Focus on reconstruction

 
With the relief effort for tsunami victims under way, the focus has now shifted to reconstruction. President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has declared reconstruction a priority and several high-powered committees have been appointed to expedite the process.
The Government also plans to set up an Authority or Rebuilding the nation, for which Parliamentary approval will be sought shortly.
The Government has decided that no new structures would be allowed within 300 meters of the beach. Within those parameters, the construction industry will have to fulfill a big demand for all-new structures.
Apart from houses and commercial establishments, many schools, hospitals, bridges, culverts and roads have to be renovated or completely rebuilt. The local construction industry has already pledged its fullest support to the Government in this endeavor.
In the medium term, the reconstruction boom will generate many jobs in that sector. As a report in these pages yesterday indicated, there will be more than 150,000 openings for the skilled labor force including carpenters, machinery operators, masons, plumbers and laborers. With projects scattered virtually right around the coast, there will be no paucity of vacancies for those having the required experience.

Engineering and architectural firms will also have a huge task on their hands. Although there is no definite announcement yet on resettlement plans for the displaced, new multi-storey sustainable townships are likely to be considered.
These will present a challenge to the designers and construction firms as earthquake/tsunami resistance will have to be factored in, in the light of recent events.
There will also be a soaring demand for building materials such as cement, sand, bricks, cement blocks, roofing tiles and sheets, ceramic tiles, pipes, paint, wood and glass.

 
 
 
 
According to industry insiders, over 22,000 million cubic meters of sand would be needed for immediate construction work, not counting any mega projects that may be drawn up in the long term.
This would be an uphill task, given the limitations on river sand mining. The industry will have to explore the possibility of offshore sand mining, but environmental concerns in a post-tsunami world may bar that option.
Whatever the material, the authorities should ensure that all companies, public and private, engaged in reconstruction get a fair share.
Once proper plans are formulated for island wide reconstruction, a clearer picture is likely to emerge on building material requirements. Based on such estimates, a clear-cut strategy should be drawn up for streamlining the reconstruction process.
Foreign expertise should be obtained where necessary, especially from countries such as Japan and China which literally rose from the ashes after man-made and natural disasters. Local personnel can work under their guidance in such instances.
Similarly, a significant proportion of foreign aid pouring into the country since December 26 will be allocated for reconstruction.
The moves to grant monetary help for individuals and business enterprises who wish to rebuild their livelihoods and establishments is also commendable. This will help them to stand on their own feet swiftly without necessarily waiting for the Government to come to their rescue.
In another praiseworthy move, the Task Force for Rebuilding the Nation (TAFREN) has invited business chambers, professionals, government servants and individuals to contribute their ideas to the rebuilding master plan.
Housing, roads and bridges, railway, townships, power, telecom and tourism have been identified as some of the priority areas for the development of which suggestions are being solicited. This will give the private sector a golden opportunity to participate positively in practically redrawing the country's infrastructure map.
In spite of the focus on tsunami-hit areas, both public and private sector infrastructure projects in other parts of the country should be continued unabated. However, even such ventures could be integrated with the all-new development plan which will emerge shortly with the consensus of all concerned parties.