Rats & snakes rule DDM building –Sharleen S. Dabreo
Appearing before the House of Assembly 2012 Standing Finance Committee meeting to defend her department’s 2013 Budget was Ms. Sharleen S. Dabreo- the Director of Disaster Management Department. Her Department falls under the Deputy Governor’s Office.
Ms. Dabreo told the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) that her biggest concern was the condition of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) building, which also housed her office at McNamara.
She said the Department was affected by rats and snakes, which were damaging the electrical wires and air condition units. Ms. Dabreo added that the Department requested $2.9 million dollars for construction of phase one of the building. The Director also told the house select Committee that by the end of 2012 her Department would be fully staffed with the appointment of the Deputy Director.
The Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton, asked how often the air conditions were checked to which Ms. Dabreo replied that the air conditioning units were cleaned every quarter. The DDM stated that it was the makeup of the building that caused the problems.
Ms. Dabreo told the SFC that the ceiling was a drop ceiling used to conceal exposed rebars (steel) in the roof slab caused by deterioration. She said the Department has done some temporary work on the roof, “but it was only a matter of time before the ceiling opens up again.”
Needs $4Million for new building- a matter of national security
The DDM’s Director also told the SFC that she would like to know whether any support for the EOC building in the 2013 budget was forthcoming. Ms. Dabreo said a Cabinet paper had been approved but she did not see the funds included in the budget.
The overall cost of the building is $4 million; however, the plan is to complete the building in two phases, and in an effort to cut cost, she said the Department will remain in the building while the new structure is being built. Ms. Dabreo added that the building would be built according to international standards to withstand maximum winds and earthquakes.
David D. Archer Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office told the committee that the EOC is a national security building where Government officials meet to conduct the business of the Territory. He said it is important that the building is safe to accommodate persons while they are conducting Government’s business during disasters.
A glance at the 2013 Budget estimates shows no funds were approved for the building. However, the Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith told the SFC that he would look at the request made by the DDM and continue discussions regarding how the building would be financed.
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13 Responses to “Rats & snakes rule DDM building –Sharleen S. Dabreo”
people dam it! the building is unsafe! come up with the money.
You people are so clueless and like to jump to conclusion before knowing ths facts, especially when you think the person is not from here.
In your face she born here!! Ha ha ha ha!