Dubai: Emaar Properties has reconstructed an earthquake-ravaged village in Indonesia as part of its corporate social responsibility programme, the company said in a statement.
The work, undertaken with the participation of the local population and the provincial municipality, was completed three months ahead of schedule this month.
A joint initiative with the World Association of Non-Government Organisations (Wango), Emaar's project in the village of Ngelepen encompassed the construction of unique Monolithic EcoShell Dome homes, which mitigate the effects of natural disasters. Emaar is also supporting building a clinic, reconstructing roads, landscaping and planting of fruit trees.
"We wish to support the residents of Ngelepen, whose lives were disrupted in the devastating earthquake of May 2006," Mohammad Al Abbar, chairman of Emaar, said.
"As a global developer, Emaar upholds a social commitment to societies bearing the brunt of disasters, wherever they are based. The rebuilding of Ngelepen, as a pilot project, will serve as a model for a disaster-safe, permanent, economical, hygienic and efficient construction strategy in disaster-prone areas."
More than 3,000 people were killed and thousands injured in the earthquake in Java. The quake, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, flattened several buildings and devastated villages.
More than 370 people, including villagers and experts, took part in the pilot project, and 80 well-trained and 100 semi-trained villagers adapted easily to the construction methodologies for the homes.
The rebuilt village will feature 71 residential domes with kitchen sink and water supply; six communal domes with laundry, bath and sanitation facilities for men and women; a kindergarten, clinic, mosque, multi-purpose play ground with roads and drains.
