CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT FOR DISASTER
PREVENTION AND RESPONSE
George Ofori
National University of Singapore
1
Abstract
Disasters, both natural and human-caused, have been occurring with
increasing frequency and effect in recent decades in many countries around
the world. They have had a disproportionately heavy toll on developing
countries both in terms of loss of lives and damage to property. The need to
take action to effectively manage disasters has been highlighted at many
major international conferences and measures are underway in many
countries and at the international level.
The developing countries are less able todeal with the causes and impacts of
disasters. It is important to develop the construction industries of the poorer
nations in order to equip them to manage disasters. This paper considers how
this can be done. It starts by providing examples of recent disasters and their
impact on human settlements. It then considers the role construction can play
in disaster management. Following a review of current initiatives, some
recommendations for further action are presented.
Construction industry; disaster management, reconstruction management; technical
development
OBJECTIVES OF PAPER
This paper considers the following:
• The implications of a disaster for construction, especially in developing countries
• How disasters and their effects on construction can be addressed, including their
prevention and reconstruction after their occurrence
• The role of the construction industry development in disaster management
• Current actions being taken to manage disasters at the local, national and global
levels
• Some recommendations for further appropriate action.
This paper examines some of the issues relating to the built environment and the
construction industry through the prism of disasters and their management.
1
Department of Building, National University ofSingapore, 4 Architecture Drive, Singapore 117566.
Tel: (65) 6874 3421; Fax: (65) 6775 7401. e-mail: bdgofo