Shelter
Total: 267 families
IDPs at temporary or permanent shelters are living in terrible overcrowded conditions in conflict affected areas where, their welfare is at risk from increased exposure to disease and lack of basic water and sanitation facilities. Paralleling the presences of IDP camps bring about tension among the surrounding communities, when IDPs are indeed compelled to use the same natural resources, leading to social tension and confrontation.
Construction of new houses
Saltern II camp situated 5km from Puttalam town, was initiated between 1990 and 1993 consisting of 186 families who were expelled forcibly from Jaffna peninsula where they were born in a short notice of 2 hours and in some places 2 days. People were asked to vacate, forbidden from carrying any materials, cash or valuable except for small items, drink, food clothe sufficient for a day or two. After they reached Puttlam, the government allocated them temporary huts amidst huge difficulties. Initially 186 families settled down in this camp.In 1993 April the camp was faced with yet another disaster of a huge fire accident which burnt all 186 huts in a matter of 20 minutes. Scourging one life and destroying chicken and cattle which the people had as their only source of dependency were totally destroyed leaving no trace except ashes. Following this incident the particular camp was split into 3 namely Saltern I, Saltern II and Pasparabath.
Following this incident Saltern II (project location) consisted of 31 families. In 1998 also a storm hit the camp and most of the houses were completely or partially destroyed. The people had no means to rebuild their houses but continued to live in these locations condition finding their daily needs through daily paid labor and odd jobs.This camp was recommended by the Puttlam district Government Agent and the Commissioner for the Internally displaced in Puttlam. After obtaining their approval steps were taken to get clearance of the ownership of the land.
As there is a housing project been conducted by the World Bank we made sure not to create conflict among the beneficiaries. In this regard we met with the officials of the World Bank to adopt the same plan of the house which have been approved by the government. After obtaining all necessary approvals our beneficiary list came up to 28 new houses and 3 renovations. BOQ’s were called and the most suitable contractor was selected by a team of members at the head office. On selection a contract were drawn between CHA and the contractor.
  
The constructions were completed by August 2008 and houses were handed over to the beneficiaries as and when a unit was completed. This was need as they were moved out into sheds while the constructions were going on. Every body was very happy to get a new house with all basic facilities. Some have lived in a shed for over fifteen years.
Five new houses had been built to the families who had been affected by the Civil War, in Muthur, Morawewa, Kinniya, and Trincomalee D.S. Divisions. The houses had been given to families based on the recommendations given by G.N and the D.S. of the particular divisions.
Nine conflicts affected marginalized families in Akkaraipattu and Alayadevembu DS division, who did not have proper basic shelter facilities and needed of housing, were assisted to build beneficiary driven permanent houses with all basic amenities.
Uhana- Gonagala Colonization Scheme
  
These settlers were brought to Gonagala in the year 1954 under the Mahaweli colonization scheme and colonized in the boarder area. Their major problem is their economy. They were not in a position to construct a permanent house of their own, with their meager income.
When beneficiaries received permanent housing with the assistance of CHA and the Government of the Netherlands, the beneficiaries were very happy.
Renovation of shelters
Upgraded temporary shelters
61 temporary shelters located at Navatkadu, Alayadevembu, Kolavil-3, Panananakdu and Akkaraipattu camps were upgraded to transitional shelter. The existing temporary shelter structure was upgraded by putting raised cement floor instead of sand floor and tin sheets for roof to protect the lives from extreme weather conditions.
Renovation of Permanent Houses
20 damaged houses at Konesapuri area were renovated
 
Upgrading partially built dwellings at Ghandinagar over 140 houses were renovated and completed
Houses before Renovation
  
  
Houses after Renovation
About 95% of the houses present at Ghandinagar were partially built houses with out proper ventilation, living space and protection. Therefore the objective of shelter renovation work at Ghandinagar was to improve housing facility with adequate ventilation, living space and protection. Thus main components of renovation work are plastering, fixing of doors and windows and flooring based on the existing housing structure. It is worthwhile mentioning, the houses were being renovated considering beneficiaries’ requirement as well as meet the basic standards of housing facility.
After completion of renovation, the beneficiaries built kitchens, white washed and cleaning the home garden and surroundings.
|
