Partnering with Communities for Post-Disaster Reconstruction in Aceh and Nias Island, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Partnership with communities is an effective strategy to fast track and enhance responses to housing, agriculture, fisheries irrigation, education and water supply. This was an important lesson found in the experience of Aceh and Nias Island in Indonesia, when it grappled with the widespread destruction and loss of lives left by two powerful earthquakes in 2004 and 2005.

The Asian Development Bank, through the Earthquake and Tsunami Emergency Support Project, used community contracts and block grants instead of hiring contractors in the reconstruction of various structures in Aceh and Nias. These modes were used to rebuild canals, classrooms, and even houses. Block grants were also used for school supplies and laboratory equipment. Through these two mechanisms, reconstruction funds went directly to the communities, jobs were generated, construction was contextualized according to real needs, and cost of rehabilitation was reduced. Furthermore, it encouraged community ownership and greater participation from women.

The community partnerships forged in the two disaster-stricken areas showed that communities can enhance government service delivery by being conduits of project funds. Partnerships with them bring forth quality outputs from the hands of the citizens themselves. However, to ensure successful community partnerships, a sound support system must be established, with committed leadership, experienced community organizers and facilitators, and detailed planning and monitoring.