Letter of the Day | Rebuilding with urgency and wisdom

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In this post-Melissa season, many families, schools, communities, and churches are trying to recover and rebuild as quickly as possible. As a church leader and citizen, I feel the weight of the loss. But we are facing a real tension, how do we build back quickly, while also building back safely?

People need stability now, but rushing to build could lead us right back into danger. I watched a recent episode of the All Angles programme on Television Jamaica that focused on the issue of building codes in Jamaica, and it was eye-opening. The experienced engineers and architect on the programme made it clear that the country has appropriate building codes, but those codes are not being followed, and inspection and enforcement are weak, and, in some areas, non-existent.

Our building approval system was slow and corrupt even before the hurricane. I shudder to think that with the expected increase in applications the bureaucracy and corruption in the system could open the door wider for unsafe rebuilding.

We can do better. The government should strengthen the approval process by including more engineers, inspectors, and administrative staff in the team, so our people may rebuild safely and quickly.

I must acknowledge that many church buildings were originally constructed by dedicated volunteers, whose zeal exceeded their technical knowledge. In some cases, roofs were not properly secured, walls lacked adequate steel, foundations were insufficient, and the concrete mix used was below standard.

Those weaknesses left many structures vulnerable. Over 20 of the churches I oversee have been destroyed, while 40 have lost their roofs and have suffered structural damage. The devastation is extensive. Rebuilding now gives us a chance to correct those issues and build safely for the next generation.

Rebuilding, however, is not just about concrete, steel, and approvals. Rebuilding is also a moral and a justice issue. It is a matter of morality because the choices we make today will affect the safety of our children tomorrow.

It is a justice issue because ignoring building standards endangers lives, especially that of the poor, who already carry the greatest risk of displacement during a disaster such as we experienced with Hurricane Melissa. The poor suffer most when structures fail, and, therefore, wisdom must guide our compassion. How we rebuild is a statement of what and who we value.

When we rebuild right, we protect our families, honour our communities, and safeguard our future. Jamaica has done it before, let us do it again.

REV ROY NOTICE

Administrative Bishop

The New Testament Church

of God - Jamaica