Japan Press Weekly

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2011 September 7 - 13 TOP3 [GREAT EAST JAPAN DISASTER]

90% of disaster-hit business owners still incapable of rebuilding their businesses

About 90 percent of disaster-affected business owners said that their business reconstruction “has made little progress” or that “there are no prospects” for the reconstruction of their businesses even six months after the 3.11 disaster, showing the need for the national government to give full support for the reconstruction of their living conditions and business operations.

Akahata directly surveyed 300 victims of the disaster, ranging from 14 to 95-years-old, who live in temporary housing, municipality-rented accommodations, evacuation sites, or damaged houses in Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures.

According to the survey result published in Akahata on September 11, more than 70 percent of respondents felt that relief and reconstruction measures provided by the national government are “not enough”.

Out of those who live in temporary housing, 46 percent answered that they “want their housing environment and facilities improved.” One victim complained, “The roofing eaves are so short that the rain comes in.”

Regarding household economy, 66 percent of respondents said that they are “experiencing more financial hardships” compared to the pre-quake economy. Nearly 50 percent answered that they mainly use support funds or relief funds to cover their living expenses.

In Fukushima, 88 percent of respondents said that radiation decontamination work “has barely been conducted” in their communities.

About half the respondents said that they feel “uncertain about their future” or are “worried about finding a place to live” after leaving the temporary housing.

Hayasaka Yukiko who lives in temporary housing in Miyagi said, “We are allowed to live in the temporary housing only for two years. I have no idea how we will cope after leaving here.”