23 April 2008
By Necephor Mghendi-International Federation information and reporting delegate in the Maldives. Photos by Rawena Russell, International Federation
It was lunchtime on Saturday 29 March. The beat of drums silenced the usual roaring of trucks and heavy construction machinery. While the beat was unmistakably bodu beru – a local style – the vocals had a callow sharpness and a carefree pitch.
The drummers and vocalists were school children, living at the moment in an internally displaced persons camp on nearby Ungoofaaru Island who were, for the first time, visiting their future home on Dhuvafaaru
The children’s mission was two-fold; to see their future community and to say ‘thank you’ to the migrant workers who have been toiling for over two years ― under the scorching Maldivian sun ― to transform the previously uninhabited island into a modern town for 600 families.
As the rhythm built to climax and the song continued to a frenzied crescendo, the more than 300 construction workers from Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and beyond joined in the clapping and dancing. The tune was definitely Maldivian, but the moves were as diverse as their nationalities.
Salleh Ahmad, a Bangladeshi labourer, was dancing his heart out, unable to hide his joy. “The children’s visit is great because it has added excitement to our normal working day,” he said. “It is a refreshing change to see young faces and have the opportunity to interact with them.”
Echoing Salleh’s words, a jolly Chong Koang Yih from Singapore said: “It is indeed an enjoyable experience to meet with the kids and watch their performances.
“Knowing that they are grateful for our work really motivates me. Helping them to build up their home has been my lifetime honour, and I am glad that I have had the chance to contribute to this project.”
The children had arrived from Ungoofaaru late in the morning. Upon arrival, they went through a routine safety briefing ― a must for all visitors to the busy construction site. They were then given the much-waited tour of the island; they saw the houses, pre-school, primary school, secondary school, auditorium, community administrative building and the health centre – no corner of their soon-to-be new home was left unexplored.
Many of the children were overwhelmed by the experience. Rashid, who was only eight when the tsunami struck, said: “What we want is not for the work to be finished in a hurry. We want Dhuvaafaru to be a role model island in every way.”
“Even if we look into our future, I can’t think of a better place. I am very happy to be able to live on such a nice island,” he added as many of his friends nodded in agreement.
After sharing a meal and drinks with the workers, Rashid and the boys continued with their entertaining performances while the girls made colour paintings bearing messages of thanks. They also took pictures with the workers, and of the houses, promising to have them developed and enlarged to share with the workers as mementos.
Four girls ― Naseeha, Tholha, Soniyaa and Raagiya ― painted a beautiful picture depicting a smiling sun, complete houses, and their green island. Presenting the painting to the workers, Naseeha said: “This [Dhuvaafaru] is our future. Thank you for all the things you are doing.”
Given the honour of saying the last word before they returned to Ungoofaaru, Raagiya summed: “We will never forget all the help you are providing for us. We would like to thank you in the name of all Kandholhudhoo people.”
As the children left, the team on Dhuvafaaru went back to work. The island is expected to be ready by the end of 2008. Time is of the essence.
An island home
When the tsunami swept across the Maldives on 26 December 2004, it completely destroyed the island of Kandholhudhoo, leaving more than 3,600 people homeless. It was immediately clear that these families needed to rebuild their lives in a new and safer settlement.
Following an extensive study, the Maldives’ National Disaster Management Centre identified the uninhabited island of Dhuvaafaru as the most suitable settlement area based on its geographical characteristics such as its comparatively high natural ground level, its size and its reef, which is important in providing protection from tidal surges.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies signed an agreement with the Government of Maldives in May 2005 to build a new community on Dhuvaafaru Island. The International Federation has funded construction of 562 houses as well as other community infrastructure such as a community administrative building, a pre-school, a primary school, a secondary school, an auditorium, water supply and sewer systems, a sports complex, roads, and a power supply system supplemented by solar energy. Also part of the project is a health centre funded by the German Red Cross and an additional 38 houses funded by the government.
Pending completion of the project later this year, the community of Kandholhudhoo is being sheltered in five internal displaced persons camps; Ungoofaaru, Hulhudhuffaru, Alifushi, Meedhoo, and Maduvvari ― with the majority in Ungoofaaru.
News Story, Maldives, South Asia, IFRC, Available on: http://www.ifrc.org/docs/news/08/08042301/index.asp
Tags: dhuvaafaru, future, IFRC, maldives, news, safe island
