Eleven Year
Old Girl Latest Case of "Probable" Swine Flu
Infection In Costa Rica
Sutel May Be Forced To Close If ICE
Continues To Refuse To Pay Fees
Quake Victims
Still Unaided
Costa Rican
Journalists Protest Seizure of Colleague's
Photos
Araya Accuses
President Arias Of Raising Funds For
Chinchilla
Costa Rican
Consumption On the Increase Worldwide
Quake Victims
Still Unaided
Costa Rican
families, victims of the earthquake of
January 8, 2009, are living in improvised
houses or with structural damages, while
they see the situation worsen, due to lack
of government support. Four months after the
earthquake, the rainy season has caught
people living in places covered by plastic
bags, trying to be protected from the usual
rains in this season of the year.
"When are they going to tell us about our
homes? They only hold meetings here, over an
over again, but they do not say anything to
us, victim Andrea Ballestero asks.
La Nacion, the Spanish language daily, said
other people are wondering the same
question, as those from towns as Los
Cartagos, Carablanca and Poasito, expecting
a response by the government, about if they
are eligible for receiving aid by means of a
housing bond.
Some said there were promises of buying lots
of land for housing projects. However, they
are still awaiting specific information.
Others, lacking information and being
involved in complicated procedures, left
behind their hope of receiving aid, the
daily said.
"I filled out forms in several meetings. I
was tired to keep waiting and left
everything behind. I was tired of waiting
and I am restoring my little house as I
can," said Jose Luis Mora, one of those
interviewed in Los Cartagos.
According to government authorities, studies
about the safest areas to build new houses
are in progress and some victims received
aid for renting places.
Housing Minister Clara Zomer said in April
that of the total of victims, 219 families
accepted to be relocated in other areas,
starting in July, and there are available
lots for those purposes.
Also quoted by La Nacion, Zomer explained
that of the 2,283 house damaged, 265 had the
chance of receiving a bond for restoration.
Costa Rica is experiencing this situation,
when there is an increasing number of
citizens with reduced income, due to the
direct effects of the international economic
crisis, and the unemployment rate is
expected to rise to eight percent in 2009.
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