Progress report on the Lhok Seudu economic revitali­zation program funded by Alanis Morissette

 

 

Background: Lhok Seudu is a small fishing and farming community located along Aceh’s western coast. Though it is located in one of the areas hardest by the tsunami, it is unique in that most of its population (through traditional stories) were well-aware that when ocean waters recede substantially following an earthquake, they should run to high ground. As such, of its pre-tsunami population of 186, a total of 178 survived. Though most survived, all lost their homes, their belongings, and means of livelihood.  

 

From early April 2005, CHF had been in close contact with a community-based group representing Lhok Seudu. This group, Udeb Saree, proposed a series of activities aimed at restoring their primary sources of income (fishing, farming and small-scale trade). CHF conducted several site visits and provided guidance in the development of related workplans. The resulting proposed program consisted of:

§          Construction and equipping of a boatbuilding workshop

§          Construction of ten (10) 9 meter fishing boats

§          Assistance to small shop vendors and fish traders

§          Rehabilitation of small-scale farming operations (for the production of rice, melons, corn, ground nuts and vegetables).

 

Overview of Activities to Date: In mid-May, financial support for the above program was made available by Alanis Morissette. As the community was highly motivated and very well-organized from the onset, progress under this program has been rapid. Works undertaken to date have included:

 

§          Grant agreement: A formal agreement was signed between CHF and Udeb Saree on May 20, 2005. The total amount of the grant agreement was $45,789, and since that time, approximately $19,000 has been made available to the community. Financial assistance has been provided via bank transfer to a special account established by Udeb Saree for this program.

 

§          Construction/equipping of a boatbuilding workshop: Built by Lhok Seudu residents working seven (7) days a week, major structural work of this workshop was completed on June 20. It measures 8m x 16m and includes a small shed for tool and equipment storage. Some finishing work is required (i.e. preparation of a boat launch area), and the community must purchase some additional tools and equipment needs. These activities are expected to be completed by June 30.

 

In preparation for actual boat construction, CHF also arranged for the visit of Lhok Seudu boat builders to another boat building site that has been supported by CHF under a separate program.

 

§          Rehabilitation of small-scale farming operations: This activity has been very labor intensive—generally involving 20 to 30 adults. With tools and supplies made available through the above funding, it has included:

o        Removal of heavy debris (rocks, trees and soil left by the tsunami) from approximately 4 hectares of previous farm land.

o        Building a small fence (made largely of scrap wood) around this land to clearly delimit it and keep out animals.

o        Removal of debris, cleaning, and relining of the village’s primary agricultural canal. This canal channels fresh water from mountain streams water to the farm land.

o        Construction of a small structure for farmer meetings and tool storage

o        Planting of seed beds for various produce. These will be transplanted to the farmland in a few more weeks.

 

Upcoming Activities:

 

§          Construction of ten (10) 9-meter fishing boats: This activity is scheduled to begin July 01, following completion of the workshop and procurement of remaining tools. Based on average construction time per boat, this activity is expected to last through late August / early September.

 

§          Assistance to small shop vendors and fish traders: Many of those that will benefit from this activity have thus far been occupied in the above. In the course of July, this activity will involve:

§           finalization of arrangements regarding the establishment of a revolving fund;

§           establishment of a local oversight committee;

§           provision of business plan training to potential beneficiaries;

§           review/approval of individual business plans

 

By early August, funds in support of individual business plans (as approved by the local oversight committee) will be disbursed.

 

§          Rehabilitation of small-scale farming operations: With the completion of irrigation canal rehabilitation over the next week to ten days, activities thereafter will focus on continued ground preparation, the transplanting of seedlings and regular cultivation. Importantly, the process will be carefully monitored for any problems related to changes in soil quality (due to the deposit of salt water and silt by the tsunami). Based on analyses by the FAO, such problems are expected to be minimal. However, as one of the first agricultural rehabilitation projects in the area, there is such a possibility.

 

§          Inauguration: Lhok Seudu is a highly motivated community that is both proud of their work and very appreciative of the assistance provided. The village has expressed a desire to hold an official ceremony to commemorate the completion of major works—with attendance by local dignitaries, the donor and media. It is hoped that such a ceremony can be arranged during the coming months.