University offers cheap shelters<\/p>\n
Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta<\/p>\n
A Yogyakarta-based disaster research center has offered its
\ndesigns for light, cheap and easy-to-assemble shelters as
\ntemporary solutions for tsunami refugees.
\n The Indonesian Islamic University's Center for Earthquake
\nEngineering, Dynamic Effects and Disaster Studies said the
\nshelters could be used by the refugees in the recovery period
\nfollowing last week's devastating tsunami.<\/p>\n
\"It will take at least three to six months to rebuild their
\nhouses. At this time, they need 'healthy' temporary shelters. We
\nhave developed models of shelters for this specific purpose,\"
\ncenter director Sarwidi told The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
Head of the center's shelter development program Yulianto
\nPrihatmaji, said it had also developed a model for a lavatory
\nthat does not need water to operate, making it ideal for refugee
\ncamps.<\/p>\n
Measuring some 70 centimeters by 70 cms and some 180 cms high,
\nthe temporary lavatory is made out of plastic. Recycled paper
\nbags would be used for feces. They would be disposed of by
\nburying them under the ground and toilet paper would be used for
\ncleaning the body.<\/p>\n
\"Lack of clean water, poor sanitation and unhealthy shelters
\nare the main problems in many refugee camps. The shelter model
\nthat we have developed is an attempt to answer such problems,\"
\nYulianto said.<\/p>\n
Developed in 2001, the knock-down shelter comes in two sizes
\n-- measuring seven square meters and 12 sq. meters -- and
\nweighing some 25 kilograms per unit, making them easy to carry.<\/p>\n
\"For day-to-day activities, the small one can accommodate up
\nto six people and the big one, eight people. For sleeping,
\nhowever, they can accommodate up to four people and six people
\nrespectively at the most,\" said Yulianto.<\/p>\n
The production cost of one shelter is some Rp 100,000 (US$11)
\nand a group of two to three people could assemble it in two
\nhours. The center can produce up to 200 units of the shelters in
\na week.<\/p>\n
Psychologically, Yulianto said, such shelters would suit the
\nrefugees as their walls were light-weight and would collapse in
\nthe event of aftershocks without harming the occupants.<\/p>\n
However, as the center has limited funds, it welcomes the
\nfinancial assistance of individuals or institutions who want to
\nhelp Aceh's tsunami survivors<\/p>\n
\"We can also help by providing manuals that enable anyone
\nwanting to help the refugees make a shelter of the same model on
\ntheir own,\" Yulianto said.<\/p>\n
Sarwidi said the center would send some 10 ready-to-assemble
\nshelters to Meulaboh, as models, and a number of student
\nvolunteers from the university would soon follow.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/university-offers-cheap-shelters-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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