Yushchenko points to problems in restoration process in western regions

President Victor Yushchenko opened NSDC meeting dedicated to restoration of regions damaged by storms, according to the President`s press-office.

At the beginning President thanked employees of Ministry for Emergencies, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Health, local authorities for their tremendous efforts in helping people, who suffered from the disaster.

At the same time President Yushchenko pointed to some problems in restoration process.

According to him financing of Ministry for Emergencies and Ministry of Defense is insufficient and with regard to the he instructed the Ministers to present their suggestions to alterations to 2008 budget to improve the situation.

Also Victor Yushchenko addressed the Government with a request to elaborate per-project financing plan in order to improve financing of transport infrastructure restoration.

Speaking about financing of restoration works President warned the officials and the contractors conducting the works against misuse of state funds and asked the Accounting Chamber to conduct daily monitoring of the funds use.

Another important issue in that field, President Yushchenko spoke about, was uncontrolled and often illegal cutting down of forests. As such actions both damage natural resources and indirectly cause floods, President asked the Office of the Prosecutor General to track down and prevent cases of illegal tree cutting.

Beside that, President reminded regional governors that construction of the new houses for those, who lost theirs in the disaster, should be finished before November 15. He also warned them that in case of failure to complete the works before the abovementioned date, he would ask them to resign from their posts.

Making final remarks President Yushchenko thanked all the private persons and businessmen, who donated aid to people in the damaged regions.