By Betsy Finklea
As of October 12, the City of Dillon is still in recovery mode from the devastation left by Hurricane Matthew.
According to Dillon City Manager Glen Wagner, city crews are assisting in the recovery and repair of the city. From a wastewater standpoint, city crews are repairing damage. The water and sewer are still good, and there are no problems.
It will be a while before street crews get around to picking up storm debris. The State Highway department may be here as early as October 13 (today) starting to pick up storm debris only such as trees, etc. This will not include furniture or household items. They will be addressing roads that are in the state system, which will include most of the roads in the City of Dillon.
The city will be cutting up some of the trees and limbs so the state can pick it up, and when this is completed, the city will start picking it up.
The normal pick-up of household trash is moving forward, and the city workers are getting what they can get to depending on the conditions. They are not picking up household items related to the flood as of yet due to the fact that FEMA is coming to do an assessment.
Each day, more and more city residents are having their power restored, and the restoration efforts continue.
The curfew for the city was lifted on October 12th. With grocery stores and food vendors opening, they wanted to allow people the time to get the things that they need. The city has also be inundated with people from Robeson County seeking food and supplies from these vendors.
On Thursday, October 13, food and water was available in Dillon at First Presbyterian Church from 12:00 noon-5:00 p.m. This is for Thursday, October 13 only.
Wagner said they are making headway, but it will take a long time to get things back to normal.
Dillon Mayor Todd Davis said, “The City is starting to get back on its feet after this unprecedented damage from the hurricane. We are trying to get supplies to those that need it. You can start by calling city hall were to look for them. I want to say I have never seen The people come to their brother’s aid like I have witnessed these last few days. We will overcome and be better for it.”
