Post-flood design

Innovation wanted: A makeshift camp in the flood-hit area of Balochistan province. More sustainable houses are needed to help Pakistan face future natural disasters and better resist climate change. – AFP

THE people of Pakistan have responded with great generosity to those displaced by the floods last summer. Yet, in their haste to rebuild homes most have not paid attention to sustainability. Clearly, there is an urgency to reconstruct homes for the displaced. However, what is also needed urgently is a consideration of how some forms of reconstruction can actually leave people worse off if a natural disaster strikes again. The critical issue right now is not whether to reconstruct or not – the answer to that is obvious – but how to do so sustainably.

Recently, I watched a short video message by a well-meaning celebrity who spoke about their experience of contributing towards rebuilding homes for the flood affected. With touching humility, they spoke about the importance of putting their fame and resources to meaningful use as well as the importance of treating flood-affected people with respect. As a mark of that respect, they added, they constructed “pukka” homes (houses built from substantial material such as concrete, cement or timber) for the displaced.