One
year after the devastating tsunami changed the landscape of
the Maldives and devastated so many lives, the International
Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is set
to begin its largest single construction project.
At 9.23 on the morning of 26 December 2004, the tsunami swept
across the Maldives leaving more than 3,600 people from the
island of Kandholhudhoo homeless. With their island completely
destroyed, families quickly helped each other evacuate to five
neighbouring islands.
Seeing the needs of the displaced families and understanding
the fragile ecosystem of the Maldives, the International Federation
contracted to build a new environmentally safe ‘green’
island home for these tsunami survivors. “The people from
Kandholhudhoo island wanted two things,” says Jerry Talbot,
the Federation’s Head of Delegation in the Maldives, “to
be together and to stay in the Raa Atoll… two islands
were presented as an option, and the island of Dhuvaafaru was
chosen.”
Step by step, Dhuvaafaru island, a green field site, will be
constructed from the ground up with a budget of US$25 million.
In cooperation with the government of the Maldives, the Federation
plans to build 600 houses, an administrative complex, community
centre, multipurpose hall, sports ground, four schools, a guest
house and a hospital to be built by the German Red Cross.
Recognizing the importance of disaster preparedness, multifunctional
two storey buildings, including a school, will be constructed
for people to seek refuge from flooding or sea surges.
The importance of making Dhuvaafaru a ‘green’ island
is essential for the Federation. Special protection of archaeological
and heritage sites is taken into consideration throughout the
development process of the island. Specific agriculture and
trees of significance are to be preserved for the new inhabitants
of the island.
Developing an island community for over 3,600 people takes time,
but the first steps have been taken in making this island a
home. Sites have been cleared, roads drawn and housing blocks
marked. Groundbreaking for this exciting and challenging construction
project is planned for early 2006.
In an effort to introduce renewable energy to the Maldives,
the Federation has included the installation of solar energy
panels on community buildings and street lights in the construction
plans for Dhuvaafaru. Additionally, the Canadian Red Cross is
exploring the feasibility of initiating a wind turbine programme
that will supply energy throughout the island. Talbot explains,
“These renewable energy sources are going to feed electricity
into the common power grid, so that everyone on the island benefits
from this new resource.”
Water and sanitation is a vital component of the development
of Dhuvaafaru. Rain water harvesting kits will be provided to
each household on the island to collect water for drinking.
“A supplementary water supply will be available through
reverse osmosis, so that when the rain water is scarce, islanders
can collect their clean water from community water tap stands.
The community will always have a safe supply of water for daily
consumption, even in the dry season,” notes Selina Chan,
Federation Water and Sanitation Coordinator for the Maldives.
A sewer system will be designed and built for the new homes
to prevent pollution of the underground water, and to dispose
of waste water in a way that is environmentally safe.
As in other tsunami affected countries, the road to recovery
is long and challenging, particularly for the people waiting
in IDP (internationally displaced people) camps and transitional
shelters. Many of Kandholhudhoo’s former residents have
expressed their concern about when the island will be ready
to inhabit.
Ibrahim Mohamed, a 47-year-old shop owner says, “When
I pass the island I see people clearing the land. I am looking
forward to the day all the Kandholhudhoo people will live on
the same land.”
Building an island community is one of the most ambitious recovery
projects the Federation is undertaking. “In the end these
structures mean nothing if they are not meant to rebuild people’s
lives,” Talbot concludes. By 2007, Dhuvaafaru should be
a comfortable, safe place where Ibrahim and others can rebuild
their lives with hope for the future.
26 December marked a day of mourning and remembrance in
the Maldives for all those who suffered the aftermath of the
tsunami. Throughout the day, many reflected not only on the
tragedy and loss from the tsunami, but the accomplishments in
the past year on the road to recovery. An overview of progress
and challenges ahead for rebuilding the Maldives is articulated
in a joint report launched on the one year anniversary by the
Government, the International Federation, the United Nations
and the World Bank.
To learn more, download the entire report at www.ifrc.org/tsunami
PDF document - 2.6Mb - 39 pages
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Water
works: Dhuvaafaru island is one of 79 islands in the Maldives
to receive household rain water harvesting kits whereby
families can collect an ample supply of clean drinking
water. (p13685)
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Building
blocks for families: these sisters on Maafushi island
will be one of the first to receive one of nearly 950
homes being built by the Federation on five islands in
the Maldives. (p13684)
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A
safe haven: Dhuvaafaru island is an uninhabited island
in the Maldives that the Federation is developing from
the ground up for an entire community of tsunami displaced
people. (p13671)
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First
steps: roads have been cleared and construction is set
to begin on this soon to be new island home being built
by the Federation in the Maldives.
Photo: Cat Williams/UNDP (p13676)
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The
previously uninhabited island of Dhuvaafaru will be built
from scratch into a vibrant community combining residential
and commercial centres, schools, community centres, health
clinics, parks, sporting facilities, ports, harbours and
other necessary infrastructure.
Photo: International Federation (p13579)
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