Source

UNITED KINGDOM, January 19, 2005: Ripin Karla (“source”) writes:



The speed with which people have responded to the latest Tsunami disaster is extraordinary. At the moment the focus is on immediate relief but there are several private charities and public bodies starting to plan and act for reconstruction. I have received several e-mails about plans to build houses and community buildings on a large scale. One e-mail alone talks about the pledge of millions of US dollars to build “two bedroom houses with kitchen and toilet for villagers.” The press in India is giving a lot of publicity to such projects, but please, it is not so simple.



I would like to share my experience on reconstruction with all charities and would encourage other professionals to share their own previous experiences so mistakes are not repeated. It is not only about making strong buildings but improving the strength of people to deal with disasters in future. Also making buildings which are not appropriate for local needs and life-style will be a waste of your money and time.



In India there are a large number of professionals who are experienced in reconstruction and who know the downside of rushing in with big plans. It is important to see reconstruction as an investment and prepare villages, towns and cities through training to take preemptive measures to prevent future loss of life, livelihoods and property from natural events like earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and cyclones. Most deaths and loss from natural events is preventable through preparedness.



If you are leading an initiative in reconstruction, here are some key steps to consider in brief before creating your plan for reconstruction. These are brief point for guidance only and it is always best to involve a professional person in your planning. Make sure your charity and good-will is used strategically for a better long term impact. If you are still not sure, you can see the reconstruction afer disasters in Latur, Kutch-Gujarat, Tehri, Coastal Orissa, Jabalpur and learn from the mistakes and successes there.



Step 1: WHAT WAS BEFORE?

This process is called “resource mapping.” It tells you what facilities people enjoyed and created for themselves before the disaster struck. It requires a visit to the area and talking to people in a structured way and making notes. You can learn a lot from the kinds of buildings that survived and actions that saved lives. Most of these places do not have maps. Survey of India does not sell maps of these areas due to security reasons as well. You will have a list of things that need to be rebuilt and local preferences by going there and talking to people. Seek professional help for safe places to build and establishing clear land ownerships to avoid future risk and disputes. Its best to keep in consultation with the local collector where reconstruction efforts are coordinated and this will prevent duplication and waste.



Step 2: COMMUNITY PRIORITIES

Most people affected by disasters will have started to help themselves even before help arrived from outside. Ask people their priorities for the buildings they prefer to rebuild first. Just to take an example: Fishermen may want to concentrate on safe boat harbours before thinking about two bedroom houses so that they can get back to work and start their livelihoods. They may want to build the house incrementally in their spare time, as seen in previous disasters. Work with the community to prioritize. Don’t hurry, temporary shelter can be slowly transformed into rebuilding, but it always takes a long time. Salvage the material that you can, this itself requires a lot of time and money. Carefully consider what will happen during the monsoons which are due in four months time. If this time cannot be used for construction, use it to sort out administrative matters or to train skilled masons, etc:



Step 3: IMPROVE THE DESIGN

If you build buildings and places for communities that they cannot afford to maintain then you are putting them in more danger of injury. Seek professional help to make traditional buildings more safe.



Step 4: INVOLVE PEOPLE IN DESIGN AND REBUILDING

People like fishermen and their families have lots of skills and local knowledge. It has been seen that people of all ages can help with rebuilding. Involving them will make them feel confident again. This is a good opportunity to train people to improve their conditions.



Step 5: INVEST IN PREPARING PEOPLE BETTER FOR THE NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS

Early warning systems are not sufficient. People have to know what to do if they get a warning and what they can do even before they get a warning. Work with a local NGO to provide training year-after-year in things ranging from first-aid to building safer buildings. Use money wisely and spend some of the savings in training people. Disasters are not so rare particularly in sub-continent like India. Well prepared countries and communities suffer lesser loss.

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