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Structurally sound low income housing needed in Hurricane Tomas' aftermath

Contact: Shannnon Lebourne

Friday 3 December 2010 –  The recent passage of Hurricane Tomas has emphasised the need for adequate low income housing around the island. 

Chief Housing and Urban Renewal Planner Miss Jenny Daniel, says authorities are in the process of identifying suitable land to facilitate this type of development.

Daniel explained that the necessary integrity assessment has to be done before such developments can be approved.

“The Ministry of Housing has a draft policy in place which we intend to get approved . It recognises the need for greater focus on the identification of lands that are suitable for housing—particularly where low income housing is concerned. We have found that the greatest impact from Hurricane Tomas is in the segment of the market that is defined as low income.”

The ministry has  almost completed its preliminary assessments of the damage to the housing stock.

Chief Housing and Urban Renewal Planner says these assessments along with that undertaken by the United Nations Economic Commission for Lain America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC) will guide government’s  response to the country’s housing needs post hurricane Tomas.

“In Saint Lucia for the majority of home owners their home is the biggest investment they will make in their lives. If people are going to make such a significant investment,  it is critical that they protect their investments by following the necessary requirements and guidelines as it relates to size, design, location etc.

“We also encourage people to continue protecting heir investments by putting in the necessary guttering because we recognise that as a significant issue especially where rainfall and water disposal is concerned,” Daniel said.

Meantime, the Saint Lucia Red Cross has made an appeal to its international partners for half a million Eastern Caribbean dollars to purchase building materials to provide assistance to persons whose homes were destroyed.

Disaster Coordinator at the Red Cross Mr Hubert Pierre, says once secured, the funds will go a long way in addressing the short term housing needs.

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