Timing and complacency
The prime minister seems as optimistic about earthquake relief efforts as he is about the weather following his government’s wishes, and compulsions. Surely mid-November is too late to say destroyed homes will be rebuilt before cold weather sets in. In the areas worst affected by the quake, it was already too cold for quick rebuilding at the time of the tragedy. Now, with temperatures increasingly uncomfortable, one night of rain could suddenly make it harsh. How, then, can the homes be rebuilt in time when cheques are still being handed out?
Also, while it is true that federal and provincial disaster management authorities mobilised somewhat better than expected, it must not be forgotten that they are nowhere near in shape to deal with overwhelming disasters; both predictable and otherwise. Their story is one of a typical dysfunctional government department; in sync with the wider breakdown in the bureaucracy. And the political correctness behind praising them openly is one thing, but the prime minister needs to ensure these institutions shape up. That, however, will require wide-ranging bureaucratic reforms, not to mention the will to push them through.
Unfortunately, the government has not earned too many points on the political will front even though half the electoral cycle is over. It has been unable to follow through on some of its core promises. And it has been singularly ineffective in preparing for and dealing with disasters. It is regularly overwhelmed by clearly foreseeable floods – and subsequent relocation and rebuilding – and it is still struggling to cope with war related IDPs. The response to the recent earthquake, too, was not up to the mark. According to press reports, some affected areas need far more attention and financial compensation. And the rebuilding should have been taken care of when the weather was just turning. Relief efforts are already late. The government needs to realise this in order to reduce the suffering of those worse affected, and deflect bad press for itself.
