Govt. Considering Fund To Help Fukushima Fisheries Operators
Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister says the government is thinking of creating a fund to assist local fisheries operators after treated water is released from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
The fund would help protect the operators from possible damage to their reputations caused by the release.
Nishimura Yasutoshi spoke to reporters after a meeting of relevant Cabinet ministers on Tuesday.
He said he will work to launch the fund to make sure local fisheries can continue working with a sense of reassurance about the future.
He reiterated that the government will keep listening local residents' opinions about the treated water release and provide clear and repeated explanations of the move to win understanding over it.
Nishimura also referred to Tuesday's lifting of an evacuation order for part of Futaba Town in Fukushima Prefecture. The area was designated as a "no entry zone" after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident.
He said the evacuation order's end is a major milestone in reconstruction efforts following the accident. Calling it a fresh start, he said he hopes to work to help rebuild local business so evacuees can return and settle in what used to be their hometown with peace of mind.