Reconstruction
LMKR is now moving into the reconstruction phase of the relief operation. To date, most reconstruction plans are focusing on the urban areas affected: Bagh City , Muzaffarabad and Balakot with the result that the massive population of the remote rural areas has received little or no help whatsoever. From the outset, LMKR has been the only significant relief operator in the remote areas of Bagh District and it is therefore appropriate that our reconstruction campaign should support victims in an area in which there is no other NGO reconstruction support.
Residents of these areas are currently living in tents and temporary shelters constructed from wood and tin roofing sheets. Many have already died from exposure related conditions.
There are several issues to be considered when planning reconstruction in these remote areas:
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Deforestation: where possible it is necessary to avoid using wood in construction as the area is already badly deforested. |
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Transport and accessibility: only 4X4 pickup trucks can reach these areas. |
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Water supply: the areas have limited water supplies as underground streams were diverted by the earthquake so the use of large quantities of concrete is not viable. |
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Sustainability: buildings must be sustainable, both in terms of affordability and in suitability for the needs of the population. This is NOT a 'quick fix' solution, but must be one that stands the test of time. |
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Construction: must be designed to be in-keeping with the environment. |
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Houses must be fireproof and insulated against heat and cold. |
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The varying needs of villagers: some are widowed and alone, others need to house members of their extended families who have lost their next of kin. Some need to accommodate animals (cows, buffalo and chickens). |
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All houses need to have verandas and many need to have animal shelters. |
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Design must facilitate rapid construction. |
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Designs and materials used must meet ERRA specifications. |
To meet these criteria two technologies have been identified: one that uses concrete and steel insulated paneling (for construction on low, more easily accessible sites) and another that uses framework made from a recycled product manufactured in Dubai, called Ecowood, and aluminum and steel insulated paneling and roofing that can be fabricated to look like stone (so that construction is in keeping with the environment). The latter option is being developed specifically by LMKR in conjunction with volunteer engineers and architects in the UAE to design properties for suitable for construction in the mountainous regions.
All designs are being submitted to ERRA for approval.
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