Interview with Bruno Marquès

Bruno Marquès, Regional Manager at SOLIDARITES, led our emergency evaluation mission in Sri Lanka following the Tsunami. Impressions:

1. How long did your mission last?
Three weeks as far as I am concerned, from January 6th to 24th.

2. Your first impressions on your arrival in Ampara (East coast of Sri Lanka)?
It is one thing to hear about the destruction caused by the Tsunami, or to see images on the television, but quite another to be there, in front of it. In all my humanitarian missions, I had never seen anything like that: total devastation of a 300 m strip all along the coastline.

3. What were the priorities of the SOLIDARITES team on the ground?

- First of all, to coordinate with the other NGOs and humanitarian actors, so as to define priorities, who does what, who can provide such and such equipment to one another. For example, SOLIDARITES gave Goal and Oxfam the use of both of our "bladders" (flexible drinking water tanks).

- Secondly, to carry out an evaluation of 13 camps for displaced persons in the Kalunai area (20 km east of Ampara), which was hard hit by the Tsunami, with 3000 dead. It was necessary to quickly estimate the number of displaced persons, identify their priority needs, define how these needs could be met given our means and equipment, and finally to identify and enter into contact with those responsible for the camps so as to coordinate with them. In the midst of this, we organized and implemented a two-day emergency distribution of vitamin-enriched biscuits and essential survival items at these sites.

- Thirdly, it was essential to inform all humanitarian actors, UN representatives and local authorities about the distributions being carried out, to avoid doubling up on in the same areas.

4. Then, what was the second stage in your activities?

The second stage consisted in carrying out a complete evaluation of the whole coastal area, from Kalunai to Pottuvil, to determine needs in terms of access to water, sanitation, food safety and distribution of light rehabilitation kits. Finally we set up the Ampara base, and constituted the Sri Lankan team to work with the team of SOLIDARITES volunteers.

5. Clearly, today, the priority needs are for access to water and sanitation?

Yes, drinking water in rural areas, and latrines in urban areas.

6. What are our programs today?

We have started work on 500 latrines at camps for displaced persons in the Kalunai area. Concerning our work to rehabilitate wells, we are waiting for the results of an assessment being carried out by local authorities and NGO specialists like our own hydraulics specialists, to determine if the Tsunami soiled the groundwater. As soon as possible, we will commence the rehabilitation of 80 to 90 wells and four community water conveyance networks. At present, we are also responsible for collecting debris and waste at the camps for displaced persons in the Kalunai area.

7. For this mission, what were the constraints and strong points for SOLIDARITES?

The main constraint was the invisibility of the populations' needs following the disaster. We knew that there were enormous needs, but what were they precisely and where were they needed? SOLIDARITES' strong point was its ability to react quickly; it was one of the first NGOs to reach the Kalunai area.

8. In logistics terms, did you have any problems?

No, the equipment and vehicles flown in to Colombo cleared customs in record time. For the rest, there is no problem in gaining access to the populations, and in terms of supplies, we are able to obtain everything locally.

9. How long a horizon would you give to SOLIDARITES' action in Sri Lanka?

From my point of view, there is work to be done for at least one year. Following emergency activities, it will be necessary to implement rehabilitation and reconstruction projects, in particular regarding access to water and sanitation, starting in coastal areas then gradually working inland, so as not to leave any "grey areas" which have not received humanitarian assistance.

10. In human terms, what struck you the most?

The peoples' smiles, and the speed with which they wanted to begin to live again and rebuild. They needed emergency assistance from us, but the reconstruction of their country will mainly happen through their efforts.