The $4.5 million hurricane shelter in Central Pines, Abaco faced a setback this weekend as its roof collapsed over the weekend amid torrential rain and flooding.
The incident occurred during a period of intense weather conditions, with a severe thunderstorm warning in effect for the island and surrounding areas.
The shelter, which is designed to accommodate approximately 200 individuals during a hurricane, has faced significant delays.
Construction began under the Minnis administration in December 2020, with an initial completion target of May 2021.
Nearly three years later, the building is still months away from being finished. Workers are currently focused on the belt course, with the roof having been fully installed on the two wings before this recent collapse.
Officials maintain that the shelter is expected to be operational by the end of the year. They acknowledge that the facility, though necessary, falls short given the island’s population.
The government is reportedly addressing this gap by planning additional shelters with dual-use capabilities to better serve the population during emergencies.
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