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by pltm
(PLTM) - With only 36 residents in shelters and some improvements to the infrastructure, the Territory’s leader said that the quality of life has improved remarkably, post Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
“While there are many persons still to receive some essential services, it is safe to say that the general quality of our lives has remarkably improved over the past six months,” he said on Thursday evening, February 22.
In a statement on the progress of the Territory, Premier Smith said that the government has implemented a number of programmes to assist with relief, restoration and recovery.
“There is the Housing Assistance Programme, the Business Assistance Programme, and the Public Assistance Programme. I encourage you to take full advantage of these opportunities that have been created to improve the effectiveness of our recovery process,” he stated.
Premier Smith said that as of February 1st 2018, there are only 36 persons remaining in public shelters.
Further, he said, “60 percent of the insured have received payments, and a tribunal has been established to assist with the mitigation of disputed insurance claims and to expedite settlements.”
He disclosed that more than 3,500 individuals have received financial assistance through a programme by the BVI Red Cross, with support of the government; and 328 uninsured homeowners have received assistance from the Housing Programme to date.
“Our most vulnerable continue to receive support from our Social Development Department, all of our major roads are passable, remedial work continues as needed and designs have been completed for the Paraquita Bay to Long Swamp road,” Premier Smith said.
It was outlined that 95 percent of potable water has been restored to the eastern zone, 100 percent to the central zone, and that the Water and Sewerage team continues to work arduously to restore water services to the western zone.
The Cappoons Bay plant has been brought online and residents should begin receiving water shortly.
“The Sewerage network in Road Town is largely functional and back-up generators are to be installed to supply power when there is a power outage. Electricity services have been restored to about 90 percent of the Territory and I expect that by the end of March, 100 percent will be restored,” he stated.
The Finance Minister said that all the children are back in school, and that they are at the design stage of the repair and rebuilding of the education infrastructure.
“All of our beaches have been restored and useable; 70 percent of the public spaces have been cleared of debris and derelict vehicles.”
Healthcare services at Peebles Hospital remain at 100 percent, while the repair of the clinics continue.
He said that 75 percent of the telecommunications voice and data infrastructure has been restored, and the telecommunications partners are working with the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) to rebuild all infrastructures to a predetermined minimum standard.
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