Japan to address Fukushima soil reuse 14 years after 2011 nuclear disaster

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japan’s Reconstruction Minister Tadahiko Ito on Monday said that he intends to address the issues related to the reuse of soil from radiation decontamination work following the 2011 nuclear accident in the Fukushima Power Plant.

"It's our responsibility to respond firmly," to such issues, the Jiji Press news agency quoted Ito as saying.

Last month, Shiro Izawa, mayor of Futaba town located in the northeastern Fukushima prefecture, said that the town would have doubts about using such soil.

Futaba is one of the host municipalities of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant that suffered a meltdown in 2011.

"It's natural that Futaba residents are concerned," Ito said, referring to the proposed plan to prioritize the reuse of soil in the town.

Regarding what should be done to promote the disposal of such soil outside the prefecture, he emphasized the importance of gaining public understanding, noting that the government will work together while seeking their support.