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2 days ago, we told you about the fire on Santa Barbara street, which destroyed 4 homes, left 17 people homeless, and killed 1 year-old Tyreik Roberts.

It’s a tragedy that will have long lasting effects on these disaster victims, and NEMO and the Ministry of Human Development have been trying to ease their suffering. Immediately after the fire on Sunday, they were relocated to the St. Martin De Porres School for lodging while NEMO arranges better temporary housing for them. 

Today, we got a chance to speak with City Councillor Phillip Willoughby about the the alternative housing that the majority of the victims are already benefiting from:

Phillip Willoughby - City Councillor
"I met with Honourable Senior Minister day before yesterday at his residence; we had a lengthy and healthy discussion in relation to the way forward for those affected families. He mentioned with me and with speaking with the social worker who did the interviews and the data collection that those who were affected will be provided with accommodation; if that wasn't concluded by this morning it should be concluded again hopefully by the close of today, so they will be provided with accommodations. Once that happens then I believe NEMO will once again step in  to render supplies, relief and supplies to them as they normally do for those who are affected by fire. They did receive blankets, mattresses, a small basic food kit and a hygiene kit but now that they are going into their homes normally what would happen they would get a sanitation pack with mops, buckets, broom, that type of thing; Clorox along with a cook top and a gas tank. So once they have moved into their arrangement or accommodation then that will kick in and I take this opportunity to once again say thanks to those who have donated through the Belize City council to assist those who were affected by the fire and who will continue to do so kindly contact us down at the council so that we can facilitate and network with you so that there isn't any wastage or duplication of any of the relief efforts on behalf of the affected families."

Reporter
"And these accommodations are going to be paid for by?"

Phillip Willoughby
"The government and people of Belize."

Reporter
"You had mentioned a period of about 3 months."

Phillip Willoughby
"Not less than 3 months, not more than 5 months thereabout. That should be substantial enough time to get back on their feet and hopefully return back to normalcy that should be adequate enough I believe but if not then those who are affected go back and we speak with the department of human services."

This evening, he told us that there is only 1 family of 3 still staying inside the classroom at St. Martin De Porres School.