After Tsunami Japan picking up the pieces
Source : kutlwano
Author : Segolame Seidisa and Tshegofatso Ikaneng
Location : Gaborone
Event : Interview
In particular, the date evokes sad memories of thousands of lives that were lost in the fatal eruption, as well as displacement and injury to many others. The earthquake the Tsunami Disaster, almost wiped out the country’s entire economy, which was doing well then, as well as some 20 000 lives.
Some people, it has been reported, now think that the 11th day of a month is more like Friday the 13th - a day superstitiously known for mishaps and bad luck. For instance, the worst tragedy ever to have hit the United States – the World Trade Centre’s twin towers bombing - happened on September 11, 2001.
Worse still, some bloggers are convinced that the world is yet to experience another catastrophe on the eleventh of any unknown month. Is there anything peculiar with the figure 11? Perhaps only time will tell.. In any case, for now it is beside the point whether the 11th is an unlucky day or not. What is important though is that this year March 11, 2012, was not a time for sadness but a moment of reflection as countries across the globe commemorated the Japanese disaster through a string of events dubbed the Commemoration of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Being part of the international community, Botswana would not be left out as the country’s representatives graced the commemoration organised by the Japanese Embassy in Gaborone on March 22, 2011.
Undoubtedly, many Batswana are quite aware of the cordial relationship that exists between Botswana and Japan. In fact, most Batswana learnt to accept and appreciate the Japanese people through the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) programme.
While the Tsunami after-effects are far from over, Japan is equally taking extra cautious measures in line with the old adage that, ‘make hay while the sun still shines’. “The infrastructure and economy of the disaster- affected regions are steadily recovering, and the supply chain has been completely restored, while production level in the manufacturing sector has now recovered and even gone above the level prior to the disaster,” says Japanese Ambassador, Hiroyasu Kobayashi.
Highlighting the progress made so far by the Japanese government, Koboyashi says Japan embarked on major reconstruction efforts in the affected areas such as Tohako regions, as well as the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. Survivors benefited from humanitarian relief such as food aid and shelter. Initially, says Kobayashi, around 50 000 provisional housing was supplied after the March 11 tragedy. However, the number of people in shelters eventually decreased to 600 as the situation improved.
He says Japan initiated a Reconstruction Agency to help in concealing and supporting disaster areas. Also there has been greater support and condolences, and such assistance made it possible for Japan to immensely recover from its predicament, says the ambassador. Kobayashi says Japan received over US$4 billion (around P28 billion) from different countries including Botswana, which was in turn distributed among victims of the earthquake.
“I do not have words with which to express our appreciation for the enormous support we received from this country, including a P1 million donation from the government of Botswana, the message of condolence from the President Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, as well as warm messages from the people of Botswana,” says Kobayashi. Meanwhile, Japan has established the Tokyo
International Conference on African Development IV (TICAD IV) whose main aim is fostering peace and stability in Africa. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Phandu Skelemani, cannot agree more. Skelemani expressed his appreciation towards Japanese government’s decision to host the TICAD V Summit slated for Tokyo in May next year. The minister says this is another sign of resolute commitment by the Japanese government to the TICAD process and its contribution to Africa’s future.
Teaser:
It is now a little over a year since a wicked and deadly earthquake, dubbed Tsunami,hit Japan. That was on March 2011. Certainly the date is still fresh in the minds of many Japanese people.
