Disaster does not separate government and opposition: Lawmaker Parajuli
Kathmandu Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Ganesh Parajuli said that fact-based review, constructive collaboration and result-oriented work are necessary rather than blame and counter-accusation during disaster.
Speaking at the meeting of the House of Representatives on Thursday, MP Parajuli said that floods, landslides and inundation have affected more families of recent than the wounds of the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli disasters.
He said, “Before the heart-wrenching wounds of the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli disasters could heal, the floods, landslides and inundation caused by the incessant rains last week have once again snatched away the happiness and support of many families.” The government is giving high priority to the treatment of the injured. Treatment can heal the wounds on the body, but it will definitely take time for the wounds in the heart to heal after losing loved ones and everything that has been attached to life. He said that the presence of the state should not be limited to medicine, treatment and relief, but should also be seen in the sensitivity of holding the hands of the victims, constant support and trust in the future.
Parajuli said that despite prior information and preparedness, there has been a huge loss of life and property, and disaster preparedness should be made more effective in the coming days.
He said, “Even though the state has provided early warning and preparedness based on weather forecasts, we have suffered the loss of precious lives, many physical structures and property. It is an irreparable loss for every lost family and also a serious lesson for the state to prepare better in the future.” He expressed his gratitude to the individuals, organizations, private sector, overseas Nepali community and friends who helped in the time of disaster from within and outside the country.
Stating that the rehabilitation of the victims is still challenging, he said that continuous support is needed in providing safe shelter, education to children, regular treatment, livelihood and restoring a dignified life. “We still have a common responsibility to provide a safe roof, education to children, regular treatment, livelihood and return to a dignified life,” he said. “Your invaluable support is indispensable to heal the wounds of the victims and complete the reconstruction by coordinating with the concerned bodies of the government and the local level. Therefore, I heartily appeal to all to continue their cooperation.” He said that saving the lives of the people at risk, providing timely assistance to the affected families and bringing the disrupted life back to normal should be the common priorities of the government. According to him, the stay of the people who have been displaced from the risky settlements should be safe, dignified and orderly. He said that the relief distribution should not be on the basis of reach or impact but on the basis of need and risk.
He said, “The common priority of the government and our government should be clear on saving the lives of the people at risk, providing timely assistance to the affected families and bringing the disrupted life back to normal as soon as possible.” He said that although it is a democratic responsibility for the opposition parties to warn the government, cooperation is necessary in rescue, preparedness, correction of weaknesses and rehabilitation of the victims.
“Disasters do not separate the government and the opposition. It tests the human character of all of us, the collective capacity of the state. So this is not the time to blame, but to review the facts, constructive cooperation and result-oriented work,” he said.
He said that along with rescue and relief, high priority should be given to the rehabilitation of essential services such as roads, bridges, communication, electricity and drinking water.
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