Building supplier: Abaconians have upped their game post-Dorian

An Abaco-based building supplier said that Bahamians have “upped their game” with regard to ensuring their homes are protected against hurricane-force winds like Dorian in 2019. James Allen, owner/operator of Ultimate Seawalls and Docks, told Guardian Business yesterday that business in Abaco post-Dorian in 2019 has been steady, and Abaconians are ensuring that their homes and structures are of the strongest quality and durability. “They are trying to build stronger and cover any loopholes they missed. Some people are cheap in a way, but usually they will pay the price later. Most people are investing in upgrading and whatever technology they can to make their structures safer.” Hurricane Dorian caused catastrophic damage in The Bahamas in 2019, with reports indicating many destroyed buildings, particularly in the Abacos and Grand Bahama, did not comply with the existing building code, despite the code being considered relatively strict at the time. While the building code required specific construction standards, a significant amount of damage was attributed to a lack of proper enforcement and the unprecedented ferocity of Dorian. The insurance industry faced significant strain, as up to 80 percent of affected homes and businesses were uninsured, placing a heavy burden on the government and taxpayers for reconstruction. Noting that a stronger building code is needed for the country, Allen said: “Right now hurricane impact windows are optional in the building code, because not all people can afford them. Most times they would get whatever is affordable, but I would suggest that moving forward, that should be the building code.” Although reconstruction on Abaco has gotten a lot better, Allen said there are still a lot of flood-prone areas, and this was seen after Tropical Storm Imelda moved across the country up to Abaco this past week. “Moving forward, we should have the drainage problem addressed, because some of these areas are prone to flooding. A lot of people still can’t get into their homes.”