Left to right: Hon. Chief Minister Lowell Lewis,Hon Minister of Communications and Works, Idabelle Meade, Hon Minister of Agirculture, Margaret Dyer Howe.

Brades, Montserrat, March 23, 2007 (GIU) -  The Government of Montserrat says it is speaking to the Department for International Development to provide volcano emergency funding in several areas.

The move comes after the Government was advised by the Scientific Advisory Committee of the increased probability of pyroclastic flows down the Belham Valley to the sea, which has made necessary the evacuation of 90 homes in Old Town and Lower Happy Hill.

The Government says it will be asking DFID for approval of an evacuation allowance of up to a thousand dollars ($1000.00) per month, for households who qualify and also additional payments if needed.

It says they will also be developing proposals for the establishment of unemployment benefits to be paid to persons whose income will be affected by evacuations and business relocation grants for those who qualify.

Included in the proposals the Government says it will require DFID funding for are the establishment of a working arrangement with religious and community groups to provide counseling for residents affected by the evacuations, the appointment of four community advisors to assist evacuated residents, the identification of housing for all vulnerable people south of the proposed Nantes River evacuation line and assisting with the relocation of persons who feel uncomfortable living in their homes located in the proposed evacuation line.

The Government says it will also need funding to help it identify houses for the residents of Lower Friths and those still living in the family unit shelters of Upper Friths, which are located within the south of the proposed Nantes River evacuation line.

It is also planning to provide housing solutions under the Emergency Response Resettlement Strategy.

Contact: http://www.giu.gov.ms/