Spokesperson for Social Protection and Social Transformation Dr. Angela Brown-Burke calls on Gov’t to overhaul ROOFS Programme

Spokesperson for Social Protection and Social Transformation Dr. Angela Brown-Burke has called on the Government to overhaul the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) Programme.

Dr Brown Burke said the programme is flawed and wants it to be rectified immediately.

Her concern follows reports of challenges experienced by beneficiaries in accessing ROOFS vouchers and materials.

She suggested that Government should instead use direct bank or post office transfers.

In the meantime, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles JR. said systems and operations are being strengthened to meet growing demand and ensure families receive support to rebuild, under the ROOFS programme.

In a statement, the minister noted that challenges experienced at collection points were due to beneficiaries arriving outside established operating hours as well as limitations in the number of locations facilitating the $75,000 cash grant.

The minister met with the service provider and assured that corrective measures are being taken to expand the number of cash-out locations.

He said beneficiaries continue to access building materials through a growing network of hardware suppliers on-boarded under the programme by the contracted service provider, WiPay.

In the meantime, Country Manager of WiPay Kibwe McGann, noted that the priority is to expand access points across the island to better meet the growing demand.

McGann said that as participation increases, the company will scale up the distribution network and enhance options available to beneficiaries for cash disbursement channels.

According to data from the Labour Ministry to date, approximately $8.25 billion has been disbursed, representing a major scale-up of support to affected households across the island.

This latest phase includes an additional $3 billion in allocation and will see 14,000 new beneficiaries receiving assistance to rebuild their homes.