The Agency for Reconstruction and Development (ARD) embarked on the census in July, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the Central Statistics Office of the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

The purpose of the exercise is to gather accurate information on the status of buildings in Grenada post Ivan and Emily in order to facilitate effective planning. The last census in Grenada was conducted in 2001.

The Exercise commenced on July 27 involving 15 supervisors and 97 enumerators, who received training from ARD Project Development Manager Simone Lewis and Housing Coordinator Kitwana Folkes. Given the ARD’s commitment to accuracy and accountability, once the completed census forms are returned by the supervisors, rigorous spot checks are conducted. In cases where the information is incomplete, follow up interviews are done.

The constituencies where the census continues are:

• Carriacou and Petit Martinique,
• St. George’s South,
• St. George’s South East,
• St. George’s North East,
• Town of St. George,
• St. Andrews South East and
• St. David.

  Residents in these constituencies are urged to cooperate with the enumerators, as the information will serve several purposes. It will assist NADMA in determining the number of persons in a particular village who may require accommodation in the event of a natural disaster; and assist in the preparation of an evacuation plan, including a transportation component.

  The information will identify areas where a retrofitting programme may be required, in that many people have rebuilt their homes and businesses without adhering to the Grenada Building Code and Guidelines.

  In terms of continued support from the international community, the information can be categorized to determine specific needs for housing and other social programmes, including the requests being generated for houses donated by the Peoples Republic of China and other donors.

  The information will also facilitate the Human Settlement Task Force in its work, including the important Grenada Remapping Project.