Residents of Rocky Point Receive Hurricane Roof Straps
By: , August 27, 2024
Photo: Mark Bell
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, displays hurricane roof straps while addressing a ceremony on August 26, at the Hugh Lawson Shearer Community Centre in Rocky Point, Clarendon, where the Government commenced its distribution of 10,000 of the straps.
Photo: Mark Bell
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie (second right, back row), and Member of Parliament for Clarendon South Eastern, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (right, back row), with some of the residents who received hurricane roof straps, at a ceremony held yesterday (August 26), at the Hugh Lawson Shearer Community Centre in Rocky Point, Clarendon. Also with the residents (from left) are Councillor Winston Maragh; Acting Director General, ODPEM, Richard Thompson and Mayor of May Pen, Councillor Joel Williams.The Full Story
The Government has commenced the distribution of 10,000 hurricane roof straps to residents of Rocky Point and nearby areas in Clarendon that were severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl on July 3.
Hurricane straps are metal connectors to reinforce the connection between the roof truss and the wall to minimise the risk of roof blow-off during extreme weather events.
They are being distributed to residents through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Clarendon Municipal Corporation.
Speaking at a handover ceremony at the Hugh Lawson Shearer Community Centre on August 26, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said the straps are to be used in the reconstruction of roofs that were damaged by the hurricane.
He emphasised that they are free to the residents, and no money should be exchanged for them, and that the Municipal Corporations will be employing more building officers who will be very vigilant in doing “proper inspections” of approved developments.
The Minister said residents in Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover and other parishes whose roofs were destroyed will also receive the straps.
Mr. McKenzie emphasised that the officers will be ensuring that “proper methods are used when it comes to the construction of houses”.
He encouraged the residents to become more disaster aware by heeding information provided by ODPEM.
The Minister also disclosed that his Ministry is providing $20 million for road repairs in the area, and in another week, sections of Clarendon South Western will be getting similar support from the Ministry.
“We can’t do all of the roads, but at least we can make them more comfortable for persons to get access to the communities,” the Minister said, while calling on residents to exercise patience as the Government responds to their needs.