‘Disaster capitalism’ threatens post-Yolanda rehab initiatives

Amid allegations of overpriced and substandard temporary shelters constructed for survivors of Supertyphoon “Yolanda,” we, representatives of Akbayan party-list, call on the government to shield the rehabilitation efforts from possible “disaster capitalism.”

Disaster capitalism, as coined by social activist Naomi Klein, refers to the practice conducted by private contractors and corporations to exploit disasters to create super profits. The term described the relief efforts conducted after Hurricane “Katrina” hit the southern part of the United States in 2005.

Profiteering is always a danger with massive reconstruction efforts such as being undertaken in the Visayas. It’s not farfetched that some contractors or public officials will collude to jack up prices of materials for reconstruction, bloat project budgets and build substandard infrastructure in their pursuit of profit. Disaster capitalism happens if post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction are hinged fundamentally on the interest of big business.

For this reason, we assert that the post-Yolanda rehabilitation must be strongly anchored on human rights wherein human dignity is the main guidepost of the government in building temporary shelters and more permanent housing. Specifications for housing design should be strictly followed. Likewise, there has to be provision for proper waste disposal, access to clean and safe water, reliable source of power, livelihood, education and space for privacy and leisure. The provision of these basic rights and services should be a cornerstone of the reconstruction effort.

The rehabilitation effort must also be seen as an opportunity to build better communities. The government has to make the reconstructed communities a showcase of better urban and community planning. This would require ensuring that the communities have a comprehensive land use plan which would include proper drainage facilities, better road designs, socialized housing, stronger buildings, and even integration of green architecture principles and renewable energy.

On top of altering the physical landscape of these communities, the rehabilitation effort should also create new forms of social relationships based on equity and equal opportunity. There should be a progressive redistribution of wealth, regular employment and assertive reform. Ideally, once these areas are fully rebuilt, the residents should be empowered to fully participate in the affairs of their local government and communities.

Thus, the government, together with an active citizenry, must be extremely vigilant against individuals and groups that circle over these projects like vultures in order to earn easy money. The reconstruction and rehabilitation effort must be free from public or private sector corruption. The government must run after all those who will be proven guilty of creating profit from other people’s misery.

—WALDEN BELLO, BARRY GUTIERREZ,

representatives, Akbayan party-list,

media.info@akbayan.org.ph