ST GEORGE'S - Outstanding challenges surrounding housing were the focus of attention at the most recent Inter-Agency Coordination Meeting, which is chaired by the Agency for Reconstruction and Development Inc. (ARD). Christopher Henriques and Ron Hughes, directors of the Association of Grenada Insurance Companies (AGIC), were invited to join the fortnightly meeting to discuss ‘lessons learned’ over the past 15 months and new housing strategies for the future. The meeting took place on November 24 at the ARD Board Room, with representatives of the ARD, USAID, Housing Authority of Grenada (HAG), French Red Cross, GR3, Crisis Shield, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and UNICEF. The AGIC Directors informed the meeting that of the 30,000 plus buildings in Grenada, not more than 6,000 claims were received by the industry following Hurricane Ivan. Since Ivan, however, more people are insuring their houses and lending institutions have become more vigilant regarding insurance on mortgaged properties. “Ivan has changed the mindset of a lot of people,” Mr. Hughes noted. Although more home owners are conscious of the importance of insurance, the rates are expensive. Increases in natural disasters in the Caribbean Region and other parts of the world have placed bigger burdens on insurance and re-insurance companies, causing increases in rates. Ideas for incentives were discussed at the Meeting, including a rebate on property tax and the concept of group or pooled insurance for wooden structures. It was agreed that in order to avoid duplication and minimise discrepancies in the distribution of assistance, all data relating to housing from the HAG, USAID, the Red Cross and non-governmental organisations involved in housing should be compiled at the ARD. It was also agreed that in order for the Grenada Building Code to be enforced, it must be enacted in law. Additionally, the Physical Planning Unit needs strengthening. In this regard, the ARD is facilitating a review of the Physical Planning Act and an update of the Building Code Regulations. The ARD, in collaboration with the Government of Canada and the Canadian Institute of Planners, is also providing two physical planners for the Physical Planning Unit in early 2006. Source: Office of the Prime Minister