After the devastation wrought by Hurricane Irma on Barbuda last Tuesday, a country assessment conducted by the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has revealed that 1,084 structures have been impacted and will cost in excess of US $250 million to rebuild and/or repair.
With many of the residents wanting to return to Barbuda, NODS Director, Philmore Mullin, has advised strongly against that, at least in the short term.
“I want to appeal to all Barbudans and Antiguans alike to exercise patience,” Mullin appealed to the those in attendance at Monday night’s rebuilding consultation at the American University of Antigua (AUA).
The Director went on to advise the Barbudan residents of the recovery options being considered.
“Option one,” allows for immediate return of the Barbuda residents without the basic infrastructure being provided.
“There are a number of things that must be taken into consideration under the number one option: health care, electricity, water, security services, commercial activities, just to name a few. And to move back now, those services would not be available.”
“Option two”, as the Director terms it, “speaks specifically to temporary housing. Ensuring that during the period of repairing and making temporary housing available that all of the services in option one must be provided.”
Option three allows for rehabilitation of the restored areas upon the completion of building and repair.
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