Mixed-up priorities

Reckless development, shoddy construction of roads and flood control facilities, and hastily-done recovery work have compounded the problems created by the recent rains. One victim insists that this time around, the Ministry of Construction and Transportation needs to be held responsible for its failures.

"Sure thing. We’ll accept the responsibility of building a new dam," says the ministry.

Victims of the recent flooding are calling for the authorities to accept responsibility for aspects of disaster-prevention policy that were supposed to have been executed more effectively. Meanwhile, one of the government’s answers to the recent disaster has been to propose the construction of a new dam to hold back heavy rains during the monsoon season.

Hankyoreh Geurimpan, 19 July 2006