Active participants or passive observers ?.

Reprinted from Urban Studies; Vol 29 No 1; p. 89-97

Reprint

Urban planners and politicians, in their efforts to remedy disastrous situations, concentrate their efforts in autonomously operated relief packages in reaction to the victims' needs. "Outside help" is redefined here, and it is suggested that, especially in marginal communities, victims of natural disasters are better served by policies that implement empowerment strategies in their communities, and reduce dependency on exterior aid. With examples from flood disasters in Lusaka, Zambia, in which thousands of residents of squatter settlements were left homeless as a result of heavy rains, it is seen how community involvement in decision making and actual manual labor projects were instrumental in preventing further disasters. The myth of overwhelmed communities is not supported by the evidence, which shows that these people can adapt and take rational action. Agencies charged with relieving the victims pursue their own agendas, and do not always succeed in helping the needy because they are neither accountable to nor collaborating with the victims. Disaster control should be anticipated by fostering a self-reliant spirit in the community.