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by pltm
(PLTM) - Head of the BVI's Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Sharlene Dabreo has sought to assure shelter residents across the Territory that the government has no plans to put them out without ensuring they have proper homes.
Dabreo confirmed that a total of 168 persons remain in shelters on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke.
Last month, some shelter residents at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Road Town, expressed that they were not able to meet evacuation deadlines being given to exit the facility. Earlier this week, there were also reports that residents at that same facility are anxious, as they reported being told they would have to evacuate by November 30 (tomorrow).
Dabreo told BVI Platinum News that November 30 was a target date that the government authorities initially set to have all shelters cleared. However, she assured residents that date will not be adhered to.
"It (November 30) was a target date for government to get homes ready, but that's obviously not going to happen. We cannot put them out with nowhere to go," Dabreo said.
She said the Social Development Department has already assessed individuals and families remaining in formal and informal shelters, to identify appropriate housing solutions for them.
"Several of them will be able to return to their homes with assistance being provided by government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), while others will require alternative accommodations, whether on an interim or long-term basis. The Ministry of Health and Social Development has prepared a detailed Housing Recovery Policy and Plan, and is working with partners to provide assistance to those most in need," Dabreo explained.
She said the goal is to get people "back into homes that are healthy and safe as quickly as possible, carry out needed repairs to the emergency shelters, and restore communal buildings to their intended use."
She maintained that residents will not be forced out of facilities being used as shelters across the Territory.
Immediately after Hurricane Irma hit, several persons fled to shelters after their homes were flooded and roofs damaged by the category five storm.
The Rotary Club and other humanitarian organizations are assisting with repairing homes of affected residents.
According to figures from DDM, 82 persons remain in 12 shelters on Tortola, 61 remain in shelters on Virgin Gorda, and 25 remain in shelter boxes on Jost Van Dyke.
