A shelter strategy has been developed to address the housing needs of those affected by last year’s earthquake and tsunami disaster.
“The strategy looks at rebuilding and repairing eligible houses that were completely or partially destroyed during last year’s disaster,” said Ministry of Infrastructure and Development Director of Architecture and Building Division Patterson Fakavai.
“It also aims to reduce future risk from earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, flooding and climate change by helping make sure houses are designed to be more disaster-resilient.”
Affected communities are being made aware of this proposed strategy.
The proposal for the strategy was submitted in May.It was endorsed by the Temotu provincial government; Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management (MECDM); Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID); and the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination (MDPAC).
For the strategy to be implemented, funding is needed.
MID will present the proposal to Cabinet for final approval for funding.
Any additional funding will be sought from donors.
To date, shelter activities for Temotu have included distribution of emergency shelter materials, followed by tools, roofing and other materials for shelter repair and reconstruction.
People in Temotu have also received information on building disaster resilient housing.
Representatives from MID, MDPAC, UNDP, and Red Cross recently visited Temotu in June this year to meet with affected households, and will visit again next week.
