Over 130 families across Region Two are once again sleeping under safe and secure roofs after the government mounted an immediate response following the devastating freak storm that tore through several communities earlier last week.
The unprecedented storm ripped roofs off homes, uprooted utility poles, and damaged several public buildings and houses.
Within hours, the government mobilised a large-scale relief operation, ensuring vulnerable families received emergency assistance and critical repairs in the shortest possible time.
His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali travelled to the region immediately, visited affected residents and ordered a coordinated national response to restore homes and provide relief.
Since then, emergency teams have worked around the clock, assessing damaged properties, distributing roofing materials and carrying out emergency roof repairs, allowing more than 130 households to return to their homes safely.
Leading the recovery effort, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj said the people’s wellbeing guided every decision made throughout the operation.
“President Dr [Mohamed] Irfaan Ali made it clear from the very beginning that every affected family must receive the support they need…We have worked around the clock because our priority has always been the people, and we will continue until every affected household receives the assistance it deserves,” Minister Ramraj said.
He explained that engaging residents face-to-face enabled response teams to identify those most in need, including elderly citizens, single mothers and persons living with disabilities, ensuring assistance reached the most vulnerable first.
He added, “Family after family has shared how much this response has meant to them. For many, it was the difference between spending another night under a damaged roof and sleeping safely in their homes…that is the impact we set out to make, and it is exactly what this government is committed to delivering.”
The relief effort also extended beyond private residences, with repairs underway at several public facilities damaged during the storm, including the Anna Regina Fire Station, the Department of Education building, the Anna Regina Library and sections of the new Anna Regina Stadium.
The operation saw combined efforts from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Guyana Police Force (GPF), Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, regional officials, volunteers and private contractors.
Recovery efforts continue to ensure every affected resident receives the assistance needed to fully recover.