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Contact:
Chris Satney
Thursday, December 2, 2004 - A US$7.5 million 2nd Phase Disaster
Mitigation Plan for the island was launched at the Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort
on Wednesday, December 1, 2004. The Phase II initiative, like the first will
seek to address the problems facing the island in terms of disaster
preparedness.
The initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Physical Development is being
funded through a loan of US$3.7 million from the International Bank of
Reconstruction and Development, and Credit in the amount of US$3.8 million from
the International Development Association.
The project aims at further reducing the country’s vulnerability to adverse
natural events, such as tropical storms, hurricanes, floods and earthquakes
through investment in risk management activities.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Minister for Physical Development,
Environment and Housing Hon. Fergusson John said, “The community of Dennery
South is expected to benefit most from the initiative”.
Parliamentary Representative for the community, Damian Greaves expressed
satisfaction that flood and coastal problems experienced by his constituency,
especially during the hurricane season, would be addressed once and for all: “I
think our people in Dennery, more particularly those who live near the coastline
will be extremely happy. Of course, part of the project will also involve the
relocation of some residents who are facing the brunt of the sea surges and
therefore, we are finalizing the plan for the rationalization of the land at
Anse-Kanot so that some of our people to the southern side of the coastline can
be relocated”.
Under the project, three bridges will be constructed as well as retaining walls
for the stabilization of slopes. The project will also see the retrofitting of a
number of health centres and schools on the island normally used as disaster
shelters.
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