Tsunami support rebuilding irrigation schemes in Indonesia

Difference the relief project has made

The scheme repaired and rebuilt irrigation systems in Aceh province and the island of Nias – helping restore much of the region’s ability to feed itself.

Innovations introduced by the programme should help to protect irrigation schemes against future earthquakes.

How the work was done

• The tsunami destroyed and damaged irrigation schemes all over Nias and Aceh province. Buildings were flattened and bridges, embankments and river banks collapsed.
• Programmes to rebuild irrigation schemes saw engineers working closely with local people. Project teams organised ‘walkthroughs’ of damaged sites with farmers and other groups who used them.
• Typical problems identified on walkthroughs included the causes of damage and the adequacy of water sources.
• Project engineers reconstructed irrigation schemes to resist future earthquakes. Such as, using reinforced concrete to build or repair weirs and canals.
• Cyclopean concrete was used for some larger structures. Cyclopean concrete is concrete containing stones larger than 6 inches (15cm) across.
• Other innovations included the use of mesh-reinforced concrete to replace masonry as a canal lining. The technique was also used for some irrigation structures built on soft ground.
• The project also saw engineers training locals to maintain and repair systems – saving costs of private sector consultants in the future.