Safety, dignity and habitability: the principles of safe reconstruction for those affected by the floods in northern Chile.
High standard emergency housing
The National Emergency Office (ONEMI) is currently coordinating the manufacture of the emergency homes, whose design includes:
• Larger size. With the new standard for emergency housing, the floor space has been increased from 18m² (194ft²) to 24m² (258ft²).
• Pre-equipped. The new style of homes come equipped with double glazed windows, electrical fittings and pre-painted walls.
• Other improvements. Each home has a bathroom, wall and roof insulation, and other improved features.
Safe and unsegregated sites
The National Emergency Office is currently looking for suitable sites for the emergency homes. These sites will also have to meet the Safe Reconstruction requirements.
• Safe sites. Suitable sites that meet safety requirements will be identified. For instance, emergency homes will not be situated on the flood plains where homes were swept away, when the rivers return to their normal course.
• Large enough sites to avoid segregation. The sites will have to measure at least 1,000m² (10,764 ft²) and up to 5,000 m2 (53,819 ft2). That will enable up to 50 emergency homes to be erected, thereby preventing communities from being segregated and avoiding social problems.
• Proximity to original sites. It is important for families who have lost their homes to be relocated to sites that are close to where they used to live, close to their relatives and their usual surroundings. The aim is to cause the minimum of disruption to the lives of those affected as this helps to maintain social cohesion within communities.
• Coordinated work. As the search for these sites is being carried out on land owned by Municipalities, the Housing and Urban Development Service (SERVIU) or National Assets, local authorities are working closely with the Housing Ministry and the National Assets Ministry.
• Support network. A support network involving organizations such as the charity Techo and the Chilean Chamber of Construction is being set up to facilitate the construction of the sites.
The Government continues working tirelessly in response to the emergency. “We know that the urgent priority is to continue rescuing people and reach the more remote areas because there may still be people cut off,” the President explained.