Old News 7

Five months after Tropical Storm Noel caused so much destruction in Bombita and La Hoya, there are many signs that progress has been made in the clean-up operation.

Representatives from the COPA committees who visited the DR for the International Conference in February 2008 observed that the school campuses were once again clear of mud and debris. Oxfam is still supplying clean water to local people and working hard to lay drains, which will make a huge difference.

Yet, there is still so much that remains to be done. Contaminated mattresses are still in many of the homes and yards. Sebert Lane (Co-Founder of COPA) observed that "the homes with earth floors are just terrible. The mud has dried and has compressed." The emergency appeal fund has been used (in part) to ensure that many homes now have a new concrete floor. It will take about 6 months to complete this task.

Russ Kamradt (from USA) is currently supervising this task and he is working closely with the local people to ensure this project is finished as quickly as possible. Russ has previously worked with America Red Cross International and his practical abilities and careful planning skills are essential in this role. In Bombita, family members are often spotted happily sweeping and mopping their new concrete floor!

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