3rd "Gedeg" Distribution - 340 sheets
Traditional rural Javanese houses have woven bamboo walls called “gedeg”. These walls are portable, durable and lightweight; they are good at keeping the hot sun out while allowing the gentle breeze in to cool the house.
While many homes in Bicak and Ngunut – being a brick making district – had brick walls, since the earthquake, residents are rediscovering the wonders of the traditional “gedeg”.
On Thursday 3 August 2006 SGN distributed a total of 340 sheets of “gedeg” to the community in Bicak and Ngunut, a massive task which took up two whole days. Rachel and Dan, two volunteers who had just arrived from Holland, were on hand to assist.
So far we have distributed 870 sheets of “gedeg” to 202 households; 31 households did not request assistance because they were sufficiently resourced to cover their own rebuilding needs.
In early September, when most Bicak and Ngunut walls had been rebuilt, the German Red Cross donated 8 rolls of“gedeg”. It was most unfortunate and very sad that much of it was damaged beyond repair during transport, and could not be used as walls by the people of Bicak, Ngunut or neighbouring hamlets. This was a real pity. However, what could be salvaged was used, and where there was excessive damage, the bamboo was not wasted, but used as firewood in the small stoves commonly used in these parts.
An unfortunate occurrence… but nothing is wasted, damaged “gedeg” is used for fuel.
While many homes in Bicak and Ngunut – being a brick making district – had brick walls, since the earthquake, residents are rediscovering the wonders of the traditional “gedeg”.
On Thursday 3 August 2006 SGN distributed a total of 340 sheets of “gedeg” to the community in Bicak and Ngunut, a massive task which took up two whole days. Rachel and Dan, two volunteers who had just arrived from Holland, were on hand to assist.
So far we have distributed 870 sheets of “gedeg” to 202 households; 31 households did not request assistance because they were sufficiently resourced to cover their own rebuilding needs.
In early September, when most Bicak and Ngunut walls had been rebuilt, the German Red Cross donated 8 rolls of“gedeg”. It was most unfortunate and very sad that much of it was damaged beyond repair during transport, and could not be used as walls by the people of Bicak, Ngunut or neighbouring hamlets. This was a real pity. However, what could be salvaged was used, and where there was excessive damage, the bamboo was not wasted, but used as firewood in the small stoves commonly used in these parts.
An unfortunate occurrence… but nothing is wasted, damaged “gedeg” is used for fuel. 
Distributing "gedeg" in Bicak.
Distributing "gedeg" in Ngunut.
posted by Anonymous at Saturday, September 23, 2006
0 comments
