Flood-proof houses

As Pakistan grapples with the devastating impacts of climate-induced disasters, the need for innovative solutions to protect vulnerable communities has become more pressing than ever. Yasmeen Lari, Pakistan’s pioneering female architect, has risen to this challenge with her visionary project to construct one million flood-proof bamboo houses in lower Sindh. These elevated structures are protective shelters that represent hope and resilience in the face of climate change.

Unprecedented floods in 2022 wreaked havoc across Pakistan, leaving thousands displaced, and their homes and livelihoods washed away. In the village of Pomo, however, people largely remained unaffected. The key difference? Pomo was one of the 70 pilot settlements selected for this innovative housing project that included flood-proof bamboo houses — a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability. Built to withstand the force of water and wind, they provide safety and security to families when disasters strike. This means that vulnerable communities across Pakistan no longer need to face the cumbersome task of rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of increased disasters. Moreover, the project includes various flood mitigation measures, from forest barriers to porous pavements, aimed at reducing the impact of climate-related disasters. It is a unique and comprehensive strategy that addresses both the immediate need for shelter and the long-term goal of climate resilience. Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of the project is the ‘zero-donor model’. By training local community members as ‘barefoot entrepreneurs’, we can foster a sense of self-reliance among locals.

Read Govt launches new flood management plan with ADB’s help

The results of Lari’s efforts are inspiring as thousands of families have benefited from it. This can serve as a crucial blueprint for resilience that can be replicated in vulnerable regions not just in Pakistan but worldwide. The government’s support is vital to enhance its scale and scope to ultimately save lives.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 18^th, 2023.

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