Association of Local Authorities chairman Shlomo Bohbot today wrote to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asking him for urgent help for local authorities to deal with weather damage caused in the last few days. He estimated the storm damage at NIS 1 billion.
Bohbot said, "Severe damage was caused to residents of local authorities and to infrastructures in cities and local authorities from drainage failures and the inadequate handling by the regional drainage authorities, which operate under the regulations and supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture."
The Association of Local Authorities said that the storm damage "requires serious rebuilding of infrastructures by the local authorities. It is clear to us that the local authorities cannot bear the burden of the rebuilding, and the Ministry of Finance should provide financial aid to the local authorities for this purpose."
Bohbot reminded Netanyahu, "After the storm damage in the US, the federal government came to the support and aid of the states to repair the storm damage. I also ask you to establish a joint committee, which will include representatives of local authorities, to review the functioning of the regional drainage authorities, and recommend improvements in the systems and operation for the protection of urban settlements from future damage. I am sure that if we work and plan properly, we will save the country from similar damage to what is regrettably happening now."
The Manufacturers Association of Israel estimates the cost of lost daily production at NIS 300 million.
Netanyahu: We'll have full water reservoirs
Earlier today, Netanyahu held a meeting to assess the effect of the storm. He thanked the rescue services, and spoke about the filling of water reservoirs. But he did say a single word about high water prices, which will not fall despite the heavy rains.
"We been waiting for these rains for many years," said Netanyahu. "I hope that they will only be blessed rains and will not cause casualties. I therefore call on the public to continue heeding the instructions of the rescue services and to drive carefully. I wish to thank the public for its patience. They understand that when the traffic jams end, we will be left with full water reservoirs, and we need this water."
Netanyahu added that the Prime Minister's Office director general would review compensation for victims of storm damage, because the law does not stipulate such compensation. "One month after Operation Pillar of Defense, the rescue forces are again proving that the Israeli home front can rely on them. In the stormy weather, their sole concern is to help Israeli citizens, and they have been very successful," he said.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 9, 2013
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