Disaster Reconstruction Authority pledges to accelerate debris clean-up
Authored by: Disaster Reconstruction Authority
Source: Disaster Reconstruction Authority
Date: December 15, 2019

 

MARSH HARBOUR, Abaco  – The Bahamas Disaster Reconstruction Authority has pledged to accelerate the debris clean-up effort in the Abacos after a tour of communities hard hit by Hurricane Dorian.

 

Katherine Forbes-Smith, Managing Director of the Authority, and members of the Authority’s Board visited mainland Abaco and Elbow Cay Wednesday through Friday, meeting with residents and stakeholders to assess their needs.

 

While significant clean-up has occurred in the three months since Dorian, a large amount of debris remains due to the widespread damage caused by the historic Category 5 storm.

 

“One of the main concerns we heard in various places was that the debris removal process needs to speed up,” said Forbes-Smith.

 

“This is the largest clean-up in modern Bahamian history. Hurricane Dorian caused widespread damage and destruction across the Abacos.

 

“In order for residents to be able to rebuild and for commerce to be fully restored, the mainland and cays have to be cleaned up.”

 

While clean-up contracts were issued and work was done, the Authority noted the need for additional resources to be allocated toward a rapid and larger debris removal effort across the Abacos.

 

On Elbow Cay members of the community said they need small trucks, additional barge service, waste disposal equipment, workers and funding to finish clearing Hurricane Dorian-related debris.

 

“We had a productive meeting with the organisers of the Elbow Cay clean-up,” said Forbes-Smith.

 

“We took a list of specific items they require and will work with them to ensure their needs are met.”

 

The Bahamas Disaster Reconstruction Authority was established by Parliament to spearhead the response to Hurricane Dorian in Grand Bahama and Abaco.

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