The Department of Environment (DOE) has announced the closing date for applications to its Air Conditioning and Hurricane Shutter distribution program, a significant initiative under the Government’s Just Transition program. The deadline for applications is set for June 21st, 2024.

 

Launched as part of the DOE’s climate technology initiative, this program aims to bolster the resilience and comfort of residents, enhancing disaster preparedness and environmental sustainability.

 

The current order has reached its limit, with the DOE having allocated the 3,400 AC units allowed by the Cabinet and receiving over 7,000 applications for carbon fiber sheets. Households are permitted to request a maximum of two AC units and six sheets.

 

To comply with DOE’s Accreditation AMC/CTF requirements, applicants must upload an APUA bill and an ID on the designated site.

 

Requests cannot be processed without these documents. After the application period ends, the DOE will email each applicant with details about the payment process.

 

Notably, all payments must be wired to a designated bank account, as cash and cheques will not be accepted. Payments will be directed to a special fund of the SIRF Fund, with receipts issued to applicants.

 

Pick-up points are being arranged to facilitate easy collection for applicants, whether they have a vehicle or not. Additionally, applicants can authorize their AC installers to collect the units on their behalf by providing them with the receipt.

 

For low-income individuals or single-parent families needing shutters cut to size, a sign-up link will be provided. The DOE will coordinate with the team at the Prison to prepare these customized shutters.

 

The distribution effort will be supported by 20 DOE summer interns, the Defense Force, and various other government agencies. In response to concerns about oversight, the DOE has scheduled a meeting with the Internal Auditor and the distribution team on June 21st, inviting media participation for transparency.

Furthermore, the names of all applicants will be published on the DOE’s website before and after the process, in compliance with donor requirements for transparency. Any complaints or suggestions for improvement will also be collected and published on the DOE website. If accepted, these suggestions will be implemented in future programs in other countries.

 

Shipping and logistical challenges persist due to high global demand and increased costs, making it difficult for the DOE to confirm exact arrival times for the AC units and shutters. The cost of the shutters will not exceed $300 per sheet, with each sheet measuring 6.8×8 ft. Pensioners will receive special pricing on both AC units and shutters, as directed by the Cabinet.

 

Each applicant will receive a final confirmation letter upon receipt of the items. For AC units, this letter will include the serial numbers, which are necessary to validate the limited warranty.

 

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Social Transformation and the Environment expresses gratitude to all applicants and contributors who helped the DOE meet donor requirements for project impact.

 

Looking ahead, the DOE plans to launch similar programs for farmers and other sectors in the coming months, using summer interns to collect crucial data. This information will aid in the design of future projects aimed at enhancing climate resilience.

 

The DOE will also use the lessons learned from this program to design a similar initiative for Grenada. The DOE team met with their Grenadian counterparts during the SIDS4 conference and will begin the program in Grenada this August.

 

For queries related to the SIRF Fund, please contact 464-5030 or 464-5031.