August 18, 2017 – The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government has begun a programme to install hurricane straps on homes which are vulnerable to having their roofs blown off due to high winds. “We have asked each Corporation to identify two homes for this first phase of the project as we work towards making all communities safer and more storm resilient. The Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts has donated two thousand (2000) hurricane straps for this venture. Collaboration is the best way for us to move forward, and we sincerely thank Honourable Minister Nyan Gadbsy-Dolly and her team for this assistance,” said Minister Haji Kazim Hosein.
In keeping with the message of collaboration, Minister Hosein issued a call for registered members of each Municipal Corporation’s Volunteer Network to get involved in the installation of the hurricane straps. “We need approximately eight volunteers per house and are asking anyone interested to come forward to assist in making our homes safer during bad weather. All they need is a hammer and the spirit of volunteerism. The Ministry will provide nails, ladders and all other necessary materials and safety supplies.”
Hurricane straps secure the roof of a house to the eaves, safely preventing it from blowing off in conditions of high wind. The first home has already been identified in the region of Sangre Grande and the installation is scheduled for the first week in September.
Any volunteers interested in getting involved in this pilot programme may contact their Municipal Corporation directly; or liaise with National Volunteer Coordinator, Mr. Matthew Kailah or the Disaster Management Coordinator, Mr. Rishi Siew at the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government at 622-1669 ext. 3109/3208 for more information.
####
For further information contact:
Krystel Ramdathsingh
Ministry of Rural Development & Local Government
Kent House, Long Circular Road, Maraval
622-4713