Local NGOs help battle economic woes in Vanni

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 December 2008, 03:07 GMT]
The Economic Consultancy House (TECH), a local NGO operating in the NorthEast, is battling to help economic needs of refugee by attending to small scale economic development projects, civil society sources in Vanni said. Activities include distribution of seed paddy, training of sewing skills, and providing loan for self-help, according to Techinical Director of TECH, Mr Suntharamoorthy.

One hundred selected farmers of IDP families relocated from Manthai west, Manthai east, Thunukkai and Poonakari, and currently living in temporary shelters in Kandava'lai and Tharmapuram west were selected to receive assistance in paddy cultivation for Maha season 2008-2009.

Seed paddy worth Rs.900,000 was distributed in an event held at Common hall in kandawalai last week of November. Mr. M. Suntharamoorthy, another TECH official Mr.M Yogarasa distributed the seeds.

On 6th December, TECH with funding help from North East Coastal Community Development Project (NECCDEP) provided skills training in sewing at the village of Kovilvayal.

TECH official Mr. K Kirupakaran said that the 30 beneficiaries received Rs.800,000 to promote self-employment activities.

Five beneficiaries were provided loans totalling facility at Ulavanoor village in Punnaineeravi Grama sevaka division in latter part of November, according to TECH officials.

TECH also helped with construction of 870 temporary shelters and 172 temporary latrines to IDPs who were displaced from Madhu Manthai west Manthai east Thunukkai and Karaichchi AGA divisions. Total cost of building the shelters and latrines was Rs. 5,257,864, a cost fully borne by TECH, according to Mr Sundaramoorthy.