Lessons from reconstruction

Long-term reconstruction differs significantly from the provision of immediate postdisaster rescue and relief. While speed remains important, proper planning becomes even more crucial. Putting up temporary housing is relatively fast and easy, but rebuilding a viable and vibrant community is not.

The McKinsey Quarterly takes a look back at the tsunami reconstruction efforts, paying particular attention to the effectiveness of the two new agencies that where created in Indonesia and Sri Lanka to plan, coordinate, and administer the rebuilding effort. They offer some very clear and accessible suggestions for the future. However, their choice for a throw-in last line shows that they failed to give enough thought to the important role that the private sector can potentially play:

...And the private sector must explore ways to turn its skills and resources into real contributions on the ground.

See Aceh Diary or this discussion for another perspective.