Govt blueprint for Aceh and Nias<\/p>\n
Without meaning to be cynical, the aim stated in the draft of
\nthe government's blueprint for tsunami reconstruction of
\n\"creating a far better place to live for residents\" (The Jakarta
\nPost, March 29) sounds too optimistic. To me, this phrase means
\nthat the government will not only get Aceh and Nias back to
\nnormal, but after that, take both beyond normalcy.<\/p>\n
That is one thing. Another thing, is it enough to summarize
\nthe stages of reconstruction -- from identification, preparation,
\nappraisal and implementation, to monitoring and evaluation -- in
\na \"blueprint project\"? In particular, for the communities hit by
\nthe earthquake and tsunami? I am sorry to say that this sounds
\ntoo optimistic.<\/p>\n
According to the experts, the \"blueprint approach\" to projects
\nwas a product of the development projects of the 1960s and 1970s.
\nThey came to be called \"blueprint projects\" because of their
\nrelationship with the blueprints of engineering drawings.
\nTherefore, these projects are often represented as engineering
\nprojects, such as bridge building or road construction, which
\nhave clear objectives, activities, costs and time frames.<\/p>\n
By using the blueprint approach for the reconstruction of Aceh
\nand Nias, does the government intend to show its domination in
\nthe planning process and technological expertise, and its
\nownership and control?<\/p>\n
The other approach to projects is the \"process approach\", in
\nwhich ownership and commitment from all stakeholders is essential
\nto the success of projects, and therefore all stakeholders must
\nbe involved from the inception. The project must be a joint
\nprocess between stakeholders, and the process is expected to
\nbuild capacity and contribute to sustainability.<\/p>\n
There are many NGOs that have made serious attempts to use a
\nparticipatory approach to projects. I hope the government will
\nalso use the \"process approach\", especially for non-physical
\nconstruction projects in tsunami-affected areas.<\/p>\n
Perhaps there are many others who agree that the government's
\nblueprint draft needs revision. I hope the government will sit
\ndown with more experts from Aceh and Nias themselves, as well as
\nnational and international development agencies, NGOs that work
\non the ground, etc., to formulate the most appropriate approach
\nto the reconstruction work.<\/p>\n
NENA MUSLIM, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/govt-blueprint-for-aceh-and-nias-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }