A home in San Salvador completely destroyed by Hurricane Joaquin.
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LONG ISLAND,
The Bahamas – Approximately 60 new one-, two- and three- bedroom homes are on
the drawing board for residents in the southeast islands wiped out as a result
of Hurricane Joaquin.
Most of the
new homes will be constructed in Long Island, the island with the largest
population impacted the most in terms of number of homes, and Crooked Island,
the island hardest hit in terms of impact of devastation.
According to
Jack Thompson, administrator of the Government’s recently- formed National
Recovery and Reconstruction Unit (NRRU), the second phase is construction of
new homes.
“While the
priority is to deal with roof repairs and eventually a lesser extent windows,
doors, sheet rock, we will move in short order to new homes. We’ve identified
approximately 56 homes in the islands which were totally destroyed or which
make no sense putting in capital for. We’ve identified the plans, the persons
and the material listing,” he stated.
The priority
list includes homes for widowers, single mothers, senior citizens, the disabled
and the indigent.
Mr. Thompson
summed up the results of a fact-finding visit to Long Island and San Salvador,
Sunday November 29, as “extremely productive.”
The
administrator headed a delegation to Long Island and San Salvador comprising
Captain Stephen Russell, Director of the National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA), and the National Disaster Finance Committee, recently appointed by
Prime Minister Perry Christie, which includes Chairman Nat Beneby, Gowan Bowe,
Mike Maura, Tracey Knowles and Jean Chalpon. The committee is charged with
fundraising; targeting the private community to ensure that systems and
processes are in place for the expenditure of the Donation Fund Account.
A home in San Salvador completely destroyed by Hurricane Joaquin.
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In addition
to inspecting distribution centres, businesses and homes, the delegation got a
first-hand look at infrastructure including roads, docks, schools,
administration offices and other government buildings. They also chatted with
fishermen other members of the business community, the islands’ Administrators
and members of the Defence Force stationed in the islands.
“They are
looking at the extent of the devastation, to critique and evaluate the
processes, make recommendations and to tweak them to have a more effective
system.
“We are
going to be asking for more funds but people are only inclined to give money if
they are satisfied that monies are being spent properly, the supplies are being
distributed in an equitable way and given to the persons who are most in need.”
Mr. Thompson
said there is no written or prepared text on how to deal with a Category 4
hurricane, but the intention is to ensure that processes are put in place to
cause relief as early as possible for the maximum number of residents.
“Our
strategy is to do all we can as quickly as possible for the people,” he added.
Workmen are busy repairing the roof of a home in Long Island.
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Infrastructural
development is a part of the NRRU’s remit, and scopes of work have already been
completed for the airport, road works and government buildings (with the
exception of schools). However, Mr. Thompson said his committee plans to look
beyond construction and also focus on the fishing community.
“Although
you repair homes, if you don’t get people’s economic lives back in order you’re
still missing a big point.”
In an effort
to keep the public aware of its efforts, the NRRU will make available reports
and statements. (BIS Photos/Patrick
Hanna)
Workmen are busy repairing the roof of a home in Long Island.
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