Post-earthquake housing reconstruction in the Sikkim Himalaya: approaches, challenges, and lessons learnt. Issue 5 (4th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tambe, Sandeep; Pradhan, Sarika; Donka, Pema; Singh, Pragya
• Is Part Of: Development in practice. Volume 28:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 647
• Page End: 660
• Publication Date: 2018-07-04
• Subjects: Aid – Aid effectiveness -- Capacity development -- South Asia; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.91091724
• DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2018.1469601
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-4524

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Himalayan state of Sikkim, India was hit by an earthquake in 2011 that caused widespread devastation. This article reports on the housing reconstruction project in the state, focusing on three questions: what are the key planning decisions, what are the main implementation challenges, and what are the lessons learnt? The findings indicate that key planning decisions need to be taken on implementation mechanisms, financing strategies, beneficiary identification, housing design, and procurement. The main implementation challenges are enabling homeowner involvement, slow progress, timely procurement, and stalled house construction. The article also identifies useful lessons for other agencies involved in reconstruction.