PM directs release of funds

The PM has also asked the finance ministry to release an additional Rs80 million for further deepening the spillway.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has ordered the immediate disbursement of Rs315 million for those affected by the flooding of the artificial lake in Gilgit-Baltistan. The money is meant to facilitate by end-August the return of those who had to vacate their homes when the lake threatened to spill its banks.

The premier has also asked the finance ministry to release an additional Rs80 million for further deepening and widening the spillway so that the lake can be drained soon.

The development came a day after a high-level meeting chaired by President Asif Zardari, wherein the decision to expedite drainage was taken.

A massive landslide earlier in the year blocked a river flowing through the area, submerging several villages and internally displacing thousands of people.

Gilani has now directed the Gilgit-Baltistan government, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and all other concerned departments to work together to ensure the return of affectees by end August. He has also ordered the disbursement of relief funds on a war footing.

Planning Commission officials told Gilani that Rs 77 million have already been spent on food, medicine, shelter and transport for the Attabad affectees. And the secretary finance pointed out that all funds are being funneled through the Gilgit-Baltistan government. Meanwhile, the NDMA chairman gave a detailed presentation about the humanitarian and technical work being conducted in the area.

The prime minister also announced that, of the Rs15 billion special development programme for Gilgit-Baltistan, the government has already allocated Rs3 billion in the current budget to bring the region at par with other areas of the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2010.