Comparison of Post-Disaster Infrastructure Reconstruction Between Donor-Driven and Community-Based Approach

Abstract

Natural disasters like cyclones, earthquakes, and floods can significantly and continuously impact the well-being and health of those affected and their communities. The reconstruction of the infrastructure after a natural disaster plays a vital role in the rehabilitation and restoration of critical services needed by the community. This study developed an infrastructure reconstruction framework based on assessing two different reconstruction approaches used in Indonesia. The donor-driven and community-based reconstruction approaches were evaluated using a mixed-method approach comprising qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data and information were collected through a survey using questionnaires from seven communities: Duyu, Tondo, Pombewe, Kayumalue Pajeko, Petobo, Panau and Pantoloan. These communities were affected by the Central Sulawesi Earthquake and Tsunami in 2018. The survey collected data from 264 participants who responded. The participants were the residents who were the beneficiaries of the reconstruction project. Quantitative and qualitative assessments were used to analyse the data on the satisfaction level of the participants with the infrastructure services, and the results were used to develop the infrastructure reconstruction framework. This study found that community-based reconstruction obtained a higher satisfaction level than donor-driven reconstruction, and the type of reconstruction selected correlates with the satisfaction level. The donor-driven approach is more suitable for implementation in resettlement projects or relocation reconstruction, where complex and sophisticated planning, design, and construction methods are required. In contrast, community-based reconstruction is more suitable in post-disaster infrastructure reconstruction projects carried out in existing settlement areas, with the integration or combination of a donor-driven approach when dealing with the need for primary or secondary infrastructure. The developed framework will provide a better understanding of reconstruction approaches and which types of reconstruction to use, particularly in infrastructure reconstruction, and input for improving and enhancing the process of post-disaster infrastructure reconstruction. This study can be further enhanced by expanding the scope of area and type of infrastructure, improving the methodology, and considering other key factors, such as socioeconomic, cultural influences, and other external variables.