TEPCO Chairman gives instructions to employees
The chairman of Tokyo Electric Power Company has urged employees to dedicate themselves to work for people suffering from the 2011 nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
TEPCO Chairman Kazuhiko Shimokobe made the remark while giving instructions on Monday during his New Year's speech at the Fukushima Daini plant, about 10 kilometers away from the damaged Daiichi plant. About 200 employees from both plants were present for the chairman's speech.
Shimokobe spoke about a new business plan submitted to the industry minister by the utility as well as a nuclear compensation fund jointly financed by the government.
He said the plan will push TEPCO step by step toward a strong recovery from the accident.
The chairman asked the employees to be firmly committed to support people in Fukushima Prefecture, using all resources available.
TEPCO President Naomi Hirose later told reporters that his company was late in dealing with problems last year. These included a radioactive water spill at the damaged plant. Hirose said he will see to it that the company will do it's best this year not to have any problems.
He said TEPCO will support residents returning to their home communities
