THE ten members of a family left homeless after fire engulfed their Den Amstel West Coast Demerara home on January 12th are making progress in rehabilitating their dwelling house. During an interview with this newspaper, Debra Roberts, the mother of five and occupant of the house, said family members have been receiving assistance from different relief organsiations situated around the country.
The woman said family members have already begun reconstructing their dwelling house since Monday, and are expecting to receive further assistance from Food for the Poor (Guyana) Limited and the Guyana Relief Council.
“I will be receiving some help from the Guyana Relief Council. They told me Friday, and some other people assisting; and UK Auto, some other people and the Lions Club already brought some clothing and other stuff.”
She stated that while she is still on medication following the incident, things are progressing positively, “The children started school since Monday, and I am pleased with that, at least.”
Roberts expressed gratitude to the neighbours for the assistance given thus far, and for allowing her and the other family members the opportunity of having a place to sleep at night until they are back on their feet again.
“My brother-in-law helped with some wood to start doing construction, and some people promised to give us zinc. As things come we will work. We are hoping to have things back in order within the next two weeks,” she explained.
The family’s loss is estimated in the vicinity of $5M.
The fire started at around 03:00hrs on the said morning, and quickly engulfed the two-storey concrete house in Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara.
At the time, family members had been asleep; and, Roberts related, she was awakened by the screams of her daughter alerting her of the tragedy. According to her, the fire originated in the middle bedroom.
She said her two sons were in one bedroom, one daughter and two grandchildren were in a second; and two other daughters and a grand were elsewhere.
Roberts said efforts by friends and family members to contact the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) had proven futile, and they were unable to save any of their belongings.
She said her neighbour Gillian McPherson had made several calls, two of which were answered, and the report was taken. However, as time passed, none of the authorities had responded to her plight.
The woman told this publication that she had been residing at the Lot 26 Public Road, Den Amstel address for approximately 20 years.
None of the occupants of the house was injured in the disaster, but the origin of the fire was still unknown. Nevertheless, investigations were continuing up to press time.
The family is grateful for all forms of assistance received so far, and continues to appeal for any assistance from the general public. They can be contacted on telephone number 276-3550.