Displaced Portland Cottage Residents Now Proud Homeowners

Ninety-three residents of Portland Cottage, Clarendon, whose homes were destroyed during Hurricane Ivan two years ago, are now proud homeowners, having been presented with certificates of titles and keys to new housing units.
The two-bedroom units, with associated infrastructure, were built through the efforts of the Office of National Reconstruction (ONR) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
At the handing over ceremony held recently at the Versailles Hotel in May Pen, head of the ONR, Danville Walker, told JIS News that the residents would be required to pay a monthly mortgage of not more than $1000.
He noted further that a special fund would be set up for the ongoing maintenance of the site and “we are working with the National Housing Development Corporation to create what we call splinter titles, which can be used in the long-term to secure additional loans from other building or lending institutions, such as the National Housing Trust.”
Meanwhile, he told JIS News that the next phase of the project would be the provision of piped water to the housing units after which the road would be properly asphalted.
“The road.we continue to marl it, but it makes no sense to put on the proper surface and then have to dig it up to lay water pipes so in the interim, we have provided some tanks for each home to be used on a temporary basis,” he pointed out.
United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Brenda LaGrange Johnson, in her remarks at the ceremony, commended the many partners that had collaborated in the effort to bring about “tangible relief” to the affected residents of Portland Cottage.
She noted that the handing over of the homes marked the official conclusion of the United States government’s Hurricane Ivan Recovery and Reconstruction Programme, which, since 2004, has facilitated the repair and rebuilding of more than 1,000 houses in communities across the island.
In addition, some 3,500 farmers, fisher folks and craft vendors received supplies to restore their livelihood, while about 46 schools and two teachers colleges were repaired, with furniture and educational materials provided.
Hurricane straps were provided for the roofs of the schools and homes and fisher folks were provided with safety training and supplies such as life jackets and global positioning system units.
The US Ambassador commend the government of Jamaica “for its close collaboration in the programme and especially applaud the ONR for its excellent leadership.”
She noted that the “Hurricane Ivan Recovery Programme did not just rebuild and repair, it helped Jamaica to better prepare for future natural disasters. This strong emphasis on risk reduction is meant to ensure that most vulnerable Jamaicans are better protected in the future”.
She called on the residents of Portland Cottage to do their part to protect their homes and communities against natural disasters.
“Simply following correct drainage procedures can protect homes and working together, neighbours can create, build and maintain a community that they are proud to raise their children in and call home. “I have no doubt that each recipient of a new home will be diligent in its care and maintenance”, she stated.
For her part, new homeowner, May Daley, said she was overwhelmed by the occasion. “I am feeling so wonderful to know that I am the owner of a brand new home given to me by the USAID and the government,” she gushed. She noted that although she lost all her possessions during the hurricane, “I still have to say thank God for sparing my life.I would advise all Jamaicans to take the time to properly prepare for disasters as this will make a difference; it is better to be prepared than sorry.”
Melford Lawson, who also lost his home during the hurricane, said: “I am a very happy man and proud because I am going to get back a house. I am glad for this gift.”