Galle
Establishment of transitional shelters
was completed by the second week of July and the focus is now on construction
of permanent houses in the district. A District Committee, established
by TAFREN, held a meeting on livelihood which commenced in order to focus
on upgrading and planning for sustainable development of livelihood for
Tsunami affected people of the district.
The Government has announced a change previously suggested buffer zone boundaries. Any places/areas within the previous buffer zone, which are 3 metres above mean sea level, can now be used for any construction or permanent houses.
A protest was held by Government servants in front of GA Office at Kachcheri (DS Office) against politicians who are interfering in their official work.
The fisher folk in Balapitiya protested against the cutting down of Rs. 5000.00 (Tsunami relief) in front of AGA office. AGA said that the number of beneficiaries has reduced from 16,000 to 12,000.
THW is conducting tests on water quality in Tsunami affected areas of Galle. A critical issue with regard to drainage was reported in Thelwatte area (train wreckage site). A virus similar to cold is spreading in transitional sites. The MOH is still conducting examinations on it and treating the affected people.
CHA District Office found that there are no records or statistics on differently abled people in Galle pre and post -- Tsunami.
Hambantota
At present there is no need for special health camps as IDPs are looked after by the regular health care system. There are psychosocial programs carried out by Red Cross, Sarvodaya, and government health officials (DPDHS).
There have been inadequate water and sanitation facilities in temporary shelters. There is only one gully sucker for the entire district. Maintenance of pipe lines is not satisfactory as repairs are not done on time and as a result there is a lot of wastage of water. Water cuts add to the problem and IDPs find it difficult to cope with the situation.
238 permanent houses have been completed and 1362 are currently being built. Some agencies find it difficult to complete construction due to incomplete beneficiary lists.
Several schools in Kirinda and Tangalle which were affected have not received sufficient aid. There are still some schools in Tangalle where classes are being conducted under temporary polythene sheet roofs.
There is duplication and overlapping in aid provided by organisations as there is a lack of coordination among them.
Business premises located in the 100m buffer zone have not received financial aid.
No definite decisions have been made to help tenants of houses and properties destroyed by the Tsunami within the 100m buffer zone.
Addition of sea water to land and wells has changed the quality of available water and soil. Lagoons were polluted.
Two National Parks, Yala and Bundala, were affected. As a result income from local and foreign visitors decreased and poaching increased significantly.