Gondo to be rebuilt following deadly mudslide
Local authorities in canton Valais have approved a plan for rebuilding the village of Gondo, which was partly destroyed by a mudslide last October. The disaster claimed the lives of 13 people and left dozens homeless. Two people are still missing.
The successful plan was the work of the Durrer Linggi firm of architects in Zurich. It was chosen from among 32 projects submitted during the course of a competition.
The municipal architect of the neighbouring town of Brig, Hans Ritz, said the Gondo authorities had been unanimous in their support for the project, which could get underway as early as the first half of 2002.
It envisages erecting five separate buildings on the site laid bare by the mudslide. The new buildings would incorporate a hotel, two apartment blocs and four houses, as well as a community centre.
The Zurich architects also plan to rebuild a 17th century tower, which was badly damaged in the natural disaster. “The part which wasn’t damaged will be restored, while the part which was destroyed will be reconstructed,” Ritz said.
“The rebuilding work will cost at total of SFr10 million ($6 million),” Ritz said. The money is expected to come partly from insurance claims and partly from commune coffers.
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