Government preparing for the second stage of reconstruction

The recovery plans for Aruara Enua are continuing apace with Government preparing for the second stage of reconstruction on the island after the disaster caused by cyclone Pat on Wednesday 10 February 2010.
Tere Taio, CEO to Minister Smiley Heather flew to Aitutaki on Tuesday morning to survey the progress on the infrastructure on the island. In addition, a team of experts from MOIP has been dispatched to the island to make a further and more detailed evaluation on the precise extent of damage of all houses on Aitutaki.
The further assessment has been requested by the UNDAC who are concerned because of what appears to be two conflicting sets of statistics as to the actual damage sustained (one by MOIP and the other by Red Cross).
The CEO indicated that Government is confident that the ‘difference in opinion’ is really just a matter of degree based on to how to grade the extent of damage from partial, substantial or full (total destruction). The reports emphasized very different needs and they now need an overall picture and said Government were very happy with the work of Red Cross which has been invaluable in this time of need.
He said that Disaster Management has asked all the agencies to work together and the updated analysis will clarify the position which will be important to determine which assistance package the householders will be qualified to receive under the reconstruction scheme and the re-assessment will influence the outcome.
Another issue to be determined is whether or not to provide 100% financing or 50/50 financing in the Government assistance package. Whatever is decided upon, would need to be acceptable to the people and all the construction would need to be cyclone proof said Taio.
In the meantime, the Government is happy with the progress on repairing the hospital and the schools having been partially reopened as of Monday 22 February which is helping to bring back a sense of normality in the community which has been traumatized by the devastation brought on by the hurricane.
A meeting of all the relevant agencies to address these issues will be held on Wednesday at 9am at the office of the Finance Minister, Hon Wilke Rasmussen.