Concerns about risky rebuilding raised at St Elizabeth MC meeting

WESTERN BUREAU:

Michelle Senior, parish manager at the St Elizabeth branch of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, is voicing new concerns about unsafe rebuilding efforts now under way in parts of the Parottee community, where homes were buried by sand during the storm surge caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking at Thursday’s monthly meeting of the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation (StEMC), Senior lamented that despite the severe damage, many residents had already started reconstructing homes along the same vulnerable stretch of coastline, creating what she described as both a humanitarian and safety crisis.

“I don’t know what the approach will be, but we are concerned about the rebuilding that is taking place in some communities that are being assessed,” said Senior, noting that field officers were shaken by what they had seen.

“I make reference to communities like Parottee. Persons are looking forward to rebuilding. A team member came back to me and was traumatised because the sand has covered the houses and persons are proposing to rebuild [in the same location],” she said. “Are we going to be assessing these same people next year, or will the sea take them the next time?”

Senior is proposing that the Government take urgent steps to clarify relocation or adaptation options for displaced families in the affected areas.

“I think we really need some intervention with those communities. It is really a challenge for the persons who are living there now. What are the options for them? Are there any plans for these persons?” she asked, adding that residents are contending that the next time around, they will evacuate early once they hear that a hurricane is approaching, which she does not see as an ideal solution.

“They would have already constructed or repaired their living situation. It’s really a challenge out there for these residents in Parottee, and I really think some intervention should be in place to help these persons who have lost their homes,” said Senior.

In agreeing with Senior, Black River Mayor Richard Solomon said the matter of relocating the residents in the areas of concern can no longer be postponed.

“It is something that we have to have a serious discussion on. I am happy that the assessment is ongoing, and we are able to detect the issues,” he said. “Now that we have identified some of the issues, they will have to sit at the table and formulate a strategy as to how to deal with those vulnerable communities.”

Derrick Sangster, the councillor for the Mountainside division, said the concerns being discussed had already been discussed at the central government level.

“On the note that Ms Senior raised, in a meeting Tuesday night with our MP (Member of Parliament Floyd Green), that matter was discussed,” he said. “We are planning a meeting for early next year with the residents of Parottee to begin a conversation as to the way forward.”

albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com