Port Moresby –  In partnership with the National Disaster Centre and the Enga Provincial Government, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with funding support from the Government of the Republic of Korea, successfully conducted a Safe Shelter and Build Back Safer Training for key government officials and humanitarian partners responding to the Mulitaka landslide. 

The one-day training, held on 7 February 2025, brought together 25 participants (Males: 19 Females: 6) from various Enga Provincial Administration departments, the Mulitaka site management team, and humanitarian partners, including World Vision. The session aimed to strengthen local capacity in disaster-resilient shelter construction following the devastating landslide in Mulitaka, which left many displaced and caused widespread destruction. 

The training covered essential topics to support safer reconstruction efforts in disaster-affected communities. Participants learned about the stages of shelter development following a disaster, helping them understand the progression from emergency shelter to long-term housing solutions. The session also explored transitional shelter options for internally displaced populations, ensuring that displaced families have safe and dignified living spaces while permanent solutions are being developed. Another key focus was risk assessment for selecting safe relocation sites, ensuring that affected families are resettled in areas with minimal exposure to future hazards. The training also emphasized simple construction techniques to strengthen houses, equipping participants with practical methods to improve structural durability using locally available materials. Additionally, new applications for timber construction were explored, highlighting innovative ways to enhance shelter safety and sustainability. 

To support community engagement and awareness, the training included a session on safe shelter awareness and key messaging, enabling participants to effectively communicate risk reduction strategies to communities and encourage safer building practices. 

A crucial session covered risk assessment for selecting safe relocation sites, ensuring that future shelter planning minimizes exposure to potential hazards. Participants also learned simple construction techniques to strengthen houses, emphasizing practical, cost-effective methods to improve structural safety. The training introduced new applications for timber construction, showcasing innovative ways to use locally available materials to build safer homes. Lastly, safe shelter awareness and key messaging focused on effective community engagement strategies to ensure that affected populations understand and adopt safer building practices. 

A participant from the provincial disaster admin, Albert James, stated, “This training has been invaluable in helping us understand safer construction practices, which will ultimately benefit disaster-affected families. Given the challenges our communities are facing, this knowledge is essential for rebuilding safely and reducing future risks. We truly appreciate this timely support and your involvement in strengthening our response efforts”. Participants praised the training for providing practical insights beyond their usual building practices. They expressed confidence that the new techniques and approaches would enhance shelter construction efforts, improving resilience against future hazards. 

Through this initiative, IOM and its partners remain committed to supporting disaster-affected communities in Papua New Guinea, ensuring safer, more resilient housing solutions for those in need. 

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For further information, please contact IOM Port Moresby:  

Peter Murorera, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: pmurorera@iom.int   

Anne Mandal, Tel: +91-9902608735, Email: amandal@iom.int