Temporary shelter construction in Langkahan pressed ahead despite heavy rain

North Aceh, Aceh (ANTARA) — Construction of temporary shelters for displaced persons in Krueng Lingka village, Langkahan subdistrict, North Aceh regency, is being pushed ahead despite heavy rain as the holy month of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah approaches.

“We’re pressing on. My superior told me: ‘Babinsa, supervise — the target must be met quickly,’” said Babinsa of Krueng Lingka, Sergeant Syamsuddin, when met at the temporary shelter project site in Langkahan, North Aceh, on Tuesday.

Acting on those orders, Syamsuddin said project workers continue with whatever tasks can be carried out even in the rain — for instance, installing windows, doors and other work that can be done indoors.

“But for fitting zinc roofing sheets, because that requires electricity, I told them not to do it during rain. Cutting zinc sheeting uses electricity, so I forbade it — I’m afraid something might happen,” Syamsuddin said.

Syamsuddin is targeting the completion of 119 temporary shelter units for displaced residents in Krueng Lingka village, Langkahan subdistrict, North Aceh regency.

Krueng Lingka village comprises 312 households, or approximately 1,117 residents. At present, there are two evacuation points in the village, with 44 households still living in evacuation tents.

Beyond those 44 households, other displaced residents are reported to be staying with relatives or renting accommodation while awaiting allocation of either temporary or permanent housing.

Syamsuddin is targeting completion of the temporary shelters for Krueng Lingka’s displaced residents by the second week of Ramadan. Originally, the shelters were to have been finished five days before Ramadan began.

However, the project faced setbacks due to shortages of building materials such as zinc roofing sheets and calcium silicate board. The shortages were caused by the massive scale of temporary shelter construction following flash floods and landslides that struck West Sumatra, North Sumatra and Aceh.

“The obstacle is that sometimes supplies run out — there’s no stock. But on the ground, God willing, there are no other problems,” Syamsuddin said.

On Monday (16 February), the required materials began arriving and Syamsuddin is working to ensure construction can be completed as soon as possible.

“Progress has reached 70 per cent by my estimate. God willing, it won’t be much longer before it’s finished, because the building materials have been delivered,” he said.