EU-funded housing project commences in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Batticaloa

Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Tung-Lai Margue being welcomed by the homeowners at the project site in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka. From left: HFHSL National Director Dr. Dinesh Kanagaratnam, Asst. Director of Planning Karachchi DS, World Vision Lanka Jude Perera, Kilinochchi Government Agent Arumainayagam, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the EU to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Tung Lai Margue, Habitat for Humanity International Asia Pacific Office Director Regional Programs Ernesto Castro-Gracia 

More than 215, 000 people will benefit from a Euro 14 million multi-faceted housing project, financed by the European Union (EU), and implemented by Habitat for Humanity and World Vision Lanka. 

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives for the Delegation of the European Union (EU) Tung-Laï Margue said, “I am hopeful that this project will assist in providing returnee families with not just homes and livelihood alternatives but also the necessary support to rebuild a life and a future for themselves. The goal has always been to turn the cycle of impoverishment and reliance to that of self-sufficiency, and I am encouraged to see that we are moving in the right direction through this initiative.” 

The project, which bridges the gap between relief, rehabilitation and development, aims to build 2,315 houses and repair 140 homes in 31 divisions across Batticaloa, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu by early 2020. It utilises alternative materials and techniques to reduce constructions costs, while ensuring decent housing, and to encourage the use and production of locally manufactured earth blocks and construction materials.

“The project is aptly entitled ‘Homes not Houses’. Indeed we wish to see thriving communities that are self-sufficient, stable and strong, once our building work is done and we are long gone. Thanks to the focus of this funding from the European Union the project aims to boost the local economy by investing in earth-based technologies which are cost-effective and sustainable,” said Torre Nelson, Area Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Habitat for Humanity.

The project activities include:

nAccess to permanent housing including houses built with innovative materials (compressed stabilised earth blocks and earth concrete blocks).

nAppropriate incremental building through microcredit to expand a home or create a place of business.

n‘Flanking measures’ relating to general livelihood support for families and communities such as vocational training in construction, training in appropriate building materials and methods, and forming and strengthening small and medium enterprises.

nTraining families in financial literacy including savings plans, microfinance and basics of business, improved access to appropriate microfinance and management of debt.

nA more holistic approach of strengthening community-based organisations, supporting disaster risk reduction, peace building and gender equity.

Commenting, on this endeavour, World Vision Lanka National Director Dhanan Senathirajah said, “We are proud to be associated with this project. One of the main strengths of World Vision Lanka is its community engagement and livelihood development expertise. I believe our interventions in this sphere will be key to transform houses into happy and stable homes.”