Maldives islanders whose homes were destroyed by the tsunami have begun to choose designs for their new houses, which are being built with the support of the British Red Cross. Over the next two years, the Red Cross will spend around =A316 million reconstructing more than 700 homes and restoring livelihoods on six tsunami-affected Maldives islands.
Communities are also being helped to prepare for future disasters, and so any new house built will be as resilient as possible. The Red Cross consulted residents on two islands this week about the design of their future homes at the start of a tour of the Maldives.
The chance to contribute to reconstruction is a new thing for many islanders, as one resident Murushida, who is a member of the British Red Cross community mobilization team, explained:
"We haven't been consulted on development work before. It's very new to us."
Per Andersson, Red Cross construction delegate, said: "The tour went even better than expected. People were really excited and engaged. The fact that they can select colours and layout certainly builds on participation. The beneficiaries have been given fourteen days to think it over and we are all looking forward to the next consultation."
Families have a choice of three layouts and three colours for the roof, walls, and tiles. Options are limited because construction in the Maldives requires importing most building materials and equipment, as well as labour.
The Red Cross is sourcing environmentally friendly supplies and ensuring the highest quality of materials, which meant building contracts could not be rushed.
The good news for islanders is that materials and equipment will be arriving soon and construction of the first houses will begin by the end of September.