IOM and the aid agency World Vision have signed a US$500,000 agreement to improve vital water and sanitation services for Sri Lankans made homeless by the tsunami.
Work has already begun in Ampara district on Sri Lanka's battered east coast ahead of the onset of annual monsoon rains, which frequently cause floods and put pressure on existing drainage systems.
The agreement covers a wide range of activities, such as the cleaning of wells, waste disposal, ensuring adequate drainage at transitional housing sites, and the construction of water and sanitation systems for temporary schools and health centres.
With an estimated 80 per cent of Sri Lankan children suffering some form of diarrhoeal disease each year, the project also includes components to help educate displaced people about healthy hygiene habits.
In addition, people displaced by the tsunami will be trained to install and maintain water and sanitation systems in their communities.
It's estimated that more than 16,000 people will benefit directly from the project
For more information please contact Gina Wilkinson, IOM Sri Lanka, Tel: +94 777-597-837, Email ginaw@iomsrilanka.org