Reconstruction Minister hopeful

January 6, 2013

Minister: Fukushima to make major progress

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20140106_22.html 

Japan's Reconstruction Minister says Fukushima will make major progress in rebuilding this year.

Takumi Nemoto was delivering a New Year's address at the Reconstruction Agency's Fukushima office on Monday -- the 1st work day of the year.

Nemoto said speeding up the reconstruction of areas affected by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident is a top priority of the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He said all those affected are still having difficulties.

Nemoto referred to new guidelines for financial support for evacuees from areas around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

The government compiled the guidelines last month to help the evacuees quickly rebuild their lives.

Nemoto said he believes Fukushima will make significant progress toward reconstruction this year. He said this means his ministry staff will have to work harder, and that he will also work hard to provide leadership.

Jan. 6, 2014 - Updated 05:51 UTC