Local Governments Response, Recovery and Reconstruction following the Earthquakes

Objective

The wider objective of the project is to support and strengthen the capacities of local governments in Adana Seyhan, Kahramanmaras Metropolitan, and Osmaniye municipalities in Türkiye to effectively lead and facilitate the recovery and reconstruction efforts to meet the needs of the citizens affected by the earthquakes.

The specific objectives are to strengthen municipal institutions in their capacities to adapt and respond both in the immediate aftermath of the crisis and in the longer term recovery of their communities, and to build back better towards increased resilience to prevent and mitigate future disaster threats.

The main activity of the project is the development of a Local Recovery Plan, focusing on strengthening municipal institutions in their capacities to adapt and respond both in the immediate aftermath of the crisis and in the longer term recovery of their communities, as well as increasing resilience to prevent and mitigate future disaster threats. The scope and activities of the Local Recovery Plan are defined with the local governments, to ensure alignment with the needs and priorities of the municipalities. Additionally, the project will provide each municipality with subsidies for the purpose of post-disaster reconstruction and recovery.

Expected results

• Identified and implemented immediate support measures of the municipalities, to ensure that they can confront all tasks and remain operational during the stage of immediate emergency.
• Emergency subsidies per pilot municipality delivered.
• Participatory Local Recovery Plans focusing on specific areas and or themes prepared for each pilot municipality, highlighting long term recovery and reconstruction needs.
• At least three implementation strategies prepared for specific areas and or themes based on the priorities identified in the Participatory Local Recovery Plans.
• Disaster Management Plans of pilot municipalities evaluated and strengthened.
• Municipal capacity and service provision strengthened for disaster preparedness.
• Urban planning subsidies per pilot municipality delivered to support the implementation of priority projects in the Participatory Local Recovery Plans.
• Project pipeline for recovery and reconstruction developed.
• Project exit strategy prepared.

The project’s priorities for the first phase include developing a reliable building stock inventory, spatial planning, and demolition of severely damaged buildings, as identified during a work visit organised in the pilot municipalities. To ensure sustainability of action, the second phase will build on these priorities through implementation of the Local Recovery Plan.

Each Turkish municipality has formed a Task Force to execute the project. VNG International will provide international and Turkish expertise to support these Task Forces. The Task Forces follow a participatory approach. Their members, including municipal councillors, municipal officials, neighbourhood representatives, professional organisations, civil society members, and technical experts, work together to reach consensus on municipal priorities.