Post-earthquake rebuilding in Pakistan
Post-Earthquake Community-led Disaster Resistant Sustainable Livelihood Development Programme
This programme is implemented by Practical Action in partnership with Rural development Policy Institute (RDPI) and ASTAFADA. Construction activities as part of the joint project were initiated by construction of village development center in June, 2008. While the construction of housing units (3 x houses) commenced in July, 2008, with selection of beneficiaries and organization of participatory shelter design consultations.
Construction of Housing Units
Work on the Housing Units (2 x Dhaji Dewaree, traditional stone, timber construction) was started on 11th Aug, 2008. The beneficiaries signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RDPI and ASTAFADA, and later they were issued the 'list of materials' to be utilized for the construction of houses. The work on the third house based on remedial measure technique (RMT) is contingent upon furnishing of construction material by the beneficiary (the material details is shared).
Haji dewaree construction comprises more than five levels of construction a) plinth, b) dasa, c) timber poles d) wall-plate, e) cross section and f)setting-up of roof. The beneficiaries are at the fourth level (cross section) expected to conclude for next level by 28th Sept 2008.
Work on the remedial measure technique consumes less than the two weeks; however this work is contingent upon the beneficiary's serious resolve to observe earthquake resistance measures. The third family is delimited in arranging construction materials, since it is headed by a widow and she does not have any active member of her family to facilitate her in the process. Hence local partner ASTAFADA will look into making available the construction material, which shall be utilized for the remedial reconstruction of the family's already constructed house, which was planned to be completed by the 28th Sept, 2008. The complete furnishing of the house (including work on the latrines, windows, doors and plastering) shall be completed with the work on the dhaji dewaree'.
Facing the challenges of post earthquake rebuilding in Pakistan
October 2008
Three years down the road from the devastating earthquake that hit Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), thousands who were rendered homeless still seek help from the government, donor agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to be able to rebuild better. It is a healthy sign that government agencies, as well as humanitarian and development agencies, working in the affected areas have pledged to honour their commitments of rebuilding the affected areas, though they have not increased them. Read more ...
This article by Beenish Kulsoom from Rural Development Polciy Institute (RDPI) in Pakistan first appeared in The International News in Pakistan.