3-month rent extension approved for 'Ditwah' victims

The Cabinet has approved extending the monthly housing rent allowance for people who lost their homes due to the Ditwah cyclone disaster, for an additional three months.

The decision was taken as part of efforts to restore normalcy and strengthen the recovery programme for affected communities.

Accordingly, the allowance previously granted for up to six months while families rebuild their homes will now be extended to a maximum of nine months, with the necessary circular instructions to be issued.

The Cabinet also approved measures to clear debris and restore damaged paddy fields, based on estimates approved by relevant agricultural development officials, following required institutional approvals.

In addition, landslide risk reduction work in affected and high-risk areas will be carried out under recommendations of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), with priority use of allocated funds under the Ministry of Defence.

Necessary financial allocations will be provided through the Treasury from disaster relief and reconstruction funds.