CM approves compensation for damage to houses and crops for second phase

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the first phase of payment of financial assistance to the flood affectees has been completed in an efficient manner and a total of 83557 affected families have been given a sum of Rs. 25 thousand each. He said that in the second phase compensation for damage to houses and crops will be paid in 16 calamity-hit districts on the basis of an authentic survey while financial help will also be extended to the people who have lost their means of livelihood.

He was presiding over a high level meeting here today which reviewed the process of payment of financial assistance to the flood hit people in the second phase and approval was given in this regard. Director General PDMA gave a detailed briefing regarding the method of payment of financial assistance to the flood affectees in the second phase under Khadim-e-Punjab Imdadi Package-2014.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab has faced the worst flood of its history and provincial government, ministers, assembly members and administration extended all out help and assistance to the flood affectees and set a noble example by working day and night during rescue and relief operation. He said that the government has completed the process of payment of first installment to the calamity-hit people and a sum of more than two billion rupees has been spent for this purpose.

The Chief Minister said that in the second phase, second installment of financial assistance will be given in the light of a survey to such flood-hit people whose houses have been partially or completely destroyed while losses of crops will also be compensated. He said that third party audit will also be conducted of the survey of damage to the houses and crops. He said that payment of financial assistance in the second phase will also be made in a highly transparent and a speedy manner.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Punjab government has set an example through payment of financial assistance to the calamity-hit people in days and not months in accordance with its promise. He said that every penny of public money is being spent on the flood-hit people in a transparent manner. He said that the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and UNDP have expressed their confidence in the survey conducted by Punjab government regarding flood losses. He said that credit for this goes to political and administrative teams of the province and is a proof of splendid performance of Punjab government.

The Chief Minister congratulated public representatives and provincial administrative teams over the expression of confidence by international institutions. Advisor on Health Kh. Salman Rafique, Member Provincial Assembly Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Chief Secretary, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Chairman Planning & Development, Inspector General Punjab secretaries of Home and Information Departments, Commissioner Lahore Division, Director General NADRA, President Bank of Punjab, DG PDMA and concerned officers were present.