RISE Saint Lucia Inc. has collaborated with community leaders and youth from the community of La Clery, on a flood mitigation project funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs Small Scale Fund through the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission.
The Social Transformation Officer and volunteers from RISE Saint Lucia Inc. worked with community leaders and residents to develop the project proposal, in response to a call for proposals circulated late last year.
The resulting flood mitigation project entitled, “Creating a Safer Community – Mitigating Flood Risk in La Clery” focuses on reducing the risks and adverse impacts of flooding in the La Clery area which has worsened since the passage of Hurricane Tomas and the Christmas Eve Trough of 2013.
Approximately EC$100,000.00 has been contributed by the Government of New Zealand, and the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) for project activities which will include desilting and minor infrastructural repairs at the La Clery Ravine; the development of a flood management plan, and community training and sensitization.
The project is expected to have a number of direct benefits to the community including the provision of short-term employment for skilled and semi-skilled persons from the community; reduction in pollution and debris in the ravine and the creation of a cleaner and healthier environment. Furthermore, it is hoped that community bonds and partnerships can be strengthened and capacity can be built with respect to disaster preparedness as the community works towards the implementation of the project.
RISE Saint Lucia Inc. is the implementing agency for the project. A number of partner agencies including the Ministry of Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment, The Ministry of Infrastructure, Port Services and Transport, National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority (SLSWMA) have pledged their support to the project.
RISE (Saint Lucia) Inc., is a non-profit organization dedicated to the healthy development of youth. It has as its vision a nation with committed, conscious, productive youth, fully engaged in the process of national development. The organization’s focus is on community and youth engagements for positive change, youth mentoring, NGO-government synergy and creative resourcing of youth-led projects.