The Tribune

THE National Emergency Management Agency said it is close to wrapping up its massive repair programme three months after category three Hurricane Irene struck the country, leaving massive destruction particularly in northern and eastern Bahamas. NEMA director Captain Stephen Russell said he is pleased with the progress of the repair programme, which kicked in two weeks after the "all clear" was given following the passage of the storm. "We are pleased with the contributions from the private sector, which helped to mount an effective repair programme. We were able to employ about 260 people to work in the 11 affected Family Islands," he said. A total of 1,985 homes suffered damage during the storm. Of these, 384 were repaired by the government building initiative; 603 through self-help and 998 remain outstanding, of which 11 homes are to be totally reconstructed. In Cat Island, the community hardest hit, NEMA repairs co-ordinator John Nixon was responsible for managing the programme once an initial assessment was done in the affected areas. He said despite some challenges, all relevant agencies worked together to accomplish repairs in a timely manner. The repairs programme is to be extended for another three weeks, based on the scope of works to be completed in Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Abaco, Grand Bahama and Acklins, NEMA said. The repair programme was funded by donations from the public and private sector. As of December 1, 2011, an estimated $3 million has been deposited into the NEMA donations account. Around $1.8 million was spent; leaving an estimated $1.2 million balance, NEMA said. The 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season ended November 30. It began on June 1.