Members and supporters of the Grenada Cultural and Civic Association of South Florida were updated on reconstruction activities as they celebrated the Country's thirty-second anniversary of Independence on Saturday.
Mr. Richardson Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of the Agency for Reconstruction and Development Inc. (ARD), in delivering the key note address at the event in Tamarac Florida, reported that the ARD has brought a significant level of expertise and experience to addressing the problem areas under its responsibilities. Tight and efficient planning and cost effective implementation have been secured.
The 'Site and Service' Project with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), which identifies, assesses and develops possible sites for new housing settlements, was completed and funded in a matter of weeks last year. Mr. Andrews said this normally would take 12 to 18 months. The Project will target citizens who reside at locations regarded as hazardous in the event of another hurricane, as well as those who had been renting houses damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Ivan, and their landlords have not repaired or rebuilt.
As a result of the efficiency in developing the Project, the CDB has requested the ARD be responsible for implementation and management.
The Bridges and Roads Improvement Project, also financed by the CDB, requires legislation to enforce specified weight limits to ensure that overloaded vehicles do not continue to cause damage to the road network. The first disbursement of funds under this newly approved Project would not be forthcoming until this prerequisite was met.
The ARD was able to identify a consultant and have the research for and drafting of this legislation undertaken in a timely manner. This ensures work will continue on the roads and bridges, all of which have implications for Grenada's ability to host Cricket World Cup activities, Mr. Andrews explained. The ARD CEO called on Grenadians in the Diaspora to continue to be part of the reconstruction process, urging them to adopt a village, a school, a community centre; or volunteer professional expertise; invest in a Grenadian business or a farming enterprise.
