New year, new homes
| 16 January 2007
More than 260 Indonesian families who survived the tsunami were given the keys to their new homes on the island of Pulo Aceh this week.
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The British Red Cross, working with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), completed the construction of 268 houses in the villages of Ulee Paya, Gugop, Seurapong and Teunom Baroe, to replace homes that were washed away in the 2004 tsunami.
William Corkill, British Red Cross country representative for Indonesia, said: “This is a major milestone in the recovery of the survivors of the tsunami on Pulo Aceh and for the Indonesian Red Cross and the British Red Cross in their tsunami recovery programme.” | | |  | |
Disaster
Before building could even begin the British Red Cross had to affirm land rights as a lot of land and records were washed away in the disaster. In the meantime, the Red Cross helped families to return to Pulo Aceh and provided material for temporary shelters.
The programme then proceeded to the layout of the communities and the design of the houses – ensuring they are earthquake resistant. Essential infrastructure such as roads and a jetty were built. Contractors were selected and logistics put in place – including the sourcing of sustainable timber for the housing. The American Red Cross is providing the water supply and sanitation facilities to the communities.
Rehabilitation
The families and local authorities have been involved throughout the construction process as well as the Agency for Reconstruction and Rehabilitation (BRR) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which have helped coordinate the programme.
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 | | | “For the people of Pulo Aceh, nothing can replace the losses they suffered through the tsunami but the Red Cross hopes that through the cash grants and housing programme we have helped the people of these communities to recover their livelihoods and their homes,” Corkill said. | |
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The work is part of a wider programme to complete 2,200 houses in Indonesia by the end of this year, as well as providing cash grants for livelihood support to 10,000 families. Risk reduction measures are also being carried out, including a project to raise awareness about how to build safer homes. | |
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