Reconstruction Akkaraipettai, India - April, 2005
Politics and competition in disaster relief
In the wake of any calamity, the struggle for survival can demonstrate the worst of "man's inhumanity to man" as well as the best of altruism and charity. This tsunami disaster was certainly a showcase for both worldwide cooperation and political sparing. Unsolicited helped poured from nations, some obviously intent on averting further tragedy, and unfortunately some looking to further a political agenda. Any massive effort with millions of dollars and thousands of administrators will be a target for the inevitable inefficiency and fraud. Hopefully, the intended relief will promptly assist those affected with loss of family and livelihood.
It was my desire to experience the rebuilding stage that prompted me to become involved in efforts to help people directly. At this stage I am only a distant observer, but today’s technology allows all of us to learn much about what is happening in some of the remotest locations on earth. Following stories from Indian communities, it becomes evident that politics and competition can control long-term relief for the victims. We need to observe and address issues such as the following:
- Much of the government and NGO allocated aid does not reach those with the most need.
- Proud people do not want to be taken care of, but rather work with mentors and helpers to rebuild their life. Tradition and history guide societies and families. Especially people in distress need close identity to their community and life work.
- Fishermen are planning to return to the sea. Farmers are preparing to recover their fields. Replaced housing should be safe and comfortable, but should be provided in the style and location most important to community identity.
We must consider the future for the people, while avoiding unduly upsetting the order. Tradeoffs need to be considered, such as the wisdom of relocating communities so far from the sea that their livelihood is imperiled. Retraining for temporary jobs at the expense of ignoring the future is also a concern for some.
Large scale fishing has not yet been restored, and the fear of another tsunami that could have been triggered after the March 29th earthquake, it may be further delayed. There have been reports that the catch in the shallow water within 3 KMs of the coast has been seriously lessened. If this is due to some ecological changes in the underwater life, the problems need to be addressed and ways to alleviate this situation worked out immediately.
The next couple of months could see the slow withdrawal of many groups and organizations. There is a lack of adequate skilled manpower, and the rains and heat are worsening working and living conditions. Potential problems and recommended solutions are being addressed by some of the Non-Government NGOs such as TAPIndia, and it is critical for us to find more permanent solutions quickly.
Global Uplift's proposal and site plans to construct 50 units of housing are being submitted to the government of Tamil Nadu province this month. Hopefully the plans will be approved quickly and land allocated for the project, so we can commence construction. Rains of the Southeast Moonsoon season from June to July are normally not a problem for the southeast coast. However, we do want to finish before the Northeast Monsoon season October to December.
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Following local needs, government guidelines, and funds available, we are planning living units clustered in a group for fifty families. I encourage you to review the construction details below, and to provide feedback to me to help in designing the best community possible.
Click images or links below to see more detail
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