Marsh Harbour, AB, October 22, 2019 – Bahamas – Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis assessed the progress of the Government’s clean-up plan for Abaco as part of a three-day visit to the island at the weekend.
The Government is executing its clean-up
plan on Abaco through the ministries of works and the environment, and is
exploring specific partnerships with international organizations such as the
United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Samaritan’s Purse
organization.
The Ministry of Works has already awarded
four contracts for debris removal, and clean-up on the mainland has begun,
including in the Marsh Harbour area.
The island and surrounding cays will be
divided into zones and a phased approach will be taken to the removal and
disposal of storm debris, said Prime Minister Minnis.
“The removal of debris is part of the first
phase of the reconstruction effort,” said Prime Minister Minnis. “Once the
debris has been cleared the rebuilding process can begin.”
At the Sandbanks, a former shantytown,
debris has been cleared and is in the process of being sorted for proper disposal.
Minister of State in the Ministry of
Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, the Hon. Iram Lewis,
explained that any area identified for clean-up is thoroughly checked for
bodies using cadaver dogs, and must be cleared before heavy equipment can be
brought onto the site.
Clean-up of residential areas is expected
to begin later this week.
The Prime Minister, Minister Lewis, and
Minister of Foreign Affairs and North Abaco MP, the Hon. Darren Henfield, were
among a group of Government officials who spent the weekend in Abaco to assess
recovery and reconstruction efforts, including security, the progress of the temporary
housing program for Government workers and Abaco residents, and clean-up
efforts.
Land for the site of the Family Relief
Center has been cleared and the necessary infrastructure material has arrived
on the island. RV trailers to house workers who will construct the 250 domes
are also on site.
Prime Minister Minnis met with Abaco
hurricane coordinator Mr. Jack Thompson and visited Elbow Cay and Man-O-War
Cay, and numerous settlements in the north and south of Abaco.
While in Abaco, the Prime Minister also
met with members of the Abaco Chamber of Commerce to discuss how the business
community can assist in rebuilding the island.
We are making progress, but we have a
mammoth task ahead of us,” said Prime Minister Minnis. “It will take time to
rebuild but we will rebuild better and stronger than before.”
The Prime Minister will hold a press
conference on Monday 21 October at 8am at the Office of the Prime Minister.
Release: Office of the Prime Minister
Commonwealth of The Bahamas