Owners seek compensation for earthquake-hit houses.

MANSEHRA -- The residents have demanded the early release of compensation for their houses damaged or destroyed by the 2015 earthquake.

They said the compensation funds had been withheld by the district administration.

'Despite the release of Rs90 million by the government to the district administration in Aug 2019, we have still not been paid compensation,' Mohammad Nawaz told reporters here on Tuesday.

Accompanied by a group of earthquake victims, Mr Nawaz said Rs200,000 was to be paid for every destroyed house and Rs100,000 for the one damaged partially.

Resident Mohammad Qaisar said the matter was taken up with the provincial disaster management authority, while the assistant director (relief) asked the deputy commissioner to issue compensation cheques to the families, which completed legal formalities, but to no avail.

Another resident, Mohammad Rafique, said the residents of Safada, Perhana and other village and neighbourhood councils awaited compensation. He urged the deputy commissioner to ensure the early payment of compensation.

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