The government’s delayed response in preparing an early framework for the rehabilitation of the flood-hit people of Sindh has jeopardised 4.8 million lives, among them 2.4 million children and 1.2 million women, disclosed the 12th Civil Society Floods Situation Report launched on Tuesday.
Addressing the launching ceremony of the report that has been prepared by the People’s Accountability Commission on Floods (PACF), the commission’s members Ramzan Memon, Punhial Sahrio, Ismal Khamnbur, Jabbar Bhatti, Saleem Abbasi and Rafiq Chana said it is alarming that the government and international humanitarian agencies have failed to meet targets in basic sectors including shelter, education, health, food security and cash support for the flood-affected people.
The PACF members said the floods of 2010 and 2011 badly affected the livelihoods of many people and they remain deprived of health, education and housing facilities. “Further delay in relief work will increase their hardships and miseries,” they added.
They pointed out that both the provincial and federal governments were unable to allocate the required amount of money for the rehabilitation of the flood survivors and the funds that were allocated could not be utilised properly.
The PACF members said that the increasing inflation rate, inadequate opportunities for income generation and loss of assets leaves no option for the flood affected households but to demand the government’s support.
“The affected communities rely on the agricultural sector, which has greatly suffered, making it difficult for the common man to earn with dignity,” they added.
They stressed the need for resuming primary healthcare services in the flood affected areas where peoples have returned to their homes. More than 75 percent households in affected areas reportedly require continuous medical support and 928,000 children need to be screened. They suggested that the government should increase its budget in the health sector.
They recommended that a village model system should be developed keeping in view the environment, social and demographical implications of the shelter projects.
