“We supported the community financially and technically to build transitional shelters in one village (Chahak)”, explains Ebadullah. He is now working to continue support through building and repairing homes.
“The RedR training on repairing and retrofitting vernacular houses was very relevant", explains Ebadullah. "Such trainings are rare, and there is a huge expertise gap in Afghanistan in retrofitting vernacular and even modern buildings and houses.”
“The training was incredibly valuable to me”, says Ebadullah. “It emphasised the crucial need to preserve vernacular houses, especially in countries like Afghanistan where many people live in adobe houses, particularly in rural areas. These traditional structures hold significant cultural importance for communities and showcase traditional building techniques that have been handed down through generations.”
When earthquakes strike, these houses are often significantly impacted. We need repair and retrofitting techniques that are affordable and earthquake resistant. He says, "My experience with UNDP has taught me about vernacular concepts including carbon emissions, climate-friendly practices, and building local knowledge and capacity, which have helped me easily understand the training on retrofitting and repairing of vernacular houses, conducted by RedR UK."
As Ebadullah explains, however, there is significant value in preserving and repairing vernacular houses, created through traditional techniques - from not only a cultural, but also a technical standpoint. “In preserving cultural heritage through these traditional techniques, we also ensure the sustainability of these structures with minimal carbon emissions. Using local materials and traditional techniques not only enhances the resilience of these houses to seismic forces, but also makes them more adaptable to local climate conditions, leading to natural energy efficiency.”
This training, specifically catered to developing earthquake resilience in vernacular structures such as these, therefore holds particular value in the Afghan context. “By equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to implement earthquake-resistant features and retrofitting measures in vernacular houses", says Ebadullah, "we can help communities better withstand the impact of earthquakes and protect their cultural and traditional method of life."
“The training has had a significant impact on my work, as it has deepened my understanding of the importance of preserving vernacular housing techniques, especially in disaster-prone areas like Afghanistan. I now have the knowledge and skills to implement earthquake-resistant features and retrofitting measures in traditional houses, which will help communities better withstand the impact of earthquakes and protect their cultural heritage.”
“This training has inspired me to continue working in disaster response, as I see the value in combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques to build more resilient and sustainable communities.”
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