Background

The Indian Ocean Tsunami hit many parts of Asia in December 2004, particularly hitting Banda Aceh and surrounding areas very hard. Besides the huge human tragedy, the tsunami also resulted in a large amount of building waste. Presently, this waste has, in most cases, been moved out of the built area and dumped into existing landfill sites to give way for reconstruction. More waste is likely to be generated as the old foundations and remaining debris are removed to construct new buildings. Not only are the landfill sites full, it is difficult to find avenues for permanent disposal of this waste.

Under the circumstances, the aim of the DEBRI Project is to support the reconstruction and rehabilitation in Banda Aceh through developing partnerships for the application of environmentally sound technologies (ESTs) to the treatment/reuse/recycle of debris waste generated by the Indian Ocean Tsunami, and subsequently the construction/demolition waste generated on a day-to-day basis. The project is executed by building partnerships with the Indonesian Ministry of Environment, and working closely with local governmental agencies, civil society organizations, technology suppliers, and other UN Agencies. The International Solid Waste Management Association (ISWA) provides expert input to the project.

The project takes a three-pronged approach, looking at the issues of technology support, capacity building and economic instruments. The project develops a waste management mechanism for handling, treatment, reuse and recycling of tsunami-generated debris, which can subsequently be applied to day-to-day construction/demolition wastes. It identifies and demonstrates ESTs for debris management, and builds capacity of local government officials in debris handling and processing. It also develops a package of economic instruments to ensure long-term viability of ESTs, and disseminates knowledge and experiences gained to other affected countries in Asia.

The project supports, and is inherently linked to, ongoing programmes and projects of the local government in the affected region. The experience gained from the project is to be shared to strengthen the ongoing post-tsunami recovery and rehabilitation work in other affected countries as well.