Livelihood assistance for IDPs in Trinco

The NRC has identified the requirement of cement blocks for reconstruction in the Eachilampattu division and agreed to purchase them. ZOA is also involved in cement block making to generate income to the returnees, a media release from the Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services said.

The UNDP, World vision and World Concern will cultivate maize on 157 acres through the Department of Agriculture. Various organisations have donated 20 pumps for the project.

Though the pumps are sufficient for the project the UNDP said that they are introducing solar lift irrigation systems in the Verugal area to reduce environment pollution and the cost of production is Rs. 300,000 per unit.

They also have undertaken the minor tank project in Ottankulam and have undertaken cleaning of irrigation canals under the cash for work program. A backyard vegetable and fruits cultivation project for 1,800 families is also being launched.

The ICRC said that they are distributing seeds, cash, barbed wire and fertiliser in Kanguvell and Ralkuli. Agricultural tools and equipment such as sprayers are included in their package.

The ICRC is planning to distribute chickens among 2,900 families in Eachilampattu. They will provide ten pullets for each family in Ralkuli. The FAD said they have 100 15h.p OBM's awaiting distribution among the fishing community. OBMs will not be issued until the Government decides on further relaxation of fishing.

More assistance for fisheries activities can be obtained once the fishing restrictions in the East are relaxed.

The OCHA has stressed the importance of food security and livelihood recovery activities. Agencies have agreed to provide a cash grant of Rs. 25,000 for each returnee family. They also can enjoy the donation through a combination of donations and cash grants.

Meanwhile, the Government has started livelihood assistance for resettled families in several villages in the Trincomalee district, who were earlier displaced during the military operations. Already 1,253 of the 2,087 displaced families from the Eachilampattu area have been resettled.

Livelihood programmes include a 157-acre maize cultivation project, cash for work programme to clean irrigation systems, a vegetable and fruit cultivation project for 1,800 families, assistance for livestock breeding and fishing.

Several INGOs and NGOs are also assisting the Government in this effort. They include the UNDP, ICRC, OCHA, World Vision, IOM, ZOA and FAO.