NGOs to aid in rebuilding and repairing of Dorian impacted homes

NGOs to aid in rebuilding and repairing of Dorian impacted homes

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis will meet with representatives of the Clinton Foundation to discuss recovery and reconstruction efforts on Grand Bahama and Abaco.

The Clinton Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by former United States President Bill Clinton.

Minnis made the announcement as he commended and thanked several NGOs for their aid and assistance to The Bahamas in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

“As I have said before, we need as much help as possible for the mammoth task of rebuilding,” the prime minister said, during a press conference yesterday.

“The government is working with its NGO partners to facilitate other home repair and replacement programs on Abaco and Grand Bahama.”

Minnis noted that Samaritan’s Purse, which already has a MOU with the Ministry of Health, will target 1,000 permanent home repairs and whole-house repairs.

“This work will be done in partnership with local churches and local contractors and will be carried out in compliance with Build Back Better principles,” he said.

“This program will also include working through churches to provide vouchers to local hardware stores for the most vulnerable to replace household assets.

“In addition to the 422 roofs tarped (sic) by Samaritan’s Purse’s installation teams across Grand Bahama and Abaco to date – Samaritan’s Purse is further targeting 500 Rapid Roof Repairs on both islands in partnership with USAID.”

The prime minister also announced that the International Red Cross (IRC) has committed to repair 1,000 homes that have received minor to moderate damage.

“The IRC is assessing if it can provide further assistance for the full reconstruction of homes,” Minnis added.

“The IRC is working very closely with the Ministry of Works to ensure that it meets established codes.”

The organization is also seeking to provide financial resources to 2,000 households for multi-purpose use, including the replacement of furniture.

“I wish to once again thank Samaritan’s Purse, the International Red Cross and the other NGOs who have done so much great work across the areas affected by Hurricane Dorian,” Minnis said.

“Also, in regard to international NGO support, I will be meeting with representatives of the Clinton Foundation to discuss how the foundation can assist in the recovery and reconstruction on Grand Bahama and Abaco.”

About Sloan Smith

Sloan Smith is a senior digital reporter at Eyewitness News, covering a diverse range of beats, from politics and crime to environment and human interest. In 2018, Sloan received a nomination for the “Leslie Higgs Feature Writer of The Year Award” from The Bahamas Press Club for her work with Eyewitness News.