During the course of last week and this week two flat racks of building material and one container of durable goods have arrived on Saba. The building material is for the repair of homes that were severely damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria. The cargo consists of besides wood, zinc and generators, also of washing machines, beds and refrigerators.
This building material is subsidized by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, which is responsible for the emergency help and rebuilding of the Windward Islands, St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius. This regards a close cooperation established with the Public Entity of Saba. The building material will be used by the Public Entity to rebuild the damaged houses. The rebuilding will start shortly.
On Friday November 17th, the Unit of Social Affairs (SZW) plans to already start the distribution of durable goods to those families affected as a direct result of the hurricanes. In order to accommodate persons and families, SZW has increased the minimum income criteria to one and a half times the minimum wage. The list of durable goods was also expanded to now include dining room sets, living room sets, sheets and pillows for those families who have lost everything. This adjustment allows more persons on Saba and St. Eustatius to qualify for emergency assistance. The process for application closes on December 31st.