More than a week after the village of Aishalton, Region Nine was hit by a violent storm, Toshao Michael Thomas says that materials have been coming in, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Regional Executive Officer (REO), to start rebuilding the homes that were affected.
Five houses were affected by the storm, three of which were completely destroyed.
Thomas told Stabroek News (SN) that one day after the storm hit, the CDC along with the REO reached out to assess the damage and promised to assist with rebuilding efforts. The CDC was true to their promise, the first delivery in the form of rations, tarpaulins, linens, mats, etc. came on the very same day. A delivery of roofing sheets, nails, and other construction materials soon followed, compliments of the REO.
Additionally, Thomas said he was contacted by the REO on Monday and informed that a shipment of cement would soon be forthcoming. The REO explained to him that they are currently seeking out the assistance of various organisations so as to be able to provide at least 200 sacks of cement to the village. Thomas also informed SN that at present wooden materials are being extracted for the roofing.
Meanwhile, severe weather is continuing to hit the village at intervals, causing damage in its wake. The Toshao related that the most recent one hit the outskirts of the village and another house was destroyed.
A 14-year-old youth, Tiweppa, who was injured during the first storm is reported to be doing well but still complaining of internal pains. Thomas stated that a District Medical Outreach Team had visited and performed scans on him but found no major damage.
The villagers have opted to rebuild their homes by themselves and are expecting to start construction as soon as the wooden materials and cement have arrived.
