Mayor estimates Hanover’s post-storm repair bill for public infrastructure at $800m

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Hanover Municipal Corporation (HMC) has estimated more than $800 million in damage to roads and public infrastructure across the parish arising from the passage of Hurricane Melissa over a month ago.

During Thursday’s monthly meeting of the HMC, Lucea Mayor Sheridan Samuels reported that the total cost to clear, repair, and reinstate damaged roadways, as well as to fix government buildings and other facilities, stands at $814,844,975.65. The figure was determined based on assessments conducted by the corporation.

Samuels noted that approximately 30 emergency shelters, including five unofficial ones, were opened across the parish to accommodate roughly 457 individuals who sought refuge during and in the aftermath of the hurricane. Some of those shelters, he said, remained occupied.

“Since the passing of Hurricane Melissa, we have witnessed scenes of devastation that will forever mark our collective memories: homes stripped bare, roads broken, livelihoods shaken, and communities forced to confront unimaginable losses,” said Samuels. “Hanover has endured one of the most catastrophic events in its recent history, and the pain of our people is real.”

He outlined significant damage to the Noel Holmes Hospital and health centres, which resulted in service disruptions. Several schools also suffered structural damage and lost equipment, and churches, police stations, and designated emergency shelters were similarly affected.

“The passage of Hurricane Melissa has left Hanover in a state of severe humanitarian, infrastructural, and economic distress,” said Samuels, who noted that the unprecedented scale of devastation underscored the need for sustained recovery support.

“The estimated amount to clear blocked roadways and reinstate the damaged ones is over $720 million. The estimated cost to repair government buildings and other facilities – inclusive of the HMC building, the infirmary, the two markets and other facilities – amounts to over $94 million,” the mayor said.

Although some road clearing and building repairs have already begun, Samuels acknowledged that much work remained.

“Hurricane Melissa has reshaped the landscape of Hanover by revealing weaknesses but also strengthening the commitment to rebuild and enhance resilience for future events,” he stated, while commending the entities that have stepped forward to assist individuals and families who were affected while also appealing for more government attention and assistance.

“Hanover will recover, Hanover will rebuild, and Hanover will rise stronger than before,” said Samuels, saying the parish is resilient.

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