RALPH WENGE, CNN ANCHOR: And the people of Montserrat have suffered enormously from the volcanic eruptions that began in 1995. Those eruptions wiped out a large portion of the island's homes, forcing many people into temporary shelters. And as the Caribbean Broadcasting Union reports, many of them are just now getting a place to call home.</s>CARIBBEAN BROADCASTING UNION (voice-over): When the Soufriere Hills volcano rumbled to life five years ago and wiped out the eastern and southern sections of Montserrat, it destroyed virtually all the homes on the island. The residences were relocated to shelters, schools and churches and any other available buildings to pick up the pieces. The conditions were cramped, with men, women and children having to share limited space. But today much has changed -- in fact, the construction industry in Montserrat has led economic activity on the island.</s>DAVID BRANDT, CHIEF MINISTER, MONTSERRAT: We are building permanent houses for Montserratians. In fact, we have built over 250 permanent houses.</s>JONES: There is still considerable ground to cover. Within one year, government is hoping to move some 224 persons still living in shelters back into their own homes. In addition, 757 families need permanent housing. The government has employed a number of strategies to alleviate the problem.</s>BRANDT: There is another system called a soft mortgage scheme, which we have negotiated with the British. The rate of interest for the next years would be 8 percent and after that for two years it would be 9 percent. And after that period, it would be at the market rate.</s>JONES: The challenge ahead is great. New roads are being constructed, electricity, water and telecommunication plants are being enhanced. One of the industries government is turning to, to support its developmental trust is the tourism sector. Sandy Jones reporting for Caribbean News live.
Five Years After Volcanic Eruption, Some Montserrat Residents Just Getting a Home