Japan assists Northern rehabilitation

The Japanese Government is supporting the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the Northern Province through a number of projects implemented through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Upon a request from the Northern Provincial Council at the end of the armed conflict, a team from Local Government and Provincial Councils Ministry, National Solid Waste Management Support Centre and JICA was dispatched to the IDP center at Menik Farm to survey and propose immediate measures required to improve sanitation issues and address waste disposal.

The team prepared an action plan which included measures to improve waste collection and transportation, waste disposal outside the IDP center and overall waste management. Steps already taken under the action plan include, increase of waste collection frequency, regular clearing of drains, utilizing additional waste disposal sites, increase of toilet facilities and provision of gully bowsers. The Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils has also established a site management office to monitor and manage the activities.

The Government of Japan has decided to allocate Rs. 117 million to assist in urgently implementing the crucial measures in the action plan. These funds generated through the 2KR Counterpart Funds which were provided by the Government of Japan under Grant Assistance will be utilized by NSWMC to supply required equipment for transportation and disposal of solid waste and sewage, and also for transportation of water. The equipment will include 26 tractors, 4 tipper trucks, 2 loaders, 1 backhoe loader and 2 pickup trucks. The funds will also be used for improvement of roadside drains in the IDP center.

Through an ODA loan program, JICA is assisting the rehabilitation of irrigation facilities in Mannar and Vavuniya Districts where returned IDPs will recommence agricultural activities.

Another Japanese ODA loan supports a micro-finance project to provide 2,100 million Japanese Yen (Rs.2520 million) credit facilities for income generation activities in agriculture, fisheries, small business etc.

The microfinance credit will be provided to 14 districts in the country, and more than 50 percent of total credit will be allocated to Northern and Eastern regions in line with JICA's commitment to ensure inclusive development by reducing regional disparities. ICA also plans to commence a training program to provide training opportunities to improve the capacity of frontline officers in the North and East, who will bear substantial responsibilities in the reconstruction and rehabilitation.

The grant-aid projects in the Northern region funded by the Japanese Government include Mannar bridge and causeway connecting Mannar island to the mainland which is expected to be completed by March 2010 and significantly improve access and exchange between the two locations.

Agricultural equipment will be provided to meet the immediate needs of agricultural development through grant-aid. The Government of Japan has also provided 1,870 million Japanese Yen (Rs. 2,250 million) since 2009 to support IDP rehabilitation and de-mining activities in the North.