Water
Why are former residents of the Lower Ninth Ward still unable to begin rebuilding their homes and their lives?
It is true that some were un-insured or under-insured so they lack funds to repair their homes. Even those who had full insurance coverage are struggling to get the money that they deserve. But that's not the real problem. It is true that people are still waiting for their FEMA trailers - many of which are lined up and collecting dust in the Jazzland theme park. But that's not preventing people from returning home. It's true that many people have little to no faith in the Army Corps of Engineers promise to complete the repair of the levies and floodgates, but even that is not the issue here.
They roadblock to rebuilding is the same thing that necessitated rebuilding in the first place - water. This time last year they were struggling to pump water out of the area. Now the Sewerage & Water Board can't pump clean, drinkable water in. They say that pipes are broken, leaks are extensive and funds are short. The people who received their insurance money can't rebuild homes without running water. FEMA will not allow people to move into their trailers if they are not connected to running water. The residents can't really worry about the Army Corps of Engineers keeping water out when they need the S&WB to pump clean water in. Fed up residents are blaming the mayor. The mayor says the S&WB is doing the best that they can and will repair the extensive damage as promptly as possible, which means as soon as they get more money from the Federal Government. I wonder if parts of Iraq have gone without clean water for more than a year.
It is true that some were un-insured or under-insured so they lack funds to repair their homes. Even those who had full insurance coverage are struggling to get the money that they deserve. But that's not the real problem. It is true that people are still waiting for their FEMA trailers - many of which are lined up and collecting dust in the Jazzland theme park. But that's not preventing people from returning home. It's true that many people have little to no faith in the Army Corps of Engineers promise to complete the repair of the levies and floodgates, but even that is not the issue here.
They roadblock to rebuilding is the same thing that necessitated rebuilding in the first place - water. This time last year they were struggling to pump water out of the area. Now the Sewerage & Water Board can't pump clean, drinkable water in. They say that pipes are broken, leaks are extensive and funds are short. The people who received their insurance money can't rebuild homes without running water. FEMA will not allow people to move into their trailers if they are not connected to running water. The residents can't really worry about the Army Corps of Engineers keeping water out when they need the S&WB to pump clean water in. Fed up residents are blaming the mayor. The mayor says the S&WB is doing the best that they can and will repair the extensive damage as promptly as possible, which means as soon as they get more money from the Federal Government. I wonder if parts of Iraq have gone without clean water for more than a year.
posted by Tamara at 9:20 PM
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