School and Storm Shelters in Myanmar
Location
Ayeyarwady Division, Myanmar
project period
2009 - 2012
client
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Services provided
Consultancy
Partner organisation
Ministry of Education Myanmar
The Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar in May 2008, making landfall in the Ayeyarwady Division, approximately 250 km southwest of Yangon, and affecting more than 50 townships. On behalf of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation – Humanitarian Aid, SKAT supported in project planning, the development of design options for child-friendly and storm-safe schools, and provided continuous backstopping services and construction quality controlling.
Skat was mandated by SDC-HA to assess and provide child-friendly and storm safe shelter and school designs. This duplex task was challenging for the local project management since the sites are located in very remote places. The prevailing site conditions (weak soil-bearing capacity, high water table, land filling, need for constructive wood preservation and windproof roof structure, etc.) required the application of carefully selected construction materials and techniques. The design integrates local knowledge, internationally recognised structural engineering and quality standards. Integration of local communities and their needs was regarded as an essential aspect and formed part of an all inclusive approach.
The project contemplated the construction of about 10 to 15 buildings serving as models for similar constructions in the delta. In a 2nd phase more than 70 schools were built under this project. The design served as a model for other INGO’s. Construction of more than 100 schools was implemented and is still on-going.