Banda Aceh (Fides Service) - Homeless victims of the 26 December tsunami in Aceh are beginning to see a glimpse of hope that life is returning to normality. The first step is to have a home again and resume work. The International Organisation for Migration has just handed over the first new semi-permanent homes built in Aceh for families made homeless by the tsunami. During a public ceremony attended by more than 120 people, the IOM representative in Indonesia, Steve Cook, gave house keys to nine families chosen from 107 families presently staying with relations or friends in Tingkeum a small village of herdsmen 15 minutes from Banda Aceh. IMO said it is making an effort to accelerate the building to meet the urgent need for new homes in Aceh.
Mrs Ira Ma’aruf aged 26 one of those who benefited said she was very grateful for her new home: “Living in a tent with children is not easy and I was very worried for their health. I thank God and you for giving us the chance to start again”.
The new semi-permanent built to remain in place for three years were designed by Indonesian architects: they can be e reassembled in a different place or converted into clinics, schools or meeting halls.
After the tsunami which left more than one million families homeless the Indonesian authorities asked IOM to arrange for the building of about 11,000 semi-permanent dwellings, according to available funds.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 30/4/2005 righe 25 parole 256)