RVs to house govt officials on Abaco

The Nassau Guardian October 16, 2019 Rachel Knowles

The first batch of 100 recreational vehicles that will house 300 government workers on Abaco.

Recreational vehicles (RVs) that will house government employees on Abaco in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian are slated to arrive on the island by the weekend, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said.

The trailers, which will number 100 once they all arrive, will house 300 employees.

Sixty of the trailers will be situated on the premises of the primary school in Marsh Harbour, and the remaining 40 on the high school grounds.

“The workers will play an essential role in the reconstruction and recovery efforts on the island,” the OPM said.

“Government workers will lay the groundwork for the return of residents and the establishment of temporary housing facilities. This will make it possible for residents to return home and start the process of rebuilding.”

Trailers will be assigned to specific government agencies. According to the statement, 15 will be assigned to the Ministry of Health, 20 to security forces, six to the Ministry of Works and one has been set aside as a workspace for senior government officials.

“A protocol is being determined for the relocation of individuals back to Abaco,” the statement said, noting that materials to begin setup of a Family Relief Centre in Marsh Harbour will arrive on Abaco this week.

The center will be comprised of 250 dome structures that will house up to five people each.

Additionally, the Office of the Prime Minister said the port in Marsh Harbour should be fully operational as of today, and work has begun to fully reopen the Marsh Harbour International Airport.

The prime minister also reported that the Department of Environmental Health Services will start removing debris from residential areas. Residents who have started to clean their property should ensure that all garbage is placed at the roadside without blocking the main roadway, the statement said.

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis and Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction Iram Lewis are expected to visit Abaco this week to assess the progress of rebuilding efforts and meet with representatives of the Abaco Chamber of Commerce.