WB, ADB team-Govt panel meet advanced

Thiruvananthapuram: The World Bank and Asian Development Bank team visiting the state for joint rapid damage and need assessment held meetings with the heads of various departments here on Monday.

The team which was scheduled to meet Cabinet Sub Committee headed by E P Jayarajan on September 20 to wrap up their visit to the state, is likely to advance it by a day. September 20 is a holiday on account of Moharram.

The representatives of the WB and ADB which toured 10 districts to assess flood damage, interacted with the department heads.

 The heads of departments submitted proforma supplied by WB-ADB to convey their assessment of the damage, to the team. "They will be analysing the proforma along with their own reports that were collected during their field visit to various districts.

 The team had held meetings with the respective district collectors and HoDs in different districts," said an official.

The team is expected to leave for Delhi on September 20 where they will be holding meetings with the officials of the Department of Economic Affairs(DEA) under the Union Finance Ministry. Based on the need assessment they have carried out, the team will finalise the quantum of financial assistance that it would like to release to the Kerala government in consultation with the Department of Economic Affairs. Officials expect the announcement to be made before month end. Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac said that the government expected anything between Rs 6000 crore to Rs 7000 crore assistance from the World Bank - ADB for rehabilitation and reconstruction of the state post floods.-

The assessment carried out by WB ADB team is expected to provide the required input to the state government to prioritise the work in flood affected areas.

 Sources said the thrust would be on immediate requirements like effective early warning systems, areas where immediate risk reduction activities are needed, strengthening the state disaster management authority and steps needed against future floods.

The team had also conducted detailed analysis of the impact of the devastating floods on roads, bridges, houses, urban and rural infrastructure, livelihood means, irrigation, tourism, energy, agriculture, industries and environmental issues.

The team will factor in the widespread damage suffered in these sectors, while finalising the quantum of money.