By P.K. Balachandran
The US$ 272 million (Rs 34.4 billion) Indian Government project to build 50,000 houses for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, and for plantation workers of Indian origin in the Central and Uva Provinces, is proceeding apace with the Indian authorities confident of completing the task by 2 October 2015.
The first phase of the scheme started in 2011 with a ‘pilot’ project to construct 1,000 houses for those with no land or housing in 25 locations across the five districts of the war-devastated Northern Province. Following the pilot project, which was completed in 2012, construction of 2,000 houses for those IDPs without any land or housing in the Northern and Eastern Provinces; and of 4,000 houses for plantation labourers living in ‘line houses’ in the estates of the Central and Uva Provinces, was taken up.
The first phase faced the unavoidable teething troubles. As Justin Mohan, First Secretary (Development Cooperation) at the Indian High Commission explained, this was because of the nature of the task, which he described as ‘Himalayan.’
“In many of the 25 locations, land was covered by jungle because of non-use for long years. It had to be cleared first. Roads had to be built to reach the isolated construction sites and bore wells had to be dug as water was a problem everywhere. But, most importantly, the sites had to be cleared by the de-mining authorities before anybody could step in. All this took time. The construction was done by contractors and under the given circumstances they did a commendable job. We were able to complete the work in a year. Remember even in cities, with all the infrastructural facilities, contractors take two to three years to build a block of flats,” Mohan said.
Second phase under- driven model
The project is now in the second phase. Launched on 2 October 2012 on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, it envisages the construction of 43,000 houses by 2 October 2015, using the ‘owner-driven model.’ Under this model, an IDP with land is given a grant of Rs 550,000 to build or repair a house over an area of 550 Sq ft.
“In contrast to the first phase, the second phase is not for the landless. It is for IDPs with land but without a house or a livable house,” Mohan clarified.
Construction is done by the owner with technical assistance from a designated Implementing Agency (IA) and funds from the Government of India. The current beneficiaries are in the districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya.
“Work is going on at a tremendous pace. By 31 March this year, we hope to see the completion of 10,000 houses,” Mohan said.
Giving details of the progress so far, the official said that by 25 January, the High Commission had released funds for 6,700 beneficiaries.
“The first instalment of Rs 100,000 was sent to 5,331 beneficiaries; the second instalment of Rs 200,000 to 1,357; and the third instalment of another Rs 200,000 to 44. One beneficiary had got the fourth and last instalment too,” Mohan said.
The mission deposits the money in the bank account of the beneficiary in instalments. The beneficiaries are to use the first instalment of Rs 100,000 for laying the foundation. Further instalments are released to build the walls and a toilet; put up the roof; and do the finishing.
International agencies
Every beneficiary gets technical support from one of the four designated Implementing Agencies (IAs), namely, UN Habitat (responsible for 16,000 houses); International Federation of the Red Cross with Sri Lanka Red Cross (16,000 houses); Habitat for Humanity (4,000); and National Housing Development Authority of Sri Lanka (5,000). The IA for the balance is yet to be chosen. The IAs also inspect the construction and recommend the payment of the next instalment.
The designated banks are, however, entirely Indian. They are State Bank of India; Indian Overseas Bank, Indian Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank. But, the beneficiaries are allowed to open an account in any Sri Lankan bank, and the designated Indian banks will deposit the money in that local bank. The designated Indian banks have a role in inspection too. They are expected to inspect at least one per cent of the houses assigned to them.
Choosing the deserving
From choosing the IAs to the identification of the beneficiaries, everything was done in a transparent manner, Mohan said.
“The beneficiaries were chosen with an eye on the most deserving. Special attention had been given to the disabled, the destitute and households headed by women,” he pointed out.
The worst war affected areas were identified by the Government Agents (GAs). The GAs gave the IAs details of each family in terms of size, number of children, economic status, physical disabilities and the housing need. The IAs then gave marks for each attribute. Female headed households and single woman households were given extra marks to enable them to qualify. The final list of beneficiaries was drawn up by the IAs.COURTESY:CEYLON TODAY