Minister of Social Development Yolande Bain Joseph on Thursday (February 3) turned the sod to officially mark the commencement of construction of pre-fabricated houses as part of the rebuilding process in Grenada. The Minister was accompanied by Chairman of the Emergency Housing Committee Simeon Collins, along with representatives of TIACO, the Trinidad and Tobago based company responsible for manufacturing the houses. The ceremony took place at Mt. Toute in the Parish of South St. George, where construction of ten of the houses began in January. The Minister said it is a significant moment in the reconstruction drive, since the houses are hurricane resistant and can be constructed in a matter of days, adding that as a result of TIACO providing the raw materials the availability of building materials will not be a problem. TIACO Director Roshan Barbulal said the pre-fabricated structures have been tried, tested and approved in the United States of America, Europe and other parts of the world. The houses can withstand a Category 5 hurricane and are best suited for the terrain in Grenada. TIACO has been contracted by the Emergency Housing Committee to provide 100 houses in the first phase; which will be given to persons in the Needy and Vulnerable group. Source: Ministry of Social Development