Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa has praised the efforts of rescuers, health teams and security forces that have significantly helped the lives of the people affected by the April 9 7.8-magnitude earthquake.
TeleSUR English said that, speaking at a press conference from a provisional hospital set up in Bahia de Caraquez, one of the coastal areas affected by the earthquake, Correa explained new taxation measures to fund the post-quake recovery. The president said the solidarity effort will be progressive — the richest will be expected to contribute more than the poorest.
All the funds generated by these exceptional measures — up to an estimated US$1 billion — will be allocated to the reconstruction of the coast, he added, saying his government is working on a detailed reactivation plan.
The president also expressed his disappointment at some opposition sectors that criticised the tax measures: “We have to elevate the level of the debate here please, in such circumstances of national tragedy.”