The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has raised just over $1.7 million in the wake of Hurricane Joaquin, NEMA Director Captain Stephen Russell said yesterday. Although the figure is substantial, Russell noted that it is likely "considerably" less than the amount the agency will need to complete its repair and reconstruction efforts on the islands that were devastated by the storm.
Russell said the money is being used to cover repairs and reconstruction to private homes and businesses. He said the figure has been climbing steadily. On Tuesday, the donations stood at $1.59 million.
"People have called in to make pledges, so we hope to raise more," Russell said.
He noted that residents have been very generous in the weeks since the category four storm pummelled several islands.
"I think funding wise we are doing pretty good," he said. "It's a steady process."
Russell said work has already began on some of the islands. However, he acknowledged that the process is not going as quickly as some would like. Some residents of Crooked Island said last week they feel abandoned by the government and NEMA.
When The Guardian visited Crooked Island last week, NEMA supplies were packed in a Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) container near the dock. Russell said NEMA will ensure that everyone gets what they need.
"We are going to take care of all of the persons on the islands but I want to remind everyone that it is a process," he said. "We have to go one house at a time. So it's a steady process. We are going to make sure that things get done properly and we are asking for people to be patient.
"We are still in the repair stage. Things are progressing steadily. Repair teams are getting some work done but the reconstruction effort, that comes later."
Prime Minister Perry Christie said 123 homes were destroyed on Acklins; 50 on Crooked Island; 23 on Rum Cay; 277 on San Salvador and 413 on Long Island. Additionally, he revealed that it could cost as much as $56 million to carry out repairs to government buildings and infrastructure on the islands that were impacted.
"Clearly, Mr. Speaker, our work is cut out for us," Christie said in the House of Assembly last week.
An estimated 5,000 people were impacted by Hurricane Joaquin.
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