Dahal appeals for immediate relief distribution to quake victims
Kathmandu, May 9, Leader of the main opposition party, UCPN (Maoist) Chairman
Pushpa Kamal Dahal, took special time to speak at the parliamentary session on
Friday, appealing to the government for urgent distribution of relief materials
to the families affected by the 7.6 magnitude April 25 earthquake.
Dahal reminded
the session that he had underscored the importance of carrying out research on
geography, landslide, earthquake and other forms of natural calamities, as
Nepal fell in a disaster prone area. The UCPN (Maoist) Chairman pointed out the
government was confounded in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake unable
to find a path for prompt rescue, relief and rebuilding efforts and designate
areas of priority. Dahal asked the government to answer why many quake victims
were still not receiving relief materials.
He accused the
government of making a niggardly approach while distributing relief which
resulted in many being deprived of essential relief packages. He urged the
government to open up and tap into the state coffers while adding that the
people will not be served with ungenerous distribution of relief material.
Dahal drew the attention of the government that tents would not be a lasting
solution and would not work during monsoon.
He stressed the
need for providing Rs 300,000 for families losing members in the earthquake, Rs
1 million for victims losing their homes and providing a sustained relief
packages to women, children and differently able citizens.
Moreover, the
opposition leader emphasized the major political parties were in need for a
consensus for rebuilding the country in the aftermath of the earthquake and
warned the country would plunge into a big problem if an integrated effort was
not made. Dahal also called for completing the constitution making process
despite the delay caused by current relief and rehabilitation works.