Safe Shelter Reconstruction Trainings Launched in Myanmar

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/seeds/122396751226.htm



14 Oct 2008 06:41:00 GMT
Source: Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) - India
SEEDS
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Cyclone Nargis
A series of training programmes for safer shelter reconstruction has been conducted in the areas devastated by Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar. The training programmes are based on appropriate technologies using local materials and suited to the local environment, culture and technological capacities. The training is being conducted by a partnership initiative of SEEDS Asia, Myanmar Engineering Society and Japan PlatForm, with overall support from the Myanmar Government. A repository of appropriate technical resources was created, and one national and two district level training programmes were successfully conducted with 200 participants.

National level programme was organised on 22-23 September at Yangon, which was inaugurated by the Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Reconstruction Major General Maung Maung Swe. Initial remarks were given by Myanmar Engineering Society (MES) president U Than Myint and the honourable ambassador of Japan to Myanmar, Mr. Nogawa. There were about 110 participants for this training programme from different government departments that are involved in reconstruction efforts, private construction companies and the civil society. The main focus of the workshop was to communicate the importance of safer reconstruction for future risk reduction. The deliberations were around the options and approaches available for Myanmar, and the appropriateness criteria to be adopted for ensuring safe yet rapid shelter construction in the areas devastated by Cyclone Nargis. Different experience of reconstruction and rehabilitation from past disaster of India were shared by SEEDS-India representatives, while reconstruction situations were shared by MES. Different learning of reconstruction from Japan were shared by SEEDS-Asia, a Japanese Non Profitable Organization based in Kobe.ction situations were shared by MES. Different learning of reconstruction from Japan were shared by SEEDS-Asia, a Japanese Non Profitable Organization based in Kobe.

Two district level programmes were held on from 24 to 27 September for engineers and artisans/masons. The first training programme was held at Yangon and the second one was held at Kungyangon Township which was affected by Cyclone Nargis. With supports from the Ministry of Energy, the Kungyangon Township workshop was held. There were about fifty participants in each programme, drawn from construction groups and relevant government departments that are currently involved in reconstruction of shelter and infrastructure under the ongoing post cyclone rehabilitation programmes. During these workshops the basics of disaster resistant construction were communicated in easy to understand presentations using case studies and illustrations. For the local artisans the presentations were translated into Burmese. For better understanding of various types of cyclone inflicted damages in buildings a working model was also used, which was highly appreciated by the participants. Based on local construction practices a prototype shelter unit was also constructed and the participants were briefed about the importance of different disaster resistant features. ype shelter unit was also constructed and the participants were briefed about the importance of different disaster resistant features.

About SEEDS:

SEEDS is a non-profit voluntary organization working to make vulnerable communities resilient to disasters. SEEDS adopt a multi hazards locally based approach seeking to empower communities through awareness generation, training and action, equipping the most vulnerable with appropriate tools and technologies, sharing knowledge and skills, and promoting linkages among stakeholders to prevent loss of life and suffering.

Towards safer communities, SEEDS takes an integrated and interlinked approach to disaster management and environmental conservation within the overall umbrella of human security, to ensure safer communities in the Asia Pacific region. A registered non-profit organization registered both in India and Japan, members of SEEDS come from a broad range of backgrounds that are collectively pooled to promote community-based disaster management.

Contact information

Eriko Kobayashi

Email: rep@seesdasia.org

Address: 2-11-21-401 Okamoto, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Japan 658-0072 Tel: +81-78-766-9412 Fax: +81-78-766-9413

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