The Peruvian Congress plenary session on Tuesday passed the Executive's "Reconstruction with Changes" bill to rebuild disaster-stricken areas following "Coastal El Niño" disasters.
The Andean country was recently at the mercy of "Coastal El Niño" phenomenon characterized by heavy rains, landslides and floods. They destroyed infrastructure and crops, as well as left many citizens homeless.
Thus, 90 legislators backed the initiative, and 18 opposed it. No abstentions were recorded.
In this sense, Prime Minister Fernando Zavala highlighted the consensus reached by Executive and Legislative bodies on a rule that guarantees effectiveness and transparency for affected citizens.
"That which joins us is bigger than what may divide us. I regard this session as a victory, but neither for the government nor the opposition [leading Congress]," the Cabinet Chief affirmed.
"It is a victory for the country, for the millions of affected citizens who need us to provide them with a rapid, urgent solution," he pointed out.
Congress parties' spokespersons also highlighted articulated efforts by both government branches for the benefit of recent natural disaster victims.
Reconstruction with Changes
On the other hand, the government official noted preparation of the bill demanded an analysis of past failed experiences so as not to repeat the same mistakes.
"We have reviewed various examples of other countries, comparing them to our reality. We have also analyzed unsuccessful experiences in Peru to avoid the same mistakes," he said.
Reforms introduced by the bill guarantee the involvement of local and regional governments in the rebuilding of infrastructure damaged by the said phenomenon.
Likewise, they ensure the Comptroller General Office's subsequent auditing of works to be executed.
(END) FHG/CCR/DHT/MVB