15 Chenapou families to receive support to rebuild homes

Some 15 families of Chenapou Village, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) will benefit from the sum of $5 million, to assist in rebuilding their homes which were completely destroyed during the floods in May 2017.

Minister within the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe visited the community on Wednesday and engaged the residents on the project. The Minister explained that the village has decided how the monies would be spent to ensure all affected families benefit equally.
During the meeting at the Chenapou Primary School, Toshao Edward McGarrell explained that the Village Council would have to meet with the residents to discuss what form the project would take.
The Toshao suggested the monies be spent on procuring nails, zinc sheets and other equipment that will aid in the rebuilding process.
The Village Council is required to provide a list of beneficiaries and a proposal to the Ministry outlining how the funds will be spent, after which the money will be released.
A similar project will also be executed in Kaibarupai, where some 20 families will receive similar support. Equipment such as generators, zinc, and nails to assist in constructing the new homes, will be handed over. The community has opted to use the funds to create a uniform housing area where there is access to basic services.