Japan Press Weekly

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2012 July 4 - 10 [GREAT EAST JAPAN DISASTER]

Redevelopment of disaster-hit communities should respect residents’ demands

The central government plans to introduce a new approach of outsourcing the entire process of post-disaster reconstruction-related public works projects to major general construction contractors.

The land and infrastructure ministry explained that this is because a shortage of skilled municipal workers in the disaster-hit region is causing delays in reconstruction projects.

The planned approach will use a measure called construction management. In this approach, a construction company, called a construction manager, will be contracted with a local government in the disaster-affected region to handle the entire process of a recovery project, such as residents’ mass relocation and land readjustment, from inception to completion. The process includes research, planning, construction, and management.

This approach, however, will make it difficult for local construction companies to obtain job opportunities related to reconstruction projects. It is doubtful whether this approach will ensure that disaster-hit municipalities redevelop areas as their residents envision.

In the background, there is a basic strategy for the revitalization of Japan that the Noda Cabinet adopted in December 2011. In the strategy, the government shows its willingness to fully utilize private-sector funds for post-disaster reconstruction. Taking advantage of this strategy, many large corporations obtained orders regarding reconstruction-related public works projects, including disposal of massive disaster wastes, maintenance of port facilities, roads, and railways, and mass relocation of residents to higher ground.

The need is for the national government to help local governments to promote the recovery of communities from the disaster based on citizens’ demands, which prioritize the protection of citizens’ lives and livelihoods.