News
FIRST REBUILT IKE DAMAGED HOME HANDED BACK TO OWNER
Gardiner’s and others storm damaged homes are being repaired and rebuilt via a $6.25m grant from the European Union (EU) of which the UK is a member state. This funding will see 24 homes completely rebuilt, with 34 having repairs conducted on them, in a project managed by the Turks and Caicos Islands Disaster Recovery Board (DRB).
“I would like to thank the EU and Higgs Construction for building me a lovely home,” said Anthea Gardiner, whose house was almost demolished by the storm in 2008.
The islands of Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay were the worst affected by Hurricane Ike, according to UNESCO in 2009. Works on South Caicos are well advanced and will begin shortly on Salt Cay.
The EU resources have been allocated according to the greatest need by the DRB, as required by the EU Contract, with those on the lowest income and living in a damaged property with elderly, infirm or disabled people taking precedence.
Speaking on behalf of the DRB, Deputy Governor Anya Williams said: “It is a truly happy day and to see Beatrice Gardiner finally move back into her home. I am looking forward to handing over the keys to the other owners on Grand Turk over the next few weeks and then moving on to the other affected islands.”
The rapids break down by islands as follows:
Grand Turk: seven minor works, 12 repairs, 19 rebuilds
South Caicos: seven repairs and five rebuilds
Salt Cay: five minor works, two repairs
ENDS