Tsunami Reconstruction
Objective: Relief and recovery for those affected by the tragic December 2004 tsunami.
Program Description
Programs
REBUILDING SHELTER AND KEY INFRASTRUCTURE
USAID is reconstructing major infrastructure that will benefit the entire Province, including the West Coast Highway – which will open up trade between Aceh, Sumatra and the rest of the country, educational facilities, homes and public buildings, including clinics and meeting halls.
- Road construction begun
USAID is rehabilitating and reconstructing the West Coast Highway from Banda Aceh to Calang. The U.S. collaborated with the Government of Japan to rebuild the road from Calang to Meulaboh. Construction has begun and completion of the entire project is anticipated in early 2010.
- New houses for Internally Displaced Persons
With partner CHF International, more than 675 homes have been reconstructed, providing shelter to more than 2,000 people who were left homeless by the tsunami.
RESTORING LIVELIHOODS AND BASIC SERVICES
By focusing efforts at the local level, USAID enables communities to manage the recovery process in their villages, generating employment and restarting or launching new businesses. Emphasis is placed on providing economic opportunities for women and youth. Other activities promote health, hygiene and access to clean water.
- Revitalizing communities
USAID is helping 56 villages rebuild community infrastructure and restart fishing, agriculture, trade and other livelihoods. The Community Based Recovery Program is providing $5 million in grants to communities for small scale construction. More than 8,000 people were employed in community clean up and rehabilitation projects after the tsunami.
- Generating jobs and income for Acehnese farmers
A program with the National Cooperative Business Association focuses on high value coffee production. The program is training more than 7,000 farmers in organic coffee production and establishing coffee processing facilities. Approximately 720 metric tons of Grade One certified Organic Coffee has been exported overseas to date, valued at $1.14 million.
- Training for Applied Technology
USAID is partnering with Chevron to develop the Aceh Polytechnic, a post-secondary institution for education in technical areas such as electrical engineering and information technology. This program will prepare Acehnese students for job opportunities in business and technical professions. The ability of the Province to provide trained personnel will improve its chances of attracting the domestic and international investment needed to achieve economic recovery.
- Improving the quality of basic education
The USAID Decentralized Basic Education Program is improving the quality of teaching and learning in 148 public and private elementary schools in the districts of Aceh Tengah, Bireuen, Pidie, Aceh Besar and Banda Aceh. The program strengthens education management at the district level, improves teacher training and creates networks with local universities that provide teacher training.
- Reducing vulnerability of women and children
With USAID funding, The Asia Foundation and local partners have launched a comprehensive anti-trafficking public awareness campaign and established Aceh’s first women’s crisis center, providing gender sensitivity training to Islamic Court judges, religious leaders, civil society activists, law professors and law students. Improved education for girls in Islamic boarding schools is also promoted through new libraries and computer labs. Access to capital and business skills training has been made available to more 2,250 women.
- Health clinic renovations underway
Clean water and access to maternal and child health services are vital to the future of Aceh. Through the USAID Environmental Services Program and Health Services Program, new water and sanitation systems have been constructed and health clinics have been equipped and renovated with midwives and health professionals trained in nutrition, sanitation, pediatric care and psycho-social services.
STRENGTHENING CAPACITY AND GOVERNANCE
- Assisting Key Reconstruction Coordination Efforts
USAID has provided technical assistance to the Aceh Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency (BRR) on housing policy, communications, disaster preparedness, logistics and anti-corruption.
- Increasing Accountability and Transparency
The Local Governance Support Program has trained more than 3,000 Acehnese local government officials, legislators and community leaders in planning, budgeting, and management
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