The Tribune

DIRECTOR of the National Emergency Management Agency Captain Stephen Russell led a technical team to three islands to inspect recently-built homes that were destroyed by Hurricane Joaquin in 2015.

The team comprised personnel from the structural, plumbing and electrical areas of the Ministry of Works, and a technical officer from the National Recovery and Reconstruction Unit (NRRU).

The team went to San Salvador, Rum Cay and Long Island on Monday, January 22. The homes, part of Hurricane Joaquin Reconstruction Phase II, were built at an estimated cost of $1m.

On Long Island, six homes were built bringing the total to 18 completed on that island. On Rum Cay, two homes were completed, and on San Salvador, one home. These homes of up to three bedrooms were handed over to nine families on those islands.

The homeowners were assessed in the aftermath of Joaquin and qualified for reconstruction of homes based on these protocols: the elderly, the disabled, and single parent.

While on Rum Cay, the technical team took the opportunity to inspect the construction of the dock and boat ramp.

Captain Russell thanked the homeowners for their patience and the contractors for their high standards in quality of work.

He said plans are underway to move "full speed ahead" to assist individuals impacted by Hurricanes Matthew and Irma of 2016 and 2017, respectively.