east news
UPDATE - Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that the government has 2 billion zloty at its immediate disposal as emergency aid for the victims who have lost their homes as a result of the floods.
After a meeting with Speaker and acting president Bronislaw Komorowski, Tusk told journalists that the money has been raised from sources that include EU money otherwise dedicated to investment projects.
“We have built up an 8 billion zloty reserve,” Tusk said, adding that “since these [EU] projects are undertaken at a faster pace than previously expected, the European Commission will also promptly return the funds.”
Donald Tusk is to present his cabinet with an emergency bill guaranteeing greater compensation for individuals and areas devastated by floods.
“Aid for people and families as well as later help to rebuild infrastructure, these are of course figures that run into the billions,” PM Tusk said during the ongoing crisis management meeting.
Tusk wants the emergency aid package to be a available to anyone who has to rebuild or undertake extensive renovation works to their homes as a result of flood damage.
Exact compensation figures are still being kept under wraps by the Prime Minister, who first wants to seek approval from the government over the bill.
“It is key to be able to provide financing for this aid, as well as coordinate how this aid is given,” Donald Tusk said, also commenting on the herculean efforts of the rescue teams which have been rescuing and evacuating thousands of people in the past few days from the floods.
So far, the government has promised flood victims with a one-off payment of 6,000 zloty (1,200 euro) for renovations and damage costs, which will be given to recipients free of tax, the Finance Ministry has confirmed. (jb)
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