A wave of good will

摘要

The UK Local Government Alliance for International Development has had more than 100 offers from UK local authorities wanting to help countries affected by the tsunami. What can local government contribute? asks Samantha Page, co-ordinator for the alliance. The immediate need after the Asian earthquake on Boxing Day was for humanitarian aid. This was handled well by aid agencies and charities, which are experienced in this kind of support. But now the initial crisis has been responded to, the next stage is the important, but difficult task, of rebuilding communities. Reconstruction will involve renewing infrastructure, homes, towns, villages and services, and reestablishing businesses, economies and livelihoods.