New 'Dean' reconstruction project in Jamaica

The Hurricane Dean reconstruction effort in Jamaica has received a bolster from the European Commission and the French Red Cross with the implementation of a new reconstruction project to benefit 110 families affected by Hurricane Dean. 

The project is being implemented by the Jamaica Red Cross with funding and technical support provided by the European Commission (ECHO), the French Red Cross and the General Council of Guadeloupe.

The project will concentrate its interventions in Clarendon, St Elizabeth and St Catherine, three of the parishes which were most affected by the Hurricane.

Under the project, 40 families whose homes were totally destroyed by Hurricane Dean will have their entire houses reconstructed.

In addition, 70 other families that suffered roof damage will benefit from the installation of a reinforced roof.

 The project will target those who are the most vulnerable in the three parishes including single parent households, disabled persons and the elderly.

Data collected by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security indicates that just over 33,279 families were affected by Hurricane Dean.  Of this amount 3,197 families lost their entire house while 14,236 families suffered severe damage to their dwelling. 

Immediately after the Hurricane, the Red Cross activated its emergency response system.  The French Red Cross, recognizing the impact the hurricane would have on the lives of Jamaicans, took a decision to mobilize assistance from the European Commission for those affected. 

Emergency Services and Disaster Management volunteers coordinated by their branches and working in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and relevant community organizations, are now concluding the beneficiary selection phase of the project and no additional units are available. 

The reconstruction and rehabilitation phase of the project began in January and is expected to run until the end of March.  The project is expected to cost approximately Jam$51 million provided jointly by the European Commission, the French Red Cross and the General Council of Guadeloupe.

This is one of the Red Cross’ responses to mitigate the effects of Hurricane Dean on the population.  The Jamaica Red Cross reconstructs additional housing units in every parish affected by Hurricane Dean thanks to the support of other partners.