Living in Barracks: Environmental health conditions in temporary barracks two years after the tsunami

Objectives: To quantify the water and sanitation situation, the hygiene knowledge, attitudes and practices of tsunami survivors living in temporary barracks and to discuss the policy implications of these conditions for local and national government

Methods: Household surveys were conducted in 30 barrack buildings. Drinking water samples were collected from barrack residents and tested using Bacteriological H2S Strips and Del Agua Kits. Community mapping exercises, observations and focus group discussions were also conducted. Indonesian central government reconstruction board (BRR) policy, existing research, inter-agency coordination meetings, and monitoring reports from temporary barracks in Aceh Province were also analysed.

Results: Our water testing survey found that 74% of the drinking water of barrack residents meet WHO drinking water standards with a grade of A or B (<11 Coliform units/100 ml). Although 39% of the barrack residents purchase their drinking water, 30% of those purchased drinking water samples were contaminated. Initial survey results showed those using a jerry can or bucket to store water were 2.08 times more likely to have contaminated water than those boiling or storing their water in a dispenser (95% confidence intervals to be added when survey is complete). Currently 42% of the latrines in the selected barrack locations are broken or unusable and 72% of the water taps need to be fixed.

Conclusion: Two years after the tsunami the sanitation situation in the temporary barrack is declining. Government agencies must be lobbied and current policy reviewed to ensure households are able to live in healthy conditions free of disease until they can move into permanent homes.