Twenty-three families from Diego Martin whose properties were severely damaged by the heavy rains and landslides two weeks ago were handed keys to temporary homes in Oropune Gardens, Piarco, yesterday. At an informal handing-over ceremony, chief executive of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Jearlean John and her staff delivered keys to the families whose homes where completely destroyed. In an interview with the media, John said more than 100 families had been affected but HDC could not provide temporary homes for everyone, but was willing to do whatever it could.
She admitted that the project would set back HDC tremendously in delivering homes to those who have been waiting 20 years or more. "Some people somewhere are crying right now, but this cannot be helped when a disaster like this occurs," she said sadly. John said HDC is engaging in a continued assessment of the situation to determine which families would be given priority. She said this was the second phase of the project where so far 35 families have been given temporary homes.
She pointed out that HDC has some 52 temporary employees under the Colour Me Orange programme working to assist families in cleaning, clearing and restoring homes. John said the families were given three-month contracts with a rent-free arrangement, after which a further evaluation would be done to determine whether the families would continue to live in Oropune based on a mortgage or rental agreement with HDC or return to their homes.
She said HDC is working around the clock to have families relocated. Some apartments were still being given final touches yesterday. However, some families moved in immediately and the HDC assisted families in transporting their personal effects and belongings. It has been a very traumatic experience for the La Roche family, but they are still thanking God for saving their lives.
Natalie La Roche, 31, and a mother of three, who also shared a home with her brother Andy and their father, said the transition was difficult as she had lived in Diego Martin all her life. La Roche's home was completely demolished by a landslide, while they were all still inside.
She said her four-year-old daughter Kaliesha Benjamin still has nightmares and is terrified whenever rain falls. With teary eyes La Roche said their last mortgage payment for their demolished home was due in November. "It's real hard to start all over again when you have children and you have to think about about food, clothes and school and now rent." But Andy said he prefers to pay a mortgage instead. "I have to start all over again, but I am thankful for the temporary home," he said.
Natalie said they were hoping to find another home closer to Diego Martin, but would stay in Oropune until they got back on their feet. Meanwhile, Geraldine Roxborough whose family was in the process of building their own home in La Puerta said she is embracing the challenge. "Change could be for the worse or better. I am hoping it would be for the better." Her home was also completely demolished.
Roxborough, who has four children is grateful for their new arrangement and is thinking of making Oropune her new home, hard-pressed in starting over but willing to work with what she has.
