting until you are all able to stand up on your feet again,” the premier said.
“I can feel the hard times you have been through and all the emotions you must be feeling. My heart beats with you and you are all in my prayers…” he said.
On the occasion, Nawaz announced to grant the status of college to a local school in Khewa.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk