Vose Emergency Resettlement Project

Tajikistan men rebuilding structures in their community. Photo: Mercy Corps

The Republic of Tajikistan is world-known for its rugged beauty. Approximately 93% of the total landmass of the country is classified as mountains. While beautiful, the terrain of Tajikistan makes the country highly susceptible to the forces of nature associated with its unique geological structure. Tajikistan suffers from avalanches, flooding, earthquakes and mudslides. Each year homes are buried in landslides, washed away in floods and damaged in earthquakes. Largely the population is aware of the disasters that could befall homes built in flood plains or on unstable ground, but competition for living space and arable land drives many to build in disaster-prone areas.

In May-June 1998, snow melt and excess rain caused a back up of the Yakhsu River in the Kulyab-Vose region of Tajikistan. Mud and debris carried by the swollen river completely destroyed 137 homes and caused significant damage to many others. More than 4,000 people were left homeless.

With funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development, 80 new homes were constructed by the community with assistance from Mercy Corps. The Project has brought stability and security to the flood victims through the construction of a new community in a region that is not subject to flooding. Additionally, this community was supplied with all necessary utilities including electricity, sanitation facilities and clean running water. The Project was completed on May 31, 2000.

Mercy Corps has proven experience in engineering and construction projects in post-conflict and developing countries. Mercy Corps has implemented large shelter projects and reconstruction programs in Bosnia, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan with European, United Nations, and American donors. Mercy Corps subscribes to a philosophy of engagement of participants in gaining ownership of and responsibility for rehabilitated structures, and gives these participants the mechanisms to sustain this responsibility.