Gov’t plans to intervene in 22 vulnerable communities

Government plans to undertake remedial works to make a number of communities across the island safer.

The passage of Tropical Storm Erika in August exposed several communities making them more susceptible to the effects of climate change.

While Government is giving priority to relocating Petite Savanne and Dubique in the first instance, Chairman of the Resettlement Technical Committee, Lucien Blackmoore revealed that a number of other communities will be given attention in the short and medium term.

“We still have Paradise Valley, Bath Estate to deal with and the section between E.C. Loblack Bridge and the West Bridge where a few of the houses [were damaged]. We had quite an impact on Checkhall [Valley].”

He also listed Canefield, Coulibistrie, Colihaut, Campbell, San Sauveur, Good Hope and Petit Soufriere as part of the 22 critical areas to be given attention.

He assured that the opportunity will be taken to rebuild stronger.

Relocation of the entire community of Campbell is being considered.

“We have immediate and medium-term and Campbell will be considered in the medium term for resettlement.”

GIS News spoke with Blackmoore during a tour of the resettlement site of the Dubique community.

Sixteen point two acres of land is currently being developed in Center, Grand Bay where bungalow type and possibly multi-floor Petro Casas are being constructed.

“At the end of the day, we [must be] satisfied that we have [considered] all the various hazards and environmental factors,” he said.