10/1/2011 Decontamination efforts accelerate in Fukushima

Source: NHK World
Date: Saturday, October 01, 2011 22:32 +0900 (JST)
by: Kanako Sachno


Municipalities in Fukushima Prefecture affected by the nuclear accident in March are stepping up efforts to decontaminate public buildings and restore key infrastructures.

The move comes after the Japanese government lifted an evacuation advisory on Friday for 5 municipalities located between 20 and 30 kilometers from the troubled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

After the March 11th disaster, residents in these municipalities were advised to prepare to evacuate in case of an emergency at the nuclear plant.

The city of Minamisoma has placed priority on removing radioactive substances from public facilities such as parks, schools and roads.

Contractors are replacing surface soil with uncontaminated soil. But they say it's becoming difficult to procure the necessary amount of soil due to increasing demand.

In Kawauchi Village, residents have begun to patrol the community against burglaries. It is feared that the cancellation of the government advisory could make it easier for burglars to prey on the community.

The central government has yet to come up with concrete measures, including financial assistance, to support the municipalities' restoration efforts.