A report by Action Aid, Society for Andaman Nicobar Ecology and Tsunami Relief International Network states that, although traditional wooden houses built on stilts have withstood earthquakes well, Indian authorities decided to build houses for the tsunami victims using pre-fabricated materials.
“All the victims needed were some tool kits, access to timber and a few months of financial support in the form of daily wages,” said Pragya Vats of Action Aid. “They would have built their own houses and that would suit them.”
Local tribal leader Ayesha Majid said the steel and tin pre-fab structures would be difficult for locals to maintain.
“They are used to timber houses, so they cannot maintain and repair these new houses,” she said.
