Evaluating Household Satisfaction in Post-Disaster Recovery: Impact of Technical Flexibility and Financial Resource Distribution
Date:
Presented by Apil KC (PhD Student, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan)
Co-presented with Dr. Sabine Loos (Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan)
This presentation evaluates household satisfaction with post-disaster housing reconstruction in Nepal, following the 2015 earthquake. Although the Government of Nepal adopted a standardized owner-driven approach—offering each household $2,300 in financial assistance, 17 housing design templates, and technical guidance—actual reconstruction outcomes varied significantly. Some households also received NGO support, which often came with rigid design and modification constraints.
Drawing from 35 semi-structured interviews conducted in Sindhupalchowk and Kavre districts, this study analyzes how reconstruction approaches shape short- and long-term recovery outcomes. Findings show that autonomy and satisfaction were closely linked, but contingent on financial capacity. Households with greater financial resources and design flexibility reported higher satisfaction, particularly under the owner-driven model. Conversely, NGO-supported households experienced rapid rebuilding but expressed long-term dissatisfaction due to restrictions on design and material choices.
The presentation highlights how both economic disparities and policy rigidity influence recovery trajectories. It argues for greater flexibility in reconstruction design and equitable financial resource distribution to enable housing outcomes that better align with family and livelihood needs.
Keywords: Post-disaster, Housing Recovery, Equity, Nepal