Dhivehi Observer News | South Asia | Maldives | News

Tsunami Disaster
A Concept to Manage the Homeless People of Maldives

Editorial, A.S.I.Moosa (Sappe'), 01 Jan 2005

The overriding belief must be that there should not be a single Maldivian without a proper roof over his or her head, without access to clean drinking water and without food. It can be achieved by following the righteous path, by adhering to a Human Agenda.

Gayyoom should move all the homeless to Male' and to Addu Atoll. For two simple reasons, there are enough places to house them in both these locations, which are strategically located with easy access by sea and most importable by air. Male' International Airport and Gan Airport (which was an earlier Military base built by the British) can be used to deliver food, medicine and other equipment needed for their survival.

In addition to the Naval ships in the country belonging to India and Pakistan, the government can utilise several sea going vessels, especially the large cargo ships and passenger ships owned by Maldivian companies, as well as high speed transfer vessels such as those large capacity vessels in Universal group, the vessels of Maldives coastguard as well as Gayyoom's private fleet and perhaps his multi-million dollar yacht. If such a program is organised, all the people affected and left homeless by the tsunami disaster can be safely transported to dry land and provide them good temporary living spaces. This can be done in just a matter of 48 hours, if Maldivians put their mind to it. After all, we are not talking about millions, just a few thousand people.

Once the population is moved, they can be housed and looked after in places such as follows:

In Male'

1. MuleeAage - the place is empty and can be very appropriate housing for the home less. More than 500 people can stay there.

2. Dharubaaruge - the halls can be converted to mass dormitories, and a small health clinic and a restaurant or a foodhall can be setup.

3. Theemuge - should be converted to a hospital to treat the sick. Doctors and equipment can be flown from all over the world. As we now know, there is no shortage of money and help.

4. Kalhuthuhkalaa Koshi and other police sleeping quarters - the police can sleep at home for the time being

5. Male' has many mosques, like the Islamic Centre with good water access facilities; why not house destitute people in the house of God?

In Addu Atoll,

1. People can be housed in Ocean Reef Resort in Gan - the owners of this resort will not refuse to help the people and the government can compensate the company. It has many advantages, clean water, catering and restuarant facilities, easy access to medical services in Addu Hospitals and clinics.

2. Yameen's Private Mansion can also be used to house people

3. People can be housed in Mosques

This is a basic concept. The main advantage of doing this is to be able to provide medical as well as other imporant service to the homeless in Maldives. In addition to that, the young can immediate start going to schools.

All in all, people can be saved, the islands that have been destroyed can be cleaned up and rebuilt or even abandoned temporarily. Critically, this will allow the authority to contain the spreading of diseases.

If there is a will, there is a way. Gayyoom, for the sake of our people, rise to the occasion or step just step down. The quicker the better!