Housing reconstruction is currently the International Federation’s largest programme area in Sri Lanka, and the area where integrated disaster risk reduction measures have progressed the furthest. The Sri Lanka Red Cross-led effort goes beyond merely restoring the situation that existed before the tsunami, and instead aims to help communities develop appropriate coping mechanisms and infrastructure that can help reduce the impact of disasters. The standard design of houses in the reconstruction programme is devised to address local climate issues and risk to natural hazards. Indeed, this is evidenced in the reconstruction guidelines from the National Housing Development Authority of Sri Lanka.

The International Federation ensures that any dwelling included in the programme has proper facilities to prevent water-related diseases that can surface because of disasters. Lessons learnt from housing projects to date in Sri Lanka have shown that water and sanitation needs for some reconstruction communities are not addressed adequately. This is not only due to a lack funds and capacity to deliver services, but also because communities with limited hygiene awareness have not put forward demands to improve the situation.

Sturdy and durable structures that come equip with water and sanitation facilities are a feature of Red Cross Red Crescent-built homes. Photo: Ivis García-Rojas/International Federation (p15936)

To review the existing infrastructure, the International Federation has completed a water and sanitation audit on most reconstruction sites earmarked for Red Cross Red Crescent grants. Workshops in Ampara district, home to a large part of the reconstruction programme, train participants on designing septic tanks, soak pits and ecological sanitation toilets. In order to reduce risks of outbreaks of possible diseases, another series of workshops focus on raising awareness of waterborne diseases and on conducting outbreak investigations.

Tsunami devastated coastal communities that are part of the tsunami reconstruction programme are still struggling to resume their normal life in the face of losses in natural, physical, financial and human capital. To address this, public education and advocacy about hazards and livelihood support programmes are carried out simultaneously with the reconstruction process to help beneficiaries diversify incomes and reduce future risk. Community participatory assessments direct integrated interventions that benefit the community as a whole, while addressing specific needs of vulnerable individuals or groups.

In Aceh, Red Cross Red Crescent partners have developed a shared approach, known as integrated community based risk reduction that ensures risk reduction is considered in all reconstruction projects and in the planning of community settlements. Communities first become aware of potential risks by identifying the hazards, vulnerabilities, risks, capacity and mitigation measures in their villages before and after the tsunami. Community based action teams made up of village volunteers and representatives then proceed to plan their respective villages with an eye on mitigating the impact of potential disasters.

To build awareness on disaster preparedness among schoolchildren and teachers, a disaster mitigation programme compliments the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction of their schools. Schoolchildren take part in activities such as mock exercises, classroom lessons and watching short films that relay relevant messages. Teachers in particular play a crucial role in maintaining the mitigation activities, keeping their students constantly aware of the importance of preparedness.

These women from a community-based action team are planning secure homes and village sites as part of a training provided by Danish Red Cross in Alue Ambang, Indonesia. Photo: Vina Agustina/International Federation (p15978)

As a low-lying archipelago that is 99 per cent sea and often drenched in torrential rain, it is essential that any structures built in Maldives have to be safe from floods and other water-related disasters. This fundamental premise informs the International Federation’s tsunami recovery work across the country.

Recent progress in housing construction is encouraging. Over 75 per cent all the houses committed are now completed or under construction. All of these houses meet or exceed local hazard standards. In order reduce risks further, many of the houses are raised above ground level. This makes them more resistant to flooding, a recurrent event in the Maldives. The houses also have seismic resistant structures and ceiling storages to keep items dry and safe.

Reconstruction work on some islands goes well beyond simply providing housing. Hospitals, schools and community centres are also being built across Maldives. Apart from being functional spaces for communities, many of the buildings have an additional purpose: they are often multi-storey buildings and can serve as safe havens for people in times of disasters.

A good example is the Federation Secretariat constructed and Bahrain Red Crescent funded accommodation building for the Home for People with Special Needs. The building has a special design, which provides refuge during disasters such as tsunamis or floods. The accommodation building stands on pillars, making it less vulnerable to high sea water levels. The design also includes a ramp, which allows people with physical disabilities to access the elevated floor. The building was completed and handed over to the management of the Home in early June and now accommodates 32 residents.

This home for people with special needs is designed to withstand floods and high sea water levels. Photo: Valpuri Saarelma/International Federation (p15973)

• The integrated community-based risk reduction programme is ongoing in Banda Aceh, Sabang, Aceh Besar and Aceh Jaya districts and will be extended to the districts of Aceh Singkil and Aceh Tengah. It is supported by the Indonesian Red Cross Society and four partner national societies.
• Of the 20,000 transitional shelters that will be provided to affected families, 87 per cent are complete as of June 2007.
• The International Federation is also providing 19,942 permanent houses to tsunami-hit families in Aceh. As of April 2007, up to 4,395 were complete and 7,088 under construction. All permanent homes and transitional shelters are being built according to local multi-hazard standards.
• The Indonesian Red Cross Society and British Red Cross safer housing project will see the construction of 2,184 houses in Aceh Besar and Aceh Jaya. In addition, the project aims to reduce disaster risks by educating target communities on the principles of building safer structures such as safe locations, strong frames, emergency exits and maintenance. Community participation is high, as communities are thoroughly involved in the project’s process. After training, communities apply the said principles to the construction of community centres and public facilities.

Sri Lanka

Maldives