New study says CARE housing standard is 'over and above the building code'

23 May 2006

CARE is one of three agencies in Aceh to be given the highest 'blue' rating, in the latest report on reconstruction practices by UN-Habitat and The Architecture Department of Universitas Syiah Kuala (Banda Aceh). The rating indicates that CARE meets or exceeds local standards for safe building.

The quality of CARE’s houses in Lambaro Skep, the only CARE area surveyed, are 'over and above the building code', according to the report.

The same study shows that beneficiaries who were asked about their levels of satisfaction felt their new CARE homes were better than their old homes before the tsunami. They said their new homes were comfortable and that CARE construction teams did good work. In April, a similar survey on construction practices gave CARE top marks for operating in a fair and accountable manner.

“CARE’s program is dedicated to providing safe, permanent housing for tsunami survivors in Aceh,” said Christophe Legrand, CARE’s tsunami response program director.

“We meet regularly with local communities, governments and engineering experts to ensure that our houses are locally appropriate, follow all building and safety regulations, and provide choice and comfort for survivors. Families that have moved into CARE houses have said they are happy with the construction, and feel safe and comfortable in their new homes.”

CARE’s Tsunami Response Program in Aceh: Since the tsunami struck Aceh in December, 2004, CARE has assisted more than 350,000 people in Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar, and on the island of Simeulue. CARE is committed to working with the people of Aceh over the next five years to help them rebuild houses, health care systems, safe water and sanitation facilities, livelihoods and communities. CARE has worked in Indonesia since 1967.

For more information, contact: Melanie Brooks, communications manager, Tsunami Response Programme, Banda Aceh
Mobile: +62.(0).812.699.1793
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