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BULLETIN #7
Rebuilding Jamaica
September 23, 2004 - Noon
ONR Head tours Rocky Point and Portland Cottage Communities
Chief Executive Officer of the Office of National Reconstruction (ONR) Danville
Walker, this morning toured the Rocky Point and Portland Cottage communities
of Clarendon to establish sites for the relocation of residents.
Mr. Walker stated that the Portland Cottage community should not only be relocated, but that remaining structures should be demolished to prevent residents from returning to that particular location.
"The majority of these homes are board homes, but there are also some significant dwellings here, by way of structure, and I believe the community is going to have to move away and leave those," he noted.
Voucher system established
A voucher system is being established to facilitate the distribution of relief
supplies. Each voucher will have a cash value and can be exchanged for food
and other supplies from merchants. The Welfare and Relief Sub-Committee of the
National Disaster Committee under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security
will be coordinating these efforts.
In order to qualify for the relief voucher, persons must first register at registration
centres islandwide, after which they will be given a card. The Parish Welfare
Committee will then verify and assess individual reports to determine eligibility.
The registration centres are based at all Poor Relief Offices as well as some designated schools, church halls and health centres. Persons may contact their local Parish Council, Parish Disaster Committee or the Social Development Commission for more information.
NGO to assist in disaster relief efforts in Clarendon
OXFAM International, the non-governmental group, which works to end poverty
worldwide, will be assisting the disaster relief effort in Clarendon, with immediate
focus on the provision of water and sanitation.
So far, water and sanitation specialists from the organisation have met with the Clarendon Parish Disaster Committee and also carried out evaluations. In addition the organisation has committed thirty-five 1000-gallon tanks and will source purified water to fill them.
The tanks are expected to arrive today (September 23) and will be installed in the most critically affected communities such as Rocky Point, Portland Cottage, Lionel Town and Mitchell Town. The tanks will be refilled as needed.
Clarendon Parish Disaster Relief Fund launched
The Clarendon Parish Disaster Relief Fund was launched on September 20 with
an initial contribution of $70,000 dollars. The Fund, which was created to respond
to the needs of the parish in the event of major disasters, will be assessed
immediately, to provide assistance to persons seriously affected by the hurricane.
An account (#564-182-885) has been opened at the National Commercial Bank for interested persons to contribute to the fund.
Health Ministry tackling mosquito problem
Health officials have implemented a number of strategies to reduce the breeding
ground for mosquitoes. These include oiling or draining large pools of water.
Fogging is being carried out where there is a significant infestation of adult mosquitoes. So far communities in Ocho Rios, Discovery Bay in St. Ann, Portmore and other areas in St. Catherine, St. Elizabeth and Clarendon have been fogged.
Householders are reminded that they have an important role to play in curtailing the rapid increase in the population of insects and rodents associated with conditions stemming from a disaster of the magnitude of Hurricane Ivan. They are advised to continue inspecting their homes both indoor and outdoor to ensure that there are no breeding areas for these parasites.
More Roads Cleared
The National Works Agency says of 1037 blocked roads 767 have been cleared.
Communication and Customer Service Manager Vando Palmer says of this number
411 are fully cleared while 356 are open to single lane traffic.
Contact: The Public Relations Department
E-mail: pr@jis.gov.jm
Tel: 929-1919
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