How to rebuild Futaba

January 6, 2013

Futaba reconstruction gets under way 

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20140106_21.html 

The mayor of a Japanese town from which all the residents were evacuated after the Fukushima nuclear accident says the town's rebuilding will start in earnest this year.

Futaba Mayor Shiro Izawa was speaking to about 70 town employees on Monday, the first day of business this year.

A ceremony was held at the town's temporary office, which was set up in Iwaki City last year.

He said he is facing the difficult decision of whether to allow the construction of an intermediate nuclear storage facility in the town. The central government made the request last month.

He said the government should provide the town with a sincere explanation for this.

The town will reopen its public schools this year in Iwaki City. Also this year, Fukushima Prefecture is due to build public housing for those who have lost their homes in disasters.

How to rebuild the town is a crucial question for residents who have been away for nearly 3 years. Ninety-six percent of the town's population is barred from returning home for extended periods because of high radiation levels.

Jan. 6, 2014 - Updated 04:56 UTC