October 11, 2009

The Japanese Communist Party Gunma Prefectural Committee on October 10 held a gathering in Maebashi City to learn about issues raised by the construction of Yanba dam amid the mounting public discussion over this topic since Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Maehara Seiji announced the cancellation of the construction.

Shimazu Teruyuki, representing a civic liaison council against the Yanba dam construction project, gave a lecture to about 300 participants. He explained why the construction is unnecessary and dangerous based on scientific data and refuted arguments that claim the cancellation of the construction project will cost more than going ahead with it.

Shimazu stressed that the establishment of a law to assist reconstruction of residents’ living conditions and local areas will be necessary after halting dam construction project.

JCP House of Representatives Shiokawa Tetsuya stated, “Joint struggles by the people and the JCP have led to the new government’s decision to cancel the construction.” He added that the government should sincerely apologize to local residents, release information regarding the construction plans, and explain in detail the reasons for the cancellation.

Sekiguchi Shigeki, a representative of assembly members in six surrounding prefectures calling for revision of the construction plan also gave an address.
- Akahata, October 11, 2009