Infrastructure
Besides demining, housing, and livelihood development, infrastructure is of dire importance for the returning population. Village assessments give a clear picture about the composition of the population, the history of displacement and a first determination of immediate needs. The infrastructure needs have to be constantly revised during the return process. Allocation of wells, schools and preschools, community buildings and the access to services are elaborated jointly with the village based committees. Therefore, community infrastructure is usually implemented through local community based organizations such as rural development societies.
SDC provides community infrastructure elements according to need and feasibility. Infrastructure projects include common wells, community halls, pre-schools, lavatories, pond rehabilitations and culverts.
- First priority under the infrastructure component is access to safe water for the returnees. Usually, existing common wells can be cleaned and rehabilitated. In a second step, new wells can be allocated in order to cover the needs for the population. The "Woman Rural Development Society (WRDS)" is leading this process, as wells have to be built in safe places and in short distance to the housing plots. Good water quality is also needed for the construction of the houses.
- The availability of schools and access to education is one of the key elements for a successful return process. School reconstruction begins immediately after the division is opened for resettlement. This is in collaboration with the Education Department and the School Works Branches. The reconstruction of the schools gives the opportunity to upgrade the premises to the standards of the new education system (library, science room, IT-facilities, teacher quarters). In dry areas, SDC is promoting rain water harvesting systems. Maintenance, however, remains a big issue. The constitution and training of "school development societies" and "old boy’s societies" is an important part to ensure proper maintenance of the buildings.
- Preschools are allocated close to the hamlets of the villages or if possible even integrated into schools. Again, a close collaboration with the "Rural Development Committee" and the "Woman Rural Development Committee" is essential. In addition, SDC plans to work in close collaboration with "Save the Children" to guarantee long term sustainability (Teacher training, equipment, early child development, maintenance). Some of the preschool constructions are built during the practical training by mason trainees (vocational training/small scale business development).
- Community centres/libraries/common halls are important for the development of villages and communities. They are an important turntable for the activities of village based organisations and the daily village life. In remote areas, a consultation room is integrated in the buildings to allow midwifes to meet pregnant or lactating women for consultations.