Oxfam funds housing for war, tsunami affected in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 11 October 2006, 02:41 GMT]
Oxfam Planning Director in Batticaloa M. Yogeswaran laid the foundation stone for the housing scheme in Santhipuram, Kaluthavalai in the Manmunai South Eruvilpattu Regional Secretariat where Oxfam will construct 22 houses each worth 850,000 rupees, civil sources said. Oxfam is filling the void left by other Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) which withdrew their commitments due to recent violence, Yogeswaran added.

"Though NGOs spend their money in development projects the responsibility for maintenance lies with the Government departments. Santhipuram was affected by both war and tsunami, and we carefully selected the beneficiaries in consultation with the Regional Secretary," Yogeswaran said.

Although two different house plans are being used, Oxfam said it is willing to accomodate changes if they do not increase the budgetted cost.

Manmunai South Eruvilpattu Regional Secretary N. Krishnapillai participating in the event said: "Oxfam has set a fine example by coming forward to work in collaboration with the government departments in development work. Other NGOs should emulate Oxfam."

M. Sivarasa, the deputy Planning director said there are more people in this village without proper dwellings. He thanked Oxfam for having provided the region with the largest amount of assistance and saod he looked forward to Oxfarm continuing to help the region.