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CARE rebuilding efforts to be based on CAN data
The Coordinated Assistance Network, or CAN, will be the driving force when determining the eligibility of clients who need help in rebuilding their homes in the wake of Typhoon Soudelor.
Jenny Hegland of the Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts said CAN is a single source of collected data that prevents redundancies when clients seek assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter, and other similar agencies.
During last week’s Rotary meeting at the Hyatt Regency Saipan, construction subcommittee chair Sonia Dancoe stated that the committee will be screening their projects as they move forward with recovery efforts. Clients with unmet needs will be divided into project types such as minor or major repair or complete reconstruction.
The speed in which rebuilding takes place is dependent on many factors, she said.
“There are ongoing constraints and costs in a local skilled workforce. Costs are a factor and resources are extremely limited. There are off-island resource opportunities and on-island resources such as the Northern Marianas Technical Institute and contractors. It’s important also that we work with [Department of Public Works] for compliance and inspection services. We’d like to partner with local hardware stores especially in terms of proper materials for rebuilding,” she said.
In terms of the timing to begin construction, Dancoe says, “It’s really challenging. What we’d like to do is start immediately but we are looking forward to the CAN data.”
The typical project framework for rebuilding includes damage inspection and assessment reconstruction arrangements such as temporary housing.
According to the goals of the CARE construction committee, complying with safety codes, the use of quality materials, construction education, knowledge, and resilience are among their top priorities.
