In the aftermath of Monday’s windstorm that ravaged the East Coast Demerara communities of Bare Root and Dazzell Housing Scheme, a team from the opposition APNU+AFC visited the area for a first-hand look at the damage incurred and to offer what assistance it could, while calling for urgent government relief for affected families.
This was stated in a release yesterday following a press conference held by the APNU+AFC.
According to the release, the roofs of several houses in the two communities were either completely or partially lifted off. Walls were damaged and, in one case, a home was completely destroyed. The storm was severe enough to cause material to be dispersed as far as two villages away. Many residents of all ages in both communities were left traumatised.
Further, families lost electrical appliances, furniture and furnishings “which were in some cases seen hanging in trees over in another community,” and a Bare Root resident was severely injured in his home by falling material. The visiting team arranged for him to get urgent medical attention.
The release was at pains to point out that up to the time of its issuance, “not a single” government minister had visited the communities which it viewed as being “totally unacceptable.” It added that many of the affected families had no clue how they would have slept last evening given the damage to their homes and the expected rainfall. However, it informed that the APNU+AFC assisted as best as it could by providing tarpaulins to protect those homes from the elements.
As such, the APNU+AFC challenged the government to treat the situation as an emergency and launch “urgent” response and rescue efforts to ensure that affected families can immediately dwell in comfort and safety. “We call on the government to also undertake a damage assessment and offer financial and other support to ensure families can continue their normal lives by recovering their homes and belongings. The government should also look at preventative measures to assist homeowners to better secure their buildings from future heavy rainfall and high winds.”
The coalition posited that a natural disaster preparedness, response and recovery plan must be designed with the understanding that natural disasters in Guyana extend beyond floods. Local natural disasters, it reminded, also include localised storms, squalls, droughts, and earth tremors. It stressed that planners must also recognise that some disasters are rapid in their onset and can strike quickly or without warning. “A caring and competent government must be ready at all times to respond.”
The release urged the government “to demonstrate that it can use the national patrimony (the people’s money) to adequately respond to the dire situation in Bare Root and the Dazzell Housing Scheme.”
