Debe family getting aid to fix home

The Chandrakha family of Debe is expected to get an emergency relief grant from the National Commission for Self-Help Commission Limited (NCSHL) by Wednesday. The family lost their roof and suffered other damage to the home and belongings including appliances due to heavy winds and rain a week ago.

TNCSHLwhich falls under the purview of Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, had a team visit the family Monday, to finalise the assessment to enable them to get the grant. The team according to Commission CEO, Elroy Julien, visited the family at their home site at Bownath Trace in Debe Monday.

Julien said it was unfortunate they were not able to get the relief to the family sooner, but the commission was trying its best to assist in a timely manner. Julien said, “We only learnt of their mishap on Friday when we were in the area distributing relief aid to other families affected by heavy rains and other incidents.

“We immediately visited the Chandrakha family and upon our initial assessment we determined that they needed the emergency relief grant which amounts to $25,000.” Julien said the money will be given in the form of a purchase order to a hardware. “We are looking for a hardware nearest the family to cut down on transportation costs,” he said.

He added they are also trying to get assistance from NGOs to provide labour free of charge to the Chandrakha family. On April 20 the roof of the home was blown off by strong winds. Most of their belongings which included a stove, a refrigerator, television, beds and school items were destroyed by the heavy rains.

Adesha Chandrakha said the family was extremely relieved for the assistance given by the commission because they were strapped for cash to do any repairs on the house. He said, “Most of our money was spent last year to fix the roof which was blown away in a similar way. “We are happy for the assistance, to hear that something was being done for us. They were quick in providing assistance and we really appreciate it.”