Foreign
FARMERS and growers were mobilized to help clear debris of severe flooding suffered by New Zealand’s South Island a week ago.
The government had activated Enhanced Taskforce Green in response to the Canterbury floods, once in a hundred years in some places, and 500,000 NZ dollars (360,837 dollars) would be made available to help with the clean-up.
The Minister of Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni disclosed this on Tuesday.
The flooding in Canterbury had been a significant and adverse event damaging farmland, homes, roads, and bridges.
Part of the government’s response to supporting the recovery was making funding available so that local councils or other authorized agencies can hire jobseekers to help with the clean-up activities, Sepuloni said.
“This funding will mean job seekers can be employed to help clear debris, including trees and baleage plastic, clear fences and buildings, and support general clean-up,’’ she said.
Across the Canterbury region, damage assessments were being carried out and the Ministry of Social Development would work closely with agencies on the ground to help identify the need for Enhanced Task Force Green support, the minister said.
It was expected that workers would be on the ground helping with the clean up later this month, Sepuloni said
The minister added that job seekers interested in helping the Canterbury flood recovery can register their interest by phoning the local government hotline. (Xinhua/NAN)
– June 08, 2021 @ 14:12 GMT
Tags: farmers growers clear debris after New Zealand’s South Island flooding
