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| Hugs of joy for Housing Minister Roodal Moonilal; Former PM Manning says thanks |
The Housing Minister announced that following discussions with the Jearlean John, chair of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and the MP for the area, former PM Patrick Manning, a decision was made to relocate the fire victims to new homes at Tarodale Gardens and Corinth Hills, Ste Madeleine.
The Housing Minister said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar mandated the meeting after she learned of the plight of the residents.
Moonilal said he receieved a report from his ministerial colleague Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh who visited the residents on Monday.
“The Minister of the People Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh visited and met with affected persons and today, after getting the final report from HDC, I have decided to relocate all of the families,” Moonilal said to loud applause.
Manning was also present and he too applauded. He said he was very pleased with the Government’s response. He told reporters he had spoken with Moonilal and was happy that his suggestions were acknowledged.
People were overjoyed and thanked Moonilal - and God.
“Thank you, Father...You have answered my prayers,” said Christiana Joseph. Another woman who was also affected by the fire added, “Our prayers have been answered...God is good.”
Moonilal assured residents that each one of them get a home for which they would pay, based on their individual needs.
John said everyone would be accommodated, noting that there are multiple arrangements under which homeowners could qualify for houses.
A fire at an HDC apartment complex on Friday night destroyed some units and caused about 100 people to be homless. They are being housed at the neighbourhood community centre.
On Monday they were highly critical of the government, suggesting that had they been in a "government" constituency they would be better treated. They angrily demanded that the government give them homes "immediately".
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