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| Sunday, 6 March 2005 |
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Features |  |
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Post-tsunami rehabilitation - the LSSP view The Lanka Sama Samaja Party notes that much has been achieved in the past one month in the Government's provision of immediate relief to those affected by the tsunami. In the western and southern provinces the provincial administrations have been geared to the task of expeditious and effective delivery of relief supplies that have been moved to these areas.
This same degree of success has however not been achieved in the eastern and northern coasts. The LSSP notes that the extent of damage and devastation in the eastern coast is stupendous. In the absence of provincial council administrative machinery in this region it cannot be safely assumed that the prevailing default situation especially in the Ampara district can be put right without tremendous effort by the Government. Government The charge that the Government has not paid to this region the same degree of attention received in the south is not tenable. Nevertheless it is the responsibility of the Government to allay these fears through meaningful action. The LSSP is of the considered view that the Government needs to take immediate steps to set-up district administrative authorities in the region to work through organisations that are representative of the persons displaced by the tsunami. The LSSP is appreciative of the Government's announced readiness to set up joint relief machinery with the LTTE to serve the areas considered to be under LTTE control. This can be a challenging task and the LSSP calls upon all progressive forces to ensure that this measure is forthwith implemented. The immediate provision of shelter that provides adequate privacy and basic facilities is an immediate need of the displaced persons. Coast Conservation The LSSP recognises the need to ensure that the coast conservation laws are not flouted in the reconstruction and rehabilitation processes. But in this the Government needs to bear in mind that the rights of ownership or possession of land within the given coast conservation margins need to be recognised and that those needing to reoccupy their properties for the purpose of securing shelter in the present situation should be assisted and helped under schemes formulated for temporary relief and occupation. These schemes could be made subject to the needs of long-term planning. The long-term task can be pursued only after appropriate topographical studies of the seabed and the coastline and the provision of necessary financial arrangements. In planning the new settlements there is the need to provide the necessary inducements to people to voluntarily choose to exchange their coastal homes for what is provided in safer areas. It must however be borne in mind that the relocation that is planned relates to entire fishing villages especially in the eastern coast. These villages are part of the infrastructure that relate to the self-employment sector in the fishing industry. Authorised occupation The LSSP is aware that there were families in unauthorised occupation of the seafront. It is appreciated if the government uses its resources to have them temporarily settled in demarcated areas pending permanent accommodation being provided under the government's plans. A programme of education on the nature of tsunamis and other natural disasters as well as on the course of action that people must take once an early warning is given should be implemented as soon as possible. The people must also be clearly informed of the program of reconstruction that the government is implementing and how all those affected fit into that scheme. It would be advisable if the authorities have elementary consultation with those affected so that in the plans that are drawn up their opinions and wishes are respected as far as possible. The non-governmental agencies like religious organisations, NGOs,the business community and others who have come forward to build houses for those affected should be made aware of the government's approach as soon as possible in an open manner. The facilities should be given to expedite their participation in the reconstruction process. The Provincial Councils, Pradeshiya Sabhas should also be actively involved in the program. Schools While agreeing with the government policies that permanent public utilities like schools and hospitals should be located at safe sites, there is a particular need to get the school children back to their daily routine as quickly as possible. Therefore, temporary measures should be made of whatever school premises are available even if they are within the 100 metre and 300 metre buffer zones till the permanent constructions be established. The International Labour Organisation has reported a total of over 400,000 job loss resulting from the tsunami strike. This covers employment in fishing, agriculture, industries and services. The LSSP suggests that these persons too be entitled to the ration card and the monthly Rs. 5,000 payment which is made to the displaced. We are glad that the Government has already got up its proposals in respect of children who have lost one or both parents. It is best that they be accommodated in the area of their parents residence so that the surviving parent or other relative could have access to them. Countries like Japan have perfected the art of living through tsunamis, earthquakes and other natural disasters and we must learn from them. They have worked out for every town a numerical model from which the damage and loss of life through many different type of disasters can be properly estimated. They have based their construction activities on this information so as
to make maximum use of the precious land available to them. We too must act
similarly taking advantage of the early warning systems that are to be put
in place through the IOC of UNESCO in Sri Lanka as well as the Indian Ocean
Region. The objective should be to make the maximum use of the available
land while ensuring the safety of the people and their property. |
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