Japan Press Weekly

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2011 April 13 - 19 [GREAT EAST JAPAN DISASTER]

Ichida to gov’t and party leaders: Reconstruction must prioritize livelihood assistance

At a session of the joint disaster-response meeting held between the government and political parties on April 13, Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi stressed that the task of relief for victims, starting reconstruction, and measures being taken in the nuclear power plant crisis should place importance on safety and the recovery of people’s livelihoods.

Ichida stated that the disaster victims still need urgent livelihood assistance. In addition, it is necessary to take every possible measure to ensure privacy and to secure safe living environments for those in temporary shelters.

Reconstruction should be based on restoration of victims’ normal living conditions and the rebuilding of local communities. The central government should assume the responsibility to reconstruct the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries as well as providing assistance to small and midsized businesses, which are the key to economic vitality in the region, Ichida said.

He also argued that the government must not impose its own reconstruction plan, and that it should involve the victims in the decision-making process so they can draw up a plan of their own. He urged the government to honor the plans drawn up by residents and provide the required funds.

Ichida said that the government must utilize the expertise of the international scientific community in dealing with the nuclear plant crisis and fully explain to the public about the prospects for crisis containment. Ichida demanded that if the government broadens its evacuation zone, it should offer the evacuees proper shelter and ensure their livelihoods. He also stated that the government and the Tokyo Electric Power Co. must declare that they will compensate victims for the damages arising from the nuclear plant crisis, including damages caused by rumors about vegetables produced in areas surrounding the power plants could being contaminated by radioactivity.