The key messages in this report are for the benefit and guidance of future rural housing programmes in Bangladesh. They have been derived from the experiences of family shelter reconstruction in the wake of Cyclone Sidr. However these lessons should not be limited to reconstruction projects after floods or cyclones: they are equally relevant to developmental programmes that have preparedness and disaster risk reduction at their heart.
This report concentrates solely on the reconstruction efforts after the widespread destruction and suffering in southwest Bangladesh. Many of the principles expressed here will be of relevance to housing projects in other regions of Bangladesh. However, like all building projects, there are no “off the shelf” solutions. Each circumstance should be treated on its own merits – nothing should be directly copied.
Core shelters must be built to provide appropriate, safe and durable family homes in a manner that is easily understood and replicated. Achieving this will be a significant step in setting a higher standard for post-disaster reconstruction in Bangladesh.
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