Concerns raised over rebuilding homes in Parottee, St. Elizabeth post-Melissa

A senior official at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in St. Elizabeth has raised concerns over the feasibility of rebuilding houses in Parottee near Black River, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Head of the Ministry’s St. Elizabeth office, Michelle Senior said the assessment of the area has shown that there needs to be an intervention.

Speaking at yesterday’s sitting of the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Ms. Senior questioned the safety of rebuilding in Parottee, where some houses are either covered in sand, badly damaged or destroyed following the Category 5 system.

Mayor of Black River Richard Solomon acknowledged her concern and said a discussion will be held to determine the way forward.

Councillor for the Mountainside division Derrick Sangster added that a meeting is to be held with Parottee residents next month, in consultation with Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth South Western, Floyd Green.