HANOVER, Jamaica — Grants worth $334.2 million have been disbursed to households in Hanover under the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) programme, as recovery efforts for families affected by Hurricane Melissa continue to advance.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, (MLSS)  Dione  Jennings indicated that so far 6,585 assessments have been conducted in Hanover. Of that number, 3,681 fall within the Major and Severe categories. Hanover accounts for 6.78 per cent of total recorded damage across the country.

Minister Pearnel Charles Jr disclosed the total disbursements during a handover ceremony in Lucea, noting that others will be made to beneficiaries who were not in attendance at the ceremony, but who were assessed and qualify for a grant.

The minister further underscored that to date, more than 96,000 assessments have been completed islandwide to ensure what he described as fair, transparent, and accountable delivery of support.

During the ceremony, some beneficiaries received WiPAY QR codes in real time, facilitating secure and traceable payments.

Under the programme, households classified in the Major and Severe categories receive support through a digital wallet valued at $200,000 and $500,000 respectively.

Of that amount, $75,000 is available to be used to cover basic or immediate needs, while the remaining balance is restricted to the purchase of building materials at participating hardware stores.

Charles Jr emphasised that all payments are secure and traceable.