Japan funds social development projects in Ampara, Hambantota
COLOMBO: The Japanese Government provided US$ 69,355 (Rs. 7.5
million) for two social development projects - Infrastructure
Development for Tsunami-affected People in Ampara district and
Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Participation in Mainstream Development
for the Differently Able Persons in Hambantota district.
The signing of the grant contracts took place at the Japanese Embassy
on February 15 between Japanese Ambassador Kiyoshi Araki and
representatives of the two organisations.
Infrastructure development for tsunami affected people in Ampara
district:
The tsunami that struck the island in 2004 caused much destruction to
people, property, and environment.
Ampara was one of the worst affected districts with a highest number
of deaths. Since the tsunami, a number of rehabilitation and
reconstruction projects have been implemented. However, there are more
needs such as development of small-scale infrastructure to be fulfilled.
Under the project, the construction of a community center in
Sainthamaruthu and renovation of the rural road in Maruthamunai will be
implemented.
The Community Center with sanitary facilities will be utilised to
conduct a preschool for children affected by the tsunami.
It will also be used to conduct community meetings and health clinics
for the tsunami affected in the area. The renovation of the rural road
will improve the living condition of the people and facilitate easy
access to schools and market places, which will benefit over thousands
in the Ampara district.
The project is to be implemented by the Rural Development Foundation
(RDF). This is the third such occasion where the Japanese Government has
provided funds to RDF for rural development projects in Ampara and
Mannar.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Participation in Mainstream
Development for the Differently Able Persons in Hambantota District:
The project in Hambantota is aimed at providing comprehensive
rehabilitation services to differently able persons.
Although policies and legislations in the country are adequate,
implementation has not been effective enough.
In the field level, there is a shortage of volunteers conducting
comprehensive rehabilitation.
The project has designed to provide training for 30 volunteers on
community based rehabilitation including proper identification of
differently abled persons, collect and maintain records, assist in
providing physiotherapy mainly for children, etc.
Under the project, seminars are also to be organised for 80
government officials from 25 Grama Sevaka divisions of Ambalantota
Division and other 30 officials attached to the organisations of
differently able peoples on capacity building. Materials for
rehabilitation such as prosthetics, orthotics and other mobility aid are
also to be procured utilising the funds.
The project will benefit over 16,000 persons in Ambalantota, Okewela
and Tangalle division.
Navajeevana established in 1987 has been engaged in offering holistic
care at grass roots level to differently able persons, and will
implement the project with the support from the community. |