Camps not the solution<\/p>\n
We represent an international alliance to aid community
\nrebuilding in post-tsunami Sumatra.<\/p>\n
We wish to expresses our alarm at the news that temporary
\nresettlement camps in barracks are being planned and prepared,
\nand that permanent solutions may also take place in camp-like
\nforms.<\/p>\n
Were this to become a reality, it would be not only be
\nsocially and culturally inappropriate, but also highly wasteful
\nfrom an aid allocation and investment point of view. It could be
\ntantamount to the creation of permanent slums. Such camps are
\nlikely to deteriorate quickly, with their hapless, crowded
\ninhabitants at risk of becoming the forgotten people of
\nAceh.<\/p>\n
Instead, the energy, expense and expertise planned to be
\nexpended on such temporary settlements should be directed at
\nlong-term and secure settlements. In addition, the first priority
\nis to allow people to return to, or close to, their original
\nlocation.<\/p>\n
To prepare permanent locations, land rights need to be
\nsecured: Previous plots need to be mapped and either built upon
\nby survivors, or replaced in kind on secure sites nearby.
\nIn a post-traumatic situation such as this, it is important that
\nresettlement take place in the form of community rebuilding, and
\nis seen as a communal learning and healing process -- and a
\nprocess of gaining economic viability.<\/p>\n
New houses must not take the form of anonymous barracks shared
\nwith a large number of strangers of both genders. New forms of
\nhomes need to consider the definition of family. In Aceh, many
\nwidowed wives or husbands now exist with only their remaining son
\nor daughter, or surviving grandparents with their orphaned
\ngrandchild. Is it not appropriate to co-locate different families
\nin crowded, passive conditions.<\/p>\n
Groups of barracks are inappropriate, unhealthy forms of
\nsettlement. Instead of building barracks, single room units
\nshould be built on secure sites as \"starter units\", using small
\ncontractors, working to a variety of individual designs,
\ncommunally managed, with many community members also finding
\nemployment and training opportunities in the construction
\nprocess.<\/p>\n
These starter units would then provide the basis for the
\nhouseholds to build their lives -- make an investment for the
\nfuture. Public buildings such as mosques, churches, schools,
\nhealth centers and gathering halls should be designed and
\nprovided to anchor social activities.<\/p>\n
PETER DROEGE et alia, Newcastle, Australia<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/camps-not-the-solution-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }