Panichankerni Reconstruction Scheme
The project concentrated on the construction of 130 houses including basic infrastructure and community facilities in the fisher village of Panichankerni in the Vaharai area on the East Coast of Sri Lanka. The village is situated 60 km north of Batticaloa town and – until 2006 – at the border of the LTTE and government controlled area. During the war which broke out in 2006, many of the new houses were destroyed and project implementation had to be stopped for security reasons. In 2007 Humanitarian organisations agreed to reconstruct the war – demolished houses under the guidance and coordination of Helvetas / Skat.
Country:
Sri Lanka
Name of Staff involved and functions performed:
Project Manager: Daniel Schwitter;
On-Site Project Coordinator: Sabine Rosenthaler, Marianne Pecnik
Project Period:
2005 – 2008
Services Provided:
- Project design and implementation on behalf of Swiss Solidarity and Helvetas
Name of Client:
Helvetas, Swiss Solidarity (SwS)
Description of the Project:
The project goal was to recover and improve living conditions of Tsunami-affected people. This included not only the provision of adequate houses, but the project also pursued a comprehensive approach, combining technical, social and economic aspects. The project aimed at developing construction skills, diversification of livelihoods, and strengthening the community’s capacity in conflict management. Managing conflicts became increasingly important since the region had shifted from disruptions caused by the Tsunami to an ever more insecure political situation.
The project’s key components were (1) improvement of temporary shelters, (2) planning and design of a settlement plan and individual houses, (3) coordination of administration, planning, and implementation of activities, (4) project implementation and construction of houses, (5) local institutional strengthening and improving employment opportunities, (6) knowledge and capacity building, and (7) livelihood diversity and economic benefits.
Skat, on behalf of Helvetas, was in charge of planning and project implementation.
