CHANG

As of next week more than 4,000 persons whose houses were affected in the aftermath of Hurricane Dean should begin receiving help under the Government's $1-billion housing reconstruction programme.

The Government is expected by that time to complete the verification process of the 4,220 houses, which were either damaged or destroyed by the effects of the hurricane.

Minister of Housing and Water, Dr. Horace Chang, said Tuesday that the list of persons whose houses were affected has been distributed to all Members of Parliament and the relevant stakeholders, including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management.

These groups are also involved in the verification exercise.

Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Dr. Chang reported that some affected persons would receive $60,000 towards the reconstruction of their houses.

"In order to ensure that the money is used for construction it will be given in both kind and cash. We intend to provide a cash grant of $20,000 and $40,000 in material," he said.

Severely damaged houses

In addition, persons whose houses were severely damaged would get $20,000, with $8,000 being disbursed in cash and the balance in building material.

The ministry, in some instances, would be providing complete units to affected persons.

Dr. Chang said that about 51 per cent of the houses, which were extensively damaged were located in Southern St. Catherine and Clarendon.

He said lands have been identified to relocate persons from Rocky Point, Portland Cottage, Old Harbour Bay, and Duhaney Pen in St. Thomas.

Red Cross would be providing housing units for some displaced persons in St. Thomas.

"The distribution of cash and material could be done fairly quickly, but the relocation could be extended into next year," he added.