A damaged school in Thula Sirubari, Sindhupalchowk was quickly turned into a temporary learning centre through the targeted demolition by the UNDP debris management team. Part of the structure was perfectly sound and only half of it required demolition. The roof, metal structure and foundation were assessed by UNDP’s demolition experts and only the walls were then removed by the cash for work teams. The rubble from the walls was re-used to build a retaining wall behind the school and waste materials used to backfill and level the retaining wall, creating a safety barrier for the children. Instead of a hazard, this school rapidly became a location for holding classes.
The UNDP debris management team is recycling the majority of rubble from demolition. In Kubindhe, 5-6 cubic meters of bricks were recycled instead of being transported and refurbished at a high cost. UNDP’s project has managed to save over $11 million dollars in recyclable materials cutting the costs for the government to rebuild schools. Part of The Kubindhe School was also saved minimizing overall disruption to the community and facilitating a rapid return to normalcy.
In Sangachok, the water and sanitation parts of the school were salvaged, including the underground water tank and the school toilets. One of the school buildings was saved and the other demolished. The waste materials from the demolition were used to rehabilitate the road leading to the school making it weather resistant and accessible. The people from the community were trained and employed through cash for work schemes to help clear the rubble from the site and recycle bricks. These temporary employment schemes have also built capacity in the community through knowledge of safe demolition techniques and site management. Their knowledge of disaster risk at community level has been enhanced.
The clearing of the school sites helped facilitate other humanitarian partners to then set up temporary learning centres and restart classes. By undertaking careful environmentally sound demolition and debris management, UNDP’s work has allowed others to make informed decisions regarding reconstruction and longer term development. Saving part of these school structures has helped life in these communities and facilitated early recovery and a return to normalcy after the earthquake.