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| Komari/Sri Lanka - Photo: S. Posingis |
Sri Lanka saw a concentration of all the problems that many aid organisations faced during the reconstruction process. Disputes over land, conflicts of interest, frequently changing legal requirements, political disputes and incidences of violence were some of the hurdles encountered. In light of this, particular mention should be made of the construction projects that staff from SOS Children's Villages implemented, sometimes in dangerous circumstances. SOS Children's Villages was the first non-profit organisation in Sri Lanka able to sign a memorandum of understanding with the government to build a whole village.
The houses built corresponded both to local conditions and to the families' needs. Village infrastructures (roads, water and electricity supply, sewerage systems, etc.) were also repaired. More than 600 new houses were built in Komari alone. Social facilities for kindergartens, schools, health centres and advice points were also set up in the small fishing village on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. Despite logistical challenges, it was also possible to build houses in the villages that had been destroyed on Sumatra within the period of time planned and with the active participation of those concerned.
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| Kayankerni/Sri Lanka - Photo: S. Posingis |
People in areas stretching from Komari to Pudukuppam on the coast of India to Gampong Cot in Indonesia literally had nothing. Entire villages had disappeared, as had people and all belongings. Raju, Komari's former postmaster, wanted to enjoy retirement. Instead, he lost his house, which he had wanted to hand down to his daughter. He and his family now have a small home of their own again, as do thousands of other families. Something that is even more important is that people now believe in the future again and are confident that they can make it.
UN Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, published a study in 2006 on the reconstruction of family houses carried out by around 35 organisations in Indonesia. The participation of those affected, the quality of the construction and the process of allocating the houses were evaluated. SOS Children's Villages' projects were ranked amongst the best. The construction of houses in Suak Raya obtained the highest possible mark.