Destruction in Chitral: ‘Losses may rise to Rs4b’

Minister Inayatullah says assessment of flood devastation still under way.

PESHAWAR:

Minister for Local Government Inayatullah Khan has said floods have destroyed most of Chitral’s infrastructure and losses have risen to Rs4 billion.

Responding to questions during the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly session on Tuesday, Inayatullah said the overall assessment of destruction caused by the floods is still under way and the losses are feared to rise with time.

“The federal government will share the burden with us,” he said. “It has already released Rs500 million in this regard.”

The minister said a total of Rs382 million has been transferred to DCs of all affected districts to fuel relief activities. “Families of those who died will be given Rs300,000 while the injured will be given Rs150,000 as compensation.”

Inayatullah said 682 houses were completely damaged and 2,000 partially damaged. Meanwhile 80 casualties were recorded. He added 50 people were injured in the district that has seen the worst during the ongoing deluge and floods.



In a first

Proceedings began with Qaumi Watan Party’s Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli in chair, in the absence of the speaker and deputy speaker. Tahirkheli not only made history by being the first woman in several years to take charge of the house, she pulled the job off in an impressive manner. Members of the legislature prayed for K-P’s police officials who had laid down their lives in the war against militancy.

The opposition criticised the treasury over the flood scenario. Lawmakers questioned the government over the steps being taken for rehabilitation in areas affected by torrential rains and floods. They urged the government to formulate a comprehensive contingency policy for the future.

Amid criticism

Awami National Party’s Sardar Hussain Babak spoke for a total of 15 minutes and flayed the government over its claims of constructing 350 dams and planting one billion trees. He criticised the chief minister for delaying his visit to the flood-affected areas of Chitral.

“The devastation is widespread,” he said. “The government should divert Annual Development Programme funds towards reconstruction and rehabilitation.” Babak said the government is doing little and has even banned NGOs from carrying out relief efforts. The treasury members, who largely remained calm throughout the session, were quick to respond. Inayatullah said the organisations can operate once they have obtained NOCs from the government.

Jaffar Shah of ANP, Munawar Khan and Maulana Lutfur Rahman of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl also urged the government to pay attention to other areas like Lakki Marwat.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 5^th, 2015.