community spirit: rebuilding community infrastructure in the north and east of sri lanka

8/20/2019 Community Spirit: Rebuilding Community Infrastructure in the North and East of Sri Lanka

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Rebuilding Community Infrastructurein the North and East of Sri Lanka

Fromthe People of Japan

Swiss Agency for Development

and Cooperation SDC


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COMMUNITYSPIRIT

Rebuilding Community Infrastructurein the North and East of Sri Lanka


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DISCLAIMER

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on thepart of the secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authorities, or concerning

the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries regarding its economic system or degree of development. Excerpts may be reproduced without

authorization, on condition that the source is indicated. Views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the

United Nations Human Settlements Programme, the United Nations and its member states or those of the Government of Japan,

European Union, Government of Australia or the Government of Switzerland.

Copyright © United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) 2015

All rights reserved

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

P.O. Box 30030 00100 Nairobi KENYATel: 254-020-7623120 (Central Office)

www.unhabitat.org

HS: HS/058/15E

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Contributors: Tim McNair, Charmalee Jayasinghe, Keiko Matsuo, I. A. Hameed, Aziza Usoof, Piyal Ganepola, Zuhair Kariapper,

Sivanesanathan Rajeev, Shamir Shalih, Mohammad Rahmathullah, T. Theepavathana, M. N. M. M. Nusry,

A. Rafeek, M. M. M. Ansari, J. Kandeepan, A. C. M. Safeer, K. Srikanthan, G. Sivarewathy, S. H. A. Anas, S. Gnanaratna,

N. Kathirmanirajan, S. Prashath, T. M. Majith, A. Visvalingam, T. Suthansugendra, Emma-Liisa Hannula, M.M. Ibnu YaseerSwiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (Colombo and Jaffna Offices).

Editors : Charmalee Jayasinghe, Tim McNair, Aziza Usoof, Piyal Ganepola

Design and layout: Charmalee Jayasinghe, Nipuna Kumbalathara, A&D Advertising

Printer: Gunaratne Offset (Pvt) Ltd


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This book is dedicated

to all communities in

the North and East of

Sri Lanka, in recognition

of their resilience

and commitment torebuilding their villages

following three decades

of conflict.


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Foreword 2

Donor Messages 3

Introduction 7

The Road Less Travelled 17

Creating Indoor Community Spaces 29

Building a Brighter Tomorrow 41

Water for Life 57

Improving Health and Hygiene 71

Contents


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Over the past four years in the North and East ofSri Lanka, the United Nations Human SettlementsProgramme (UN-Habitat) has supported conflictaffected communities to reconstruct vitalinfrastructure facilities. The programmes have beenimplemented to supplement the agency’s housingreconstruction projects, supporting over 31,000families to rebuild their conflict damaged homes.

This publication, entitled “Community Spirit”, focuseson the provision of community infrastructure and

the resultant impact on beneficiaries’ lives. Througha series of photographs taken by UN-Habitat staffmembers from 2011-2015, the book documentsthe key achievements and outputs of the projectsimplemented in over 250 villages.

Most importantly, the book documents stories ofcommunity spirit, determination and recovery froma cross-section of communities who have been

instrumental in rebuilding their villages througha people’s participatory process. UN-Habitat isgrateful to our funding partners - the Governmentof Japan, European Union, Government of Australia,Government of Switzerland and the Coca-ColaFoundation, who made this programme possible,with a total contribution towards communityinfrastructure of more thanUS$ 9,000,000.

The support provided by the Government of Sri Lanka

at the central, district and local government levelswas a vital factor in the success of this programme.

Dr. Joan Clos

United Nations Under-Secretary General andExecutive Director, UN-Habitat -United Nations Human Settlements Programme

Foreword


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I am honoured to mark this publication by UN-Habitatentitled “Community Spirit: Rebuilding CommunityInfrastructure in the North and East of Sri Lanka”which illustrates UN-Habitat’s efforts in rebuildingcommunity infrastructure facilities in the Northern andEastern Provinces.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relationship in1952, Japan has been a committed partner inSri Lanka’s socio-economic development andamong diverse areas of support, provided relief

and reconstruction assistance for conflict affectedcommunities and those affected by natural disasters.

From March 2013, the Government of Japan haspartnered with UN-Habitat and the Government ofSri Lanka by funding the construction of infrastructurefacilities in Sri Lanka’s conflict affected districts.To date, this programme has been implemented inover 200 communities in the districts of Mullaitivu,Kilinochchi, Mannar and Batticaloa.

By March 2016, the Government of Japan will havesupported more than 340,000 people with access toimproved community infrastructure facilities througha total grant of 722,000,000 Japanese Yen(US$ 7,268,000). These facilities include53 preschools, 74 community centers, 130 Km of

internal roads, 20 Km of storm water drainagesystems,138 rain water harvesting systems in publicbuildings and the planting of 200,000 trees. Thispublication beautifully illustrates the resilience andspirit of solidarity among communities to rebuild theirvillages following years of conflict and displacement.

In addition to the post conflict communityinfrastructure programme, the Government of Japan iscontinuing its partnership with UN-Habitat by funding507,000,000 Japanese Yen (US$ 4,198,500) to

improve the learning environment in Mannar District.This project will run to 2017.

These are wonderful examples of what bilateralassistance and UN programmes can together achieve.The Government of Japan highly values its specialpartnership with UN-Habitat, the Government ofSri Lanka and the community members and remainscommitted to supporting the Sri Lankan peoplethrough its post conflict recovery programme.

H.E. Kenichi Suganuma

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japanto Sri Lanka

Message from the Government of Japan


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UN-Habitat’s publication “Community Spirit: Rebuilding

Community Infrastructure in the North and East ofSri Lanka” is a tribute to conflict-affected communities’resilience and determination for improvement. Thesepeople have relentlessly worked with their own handsto reconstruct their lost assets in spite of multipleadversities. Moreover, it captures the communities’ pride,effort and sense of ownership in rebuilding not only theirhouses and villages but more importantly, their lives.

The European Union (EU) has been supporting Sri Lankato recover from both the tsunami and conflict. Since

2005 it has provided EUR 760 million of which overEUR 50 million in grants to housing reconstructionand more than EUR 500 million in grants for livelihoodsupport, social and economic infrastructure.

During the past five years, the United Nations HumanSettlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has been a trustedpartner of the EU, having implemented two flagshippost-conflict reconstruction programmes in the Northand East of the country. Implemented with fundingfrom the EU, the Government of Australia and the Swiss

Government, these programmes constitute not onlyexamples of successful donor partnerships, but also ofhow owner-driven reconstruction continues to be a mosteffective approach to ensuring communities’ control overtheir development process. Over 9,000 families, morethan 36,000 people, have benefited in the districts ofKilinochchi, Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Batticaloa.

To ensure holistic village development, it also supported

the construction of community infrastructure facilities inover 90 villages. These infrastructure facilities includedpreschools, community centres and water supply schemesas well as internal roads and culverts. These have greatlyhelped the returnee communities to return to somesort of normalcy. The programmes were implementedby UN-Habitat and the Swiss Agency for Developmentand Cooperation (SDC), working in partnership withthe Government of Sri Lanka. Importantly, all partiesworked with the local communities so that they lead thereconstruction process.

The European Union has provided EUR 24 million forthe housing and infrastructure components of the post-conflict reconstruction projects implemented byUN-Habitat and SDC in these two programmes.

The EU celebrates the outcomes attained by itsimplementing partners. We thank everyone who madethese programmes a success: our joint donor partners,the central, district and local Government authoritiesof Sri Lanka who provided their unstinted support and,

above all, the beneficiaries who have put in their sweat,savings and soul to turn our aid into their homes.

H.E. David Daly

Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka

and the Maldives

Message from the European Union


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At the end of the civil conflict in Sri Lanka, Australia

wanted to make a practical contribution toreconstruction where it was most needed.We knew that many families had lost their homesand we found the means to help them rebuildthrough a partnership with the Government ofSri Lanka, the European Union (EU), the SwissAgency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) andthe United Nations Human Settlements Programme(UN-Habitat). Australia is proud to have been acontributor to the development programme that is

the subject of this photobook.The families who participated in this developmentprogramme have led their own recovery process.The design and construction of every house was ledby homeowners in collaboration with trade experts.The design and construction of other infrastructuresuch as preschools was led by the communitieswho now maintain and use these facilities. Thisengagement of beneficiaries as participants has beenthe key to the overall success of this programme.

In my visits to sites where families have rebuilttheir homes, livelihoods and communities, I have

been impressed and heartened by the impact of the

programme on the lives of beneficiaries and on theircommunities. It has been clear to me that the roads,preschools, community centres, wells and watersupply schemes have made a real difference to dailylife and to the future of the beneficiaries.

I am both pleased and proud that Australia wasable to help families across the districts of Mannar,Mullaitivu, Killinochchi and Batticoloa to re-establishthemselves and to build a firm foundation for theirown lives and those of their children.

This photobook provides a clear picture of theresilience and determination of the communitiesin the North and East of Sri Lanka. It is symbolic ofthe enduring partnership between Australia, othermembers of the international community and thepeople of Sri Lanka.

H.E. Robyn Mudie

Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lankaand the Maldives

Message from the Government of Australia


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I warmly welcome the publication of “CommunitySpirit”, a pictorial testimony which documents theexcellent collaboration of Switzerland with the

Government of Sri Lanka and bilateral, multilateraland private partners, for the provision of communityinfrastructure to communities affected by the conflictin the North of Sri Lanka.

The durable resettlement of war affected returneesin their villages of origin is only possible when basichousehold and community infrastructure is established.Switzerland has been committed to support thedurable return of displaced communities in the Northby providing permanent housing and community

infrastructure. In this context, SDC and UN-Habitatshared an excellent cooperation for the successfulimplementation of the infrastructure reconstructionprogramme in parallel to the homeowner drivenhousing programme.

Switzerland’s support for the resettlement processin northern Sri Lanka is based on the three pillars ofhousing, infrastructure and livelihoods. SDC implementsthis concept in each village to encourage and facilitatemore communities to return to their places of origin.Within the infrastructure component, SDC focussesmainly on water, education and other communalfacilities which contribute to the rebuilding of acommunity and the spirit of its people. In the watercomponent, while the priority was to build wells andtanks, rainwater harvesting installations were also

set up in some schools and preschools as a secondarymeasure. Through the construction of communityhalls, SDC seeks to support community based income

generation sources and other associated benefits.The partnership between the United Nations HumanSettlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and SDC in theimplementation of the reconstruction programmeproved to be a perfect match. I personally appreciatethe photos in this book which bear a clear testimonyof the dedication and commitment of staff members ofUN-Habitat and SDC during the implementation of theproject.

The restoring of a collaborative community spirit is akey element which contributes to national reconciliationnot only in the North but in the whole country. Thedetermination and spirit of the communities in theNorth and East have been key factors that have led tothe success of this programme. Community membershave been the catalyst, working tirelessly to transformtheir villages from conflict damaged to thriving humansettlements.The photobook is a tribute to the communityspirit of these returnee families and their determinationto rebuild their villages and recover their livelihoodsfollowing years of displacement.

H.E. Dr. Heinz Walker-Nederkoorn

Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka

and the Maldives

Message from the Government of Switzerland


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Three decades of conflict ended in Sri Lanka in

May 2009, displacing over 450,000 people. The

subsequent loss of family assets and livelihoods

forced many people into poverty while thedamage to housing and community infrastructure

severely affected their living conditions.To rebuild

the conflict affected districts, the Government of

Sri Lanka focused its ‘Accelerated Rehabilitation

Programme’ on the reconstruction of major

infrastructure including main road networks,

irrigation systems and railways. Hence, investment

in small, community infrastructure facilities

remained inadequate. However, with the

resettlement of IDP families in their villages of

origin, it was crucial that community infrastructure

facilities were provided to make settlements

liveable and allow people to recommence their

normal lives and livelihood activities.

Recognising this urgent need, UN-Habitat began

supporting communities to construct small-scale

infrastructure facilities, in parallel to the

“homeowner driven” housing reconstruction

programme, which is assisting over 31,000

conflict affected families to rebuild their homes.The rebuilding of community infrastructure

together with housing support has contributed

towards the holistic development of conflict

affected villages.

The key objective of the infrastructure

reconstruction programme was to facilitate the

sustainable return of internally displaced, conflict

affected people through rehabilitation of

community infrastructure facilities. It also aimed

to generate employment opportunities andstabilize communities by enhancing local

governance capacity and linkages with the service

providers, which in turn contributed to the

sustainability of the new infrastructure facilities.

This programme brought together multiple donors

with the common objective of rebuilding

destroyed and damaged small-scale community

infrastructure. Funding was provided by the

Government of Japan, European Union,

Government of Australia, Government of

Switzerland and the Coca-Cola Foundation.

The programme supported communities to

rehabilitate and reconstruct small, yet vital,

community infrastructure facilities including

community centres, preschools, common wells,

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Rain

Water Harvesting facilities in schools and public

buildings, internal roads and storm water

drainage systems in over 300 villages. It also builtthe capacity of community leaders and members

of Community Based Organisations through

targeted training programmes.

The People’s Process methodology was initiated

to implement this programme, providing

community members the opportunity to decide on

the priority interventions for their villages through

Community Action Planning workshops.

Construction work was undertaken by village level

Community Based Organisations such as RuralDevelopment Societies, Women’s Rural

Development Societies and Farmer and Fisheries

Organisations in close collaboration with the

Government authorities who provided advice and

support.

The determination and spirit of the communities

in the North and East have been key factors that

have led to the success of this programme.

Community members have been the catalyst,

working tirelessly to transform their villages f rom

conflict damaged to thriving human settlements.

To date, the programme has succeeded in

constructing 65 preschools, 87 community centres

and 96 wells. It has also rehabilitated 165 Km of

internal roads and 20 Km of storm water

drainage, and provided over 2,300 school children

with improved access to water and sanitation

facilities. By its conclusion in 2016, this

programme is expected to benefit over 436,000

people.

This publication highlights a cross section of the

post conflict community infrastructure initiatives

implemented by UN-Habitat and SDC in the

districts of Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar and

Batticaloa, constructed in partnership with the

communities and the Government of Sri Lanka.

Introduction


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1 2

3

1 - Town centres in theNorth are now thrivingcommercial hubs.

2 - Rice paddy field inBatticaloa district.

3 - Rice cultivation is oneof the most importantagricultural activities in theNorth and East.


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Villages in theNorthern and EasternProvinces are slowlyreturning to normalafter three decadesof conflict anddestruction.


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Fishing is a major

livelihood activityin the Eastern andNorthern Provinces.Fishermen engagein both lagoon andsea fishing.


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Project Location

The infrastructure reconstruction programme is implemented in the North andEast of Sri Lanka in over 250 villages in the districts of Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi,Batticaloa and Mannar. The Divisional Secretariat divisions are shown below:

District DS Division

Kilinochchi Poonakary

Karachchi

Kandawalai

Pachchilaipalli

Mullaitivu Oddusudan

Maritimepattu

Puthukudiyrippu

Weli Oya

Thunukkai

Manthai East

Musali

Batticaloa

Mannar

Manmunai West

Eravurpattu

Manmunai South West


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The People’s Process

1

3

2

3 - Community Action Planning Workshop being held in Uyilankulam GN division inThunukkai DS division.

2 - Community Action Planning Workshop in Kokkilai East GN division ofMaritimepattu DS division.

1 - Distribution of teaching aides to the Thiresamma Preschool at Kokkuthuduvai South

GN division in Mullaitivu.


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1 - Inaugurationceremony of thePreschool Teachertraining in Mullaitivu.

2 - 4 - UN-Habitat staffprovided technicalassistance includingdesigning typeplans and advise onconstruction methodsand building materials.

1 2

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Active Participation by Community Members

1

2

3

1 - Voluntary clean upinitiatives by the community.

3 - Community monitoringmeeting in progress.

2 - Road rehabilitationwork in Kilinochchidistrict.


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2 3

1

1 & 2 - Voluntarycommunity clean upactivities in Mullaitivudistrict.

3 - Public meeting todiscuss project progressin Kavilan GN Division,Mullaitivu.


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Ceremonial Openings of Infrastructure Interventions

Ceremonial openings of:

1 - Malayalapuram internalroad.

2, 3 & 4 - SelvanagarPreschool, KatahliyarSamalankulam Preschooland VivekandanagarPreschool.

1

3 4

2


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The RoadLessTravelled:

Improving

Accessibility in

Villages


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Well maintained internal access roads are vital for the efficient functioning of

villages in rural Sri Lanka. Internal roads are used daily by residents to travel

to their workplaces, farms and schools and to visit towns and marketplaces tobuy and sell produce and access services. When internal roads are in a state of

disrepair communities are severely inconvenienced, particularly during the rainy

season as badly maintained roads flood and become impassable, cutting off

communities from the larger world.

During the conflict, much of the infrastructure in the Northern and Eastern

Provinces was destroyed or badly damaged. Internal access roads in villages

were in a state of disrepair as they had not been maintained.

When UN-Habitat and SDC commenced implementing housing and infrastructure

reconstruction projects for returnees in the North and East, many communities

identified rehabilitation of internal gravel roads as a priority need.

Through the Infrastructure Reconstruction Programme, 165 Km of roads have

been rehabilitated and repaired in 100 villages in the districts of Kilinochchi,

Mullaitivu, Mannar and Batticaloa. In keeping with the people’s participatory

process of implementation, the management of the road construction was

handed over to Community Based Organisations. Roads surfaced with gravel

rather than asphalt was the selected option due to low traffic densities. This

also eliminated the dependence on external technical resources for road

maintenance as the roads are maintained through “shramadana” (traditional

voluntary work) by the communities themselves.

Storm water drainage and annual flooding patterns were important

considerations when designing the roads, with culverts and side drains ensuringproper drainage. Building materials used included gravel, earth, rubble, cement

and sand, sourced locally where possible. Pre-cast concrete items including

Hume pipes were also procured from local concrete yards.

Improving Accessibility in Villages

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An internal roadin Karaveddyvillage, Batticaloadistrict, followingrehabilitation.

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Malayalapuram, a conflict-effected villageof 543 families, is located in Killinochchidistrict. Farming, animal husbandry and

daily wage labour are the main livelihoodsof its residents. During the final stages ofthe conflict in 2009, displaced familieswere relocated to Internally DisplacedPersons camps. Once the resettlementprocess began, people gradually began toreturn to the village. However, the initialperiod of resettlement proved challengingas the families tried to restart their liveswithout basic infrastructure facilities such as

housing, water supply and road networks.Established in 1983, MalayalapuramThriuvalluwar Street is a 1.32 Km stretch ofinternal access road linking Malayalapuramto Murukandi village. The road is used dailyby the residents as the main access road totravel to work, school, market places andfarmlands.

The road was in a state of disrepair as a

result of years of neglect during the conflict.In addition to large pot holes, it was proneto flooding during heavy rains due to lackof proper drainage and culverts. In addition,some residents had encroached onto theroad, thereby narrowing its width in somelocations.

The rehabilitation of the internal accessroad was one of the priorities identifiedby the residents at a Community Action

Planning Workshop. Following a rigorousselection process, work was handed overto a Community Based Organisation, theMalayalapuram North Rural DevelopmentSociety (RDS). A total grant amount ofLKR. 1,961,485 was allocated for theroad rehabilitation work and followingpreliminary planning, the rehabilitationwork commenced in October 2013. Skilledconstruction workers were hired and

materials purchased by the RDS withUN-Habitat’s technical guidance. Paymentswere provided in four instalments,released on the progress ofwork.

The Pradeshiya Sabha(Provincial Council)coordinated thedesign and approvalprocess for the

road, assistedin resolving theencroachment issuesby demarcating thecorrect boundaries andassumed ownership of the

road upon completion. Local Governmentofficials provided valuable support tothe RDS and Malayalapuram community

members contributed their own labourby clearing areas designated for roadexpansion.

With the rehabilitation of the road, over150 families have directly benefitedwhile hundreds of others use it to accessneighbouring villages.

New Road for Malayalapuram Village

We were very happy towork on the rehabilitationof this road. This initiative

has built the capacityof the RDS members to

implement projects through aparticipatory approach.

Mr. Nahenthiran,President, Malayalapuram

North RDS.

Timely assistance byUN-Habitat and the donors has

helped us access the neighbouringvillages, town centres and market

places more easily. It has also helped

to enhance cohesion in the villageand build the capacity of the RDS.

Mr. Chandrabalan,Grama Niladhari, Malayalapuram.

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Malayalapuram Roadafter rehabilitation: The road is nowregularly used forpedestrian andvehicular traffic.

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Malayalapuram Roadbefore rehabilitation: The road was overgrownand some parts were

encroached by theresidents, narrowing thewidth in some sections.


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Improving Accessibility in Karaveddy Village, Batticaloa

Karaveddy is a Grama Niladhari divisionwith 1,929 people, located in Batticaloadistrict. To improve accessibility in the

village, three internal gravel roads wererehabilitated by the community througha participatory process. The new internalroads are now providing improved access toseveral locations within the village.

From the 1990s to 2006, the Karaveddycommunity was displaced on multipleoccasions as a result of the conflict.Families had to move to safe locations,living for many years with host familiesand in Internally Displaced Persons Camps.In 2008, they resettled in the village andstarted to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.The majority of residents are engaged inagriculture while other livelihoods includefishing, livestock farming and casual wagelabour.

Despite receiving some infrastructuresupport, Karaveddy village needed further

assistance to improve their communityinfrastructure facilities. As a result of theconflict, the village also has a large numberof vulnerable residents, including 45 peoplewith disabilities and 107 female headedhouseholds.

At the Community Action PlanningWorkshop conducted by UN-Habitat, theKaraveddy community identified several

urgent needs including the rehabilitationand extension of internal access roads andthe renovation of storm water drainagesystems. The rehabilitation of three internalaccess roads were selected for priorityassistance.

Fisherman road, the main access road tothe irrigation tank, is used daily by theKaraveddy fishermen and was overgrownwith scrub jungle, reducing it to a narrowfootpath. Cemetery road had been almostabandoned, with little rehabilitation workundertaken apart from occasional voluntary“shramadana” activities undertaken by thecommunity.

In keeping with the participatory processof the project, the rehabilitation of theinternal road network was handed overto a Community Based Organisation, the

Mullamunai Rural Development Society(RDS). The RDS signed a communitycontract with UN-Habitat in August 2014 torehabilitate a total stretch of 1.775 Km ofgravel road with a grant of LKR. 4,809,000.

The RDS was responsible for hiring skilledconstruction workers and to purchasebuilding materials. The planning and

implementation of the project was driven bythe community while UN-Habitat providedtechnical assistance.

“Fishing is an important livelihood inKaraveddy. Many fishermen use theKaravettyaru tank for fishing. The internalroad linking the village to the tank is veryuseful for fishermen to transport their catchto the markets. Also, the Cemetery Road isnow wide enough for people and vehicles.As the surrounding area has been clearedof scrub jungle, we can use the road safely”Mr. S. Gobalakrishnan, the Grama NiladhariOfficer of Karaveddy stated.

This project has given us theopportunity to work with the

community and the Government.We now have a close bond with

the community.

Mr. Seelan,President, Mullamunai Rural

Development Society.

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The rehabilitated internalroad network in Karaveddyvillage, Batticaloa district, isused daily by the communitymembers.

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The Karaveddy Internal Road During the Construction Phase

Road construction work inprogress. Karaveddy GNDivision, Batticaloa district.

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Eralakulaminternal road underconstruction.

Turfing work alongsidethe road is in progress.Turfing ensures thatthe road is not erodedduring heavy rains.

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Eralakulaminternal roadin Batticaloadistrict is useddaily by thecommunities.

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CreatingIndoorCommunity

Spaces:ConstructingCommunity

Centres

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Community Centres are a vital indoor public space in villages. They are usedby community members to interact, hold meetings and important eventsand receive extended Government services. With the destruction caused by

the conflict, many common buildings were destroyed. As a result, eventswere held outdoors or in temporary buildings lacking basic facilities.

Since 2012, the post conflict reconstruction programme has assisted over 80villages to construct Community Centres in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannarand Batticaloa districts. UN-Habitat’s participatory People’s Process wasfollowed as the implementation methodology. The management of the

construction process was handed over to a Community Based Organisation.

The standard Community Centre design includes a large meeting hall, twooffice rooms for village administrative officers, toilets and a front verandahthat is used as a waiting area. Three designs were developed by UN-Habitatwith varying meeting hall sizes to suit the size of the community. Thecommunities and Government stakeholders were consulted in customizing

the designs to suit each village. Disaster risk reduction features wereincorporated into the construction to ensure resilience to extreme weatherevents such as high winds, heavy rains and flooding.

The new community buildings were also used to demonstrateenvironmentally friendly, alternative construction technologies. Communitymembers were trained to produce new building materials, thus opening up

new avenues for livelihoods. Wherever possible, building materials usedfor construction were sourced locally. Construction materials used includecement blocks and mud concrete blocks for walls, zinc-aluminium roofcladding and concrete door and window frames. Cost effective, eco-friendly

building methods included fair-faced wall construction which eliminates theneed for plaster. Two community centres were constructed using ‘Rat-Trap’walls. This method has saved nearly 20% of cement blocks normally used forsuch buildings. A roof top rainwater harvesting system was installed in each

building to utilise water in drought prone areas.

Demonstrating true community spirit, many community members have

provided their own in-kind contributions towards the reconstruction processby volunteering their time and energy for clean-up campaigns and tomonitor construction progress.

Constructing Community Centres


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Skilled masons have been trained by UN-Habitat so that the methodology can bereplicated elsewhere. Concrete door frames and window frames have been used tominimise the use of precious timber resources. Recycling of construction debris andreusing excess mortar have been adopted as good construction practices. The communityhas also provided in-kind contributions by engaging in site clearing and record keeping.

We didn’t have a proper place to hold massmeetings and attend to our administrative

work. Several Government field officersincluding the Grama Niladhari, DevelopmentOfficer, Samurdhi Development Officers andPublic Health Midwives have been working

in the village without a proper building

or facilities. We faced many difficulties,especially during the rainy season.We are grateful for this assistance.

Ms. Thasavaran,Grama Niladhari,

Thiruvaiyaru GN Division.

The Thiruvaiyaru Community Centre is now fully functional. Health Clinics areconducted three Saturdays per month and the Government Officers are available

for consultation 6 days per week, while community meetings and gatherings areconducted over the weekends. The Karachchi Divisional Secretariat is the localauthority responsible for maintenance and will ensure the building’s long termsustainability.

Miss. RathinamThamayanthy,Samurdhi Officerin her office atthe CommunityCentre.

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Meetings were held inthe partially damagedCommunity Centre buildingbefore the new CommunityCentre was built.


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Mahilavedduwan Community Centre:Environmentally Friendly Community Infrastructure in Batticaloa District

The multi-purpose Community Centre in

Mahilavedduwan Grama Niladhari divisionwas constructed in 2015. A unique featureof this building is the use of ‘Mud ConcreteBlocks’, a new eco-friendly building material,for wall construction.

Mahilavedduwan GN division is located inBatticaloa district in the Manmunai WestDivisional Secretariat Division. The primarylivelihood of the community is agriculture,with some residents engaged in animal

husbandry and fishing. The village has apopulation of 1,803 people consisting of 518families.

This GN division was affected by the threedecades of conflict, with significant damageand destruction to its infrastructure, economyand environment. Many families were forcedto move to town areas and live with hostfamilies or in Internally Displaced Personscamps to escape the fighting. When peopleresettled in the village in 2008, the lack ofbasic infrastructure facilities created seriousdifficulties. The GN is particularly vulnerableas it has 72 differently abled persons and 80female headed households.

The construction of a new Community Centre

was selected as the priority requirement bythe residents. As the village had no commonbuilding, meetings and events were heldoutdoors, most often under a tree, creatingnumerous difficulties particularly during themonsoon rains.

In keeping with UN-Habitat’s participatoryPeople’s Process, the construction of theCommunity Centre was handed over to aCommunity Based Organisation in the area,

the Mahilavedduwan Rural DevelopmentSociety (RDS). Commencing in September2014, a grant of LKR.2,948,800 wasprovided in several instalments, releasedon the achievement of milestones. The RDSwas responsible for the hiring of skilledconstruction workers and purchase of buildingmaterials with guidance from UN-Habitat.Planning and implementation was driven bythe community in close coordination with the

Government Officers and UN-Habitat. TheDivisional Secretary assisted the community toregularize the land ownership from the stateland reservation.

From the beginning of the project, thecommunity was consulted through

participatory planning exercises. Four type

plans were prepared by UN-Habitat with oneselected by the community which was thenmodified to suit their specific needs.

The Mahilavedduwan Community Centreconstruction work was completed in mid-2015. “This opportunity helped us to workmore cohesively with the community andwith the DS office and created abond between the RDS andthe community,” the

Secretary of the RuralDevelopment Societystated. The communitycentre is used by theGrama Niladhari andSamurdhi Officers toconduct their officialduties. The main hall isused for community meetingsand meetings with Government

officials and CBOs. Once a week, the centre isused by midwives to run health clinics for theresidents.

As this Community Centreis in a central location,residents from all four

villages of this GN divisionwill benefit.

Grama Niladhari Officer,Mahilavedduwan

GN Division.

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Mahilavedduwan CommunityCentre nearing completion.Members of the RDS andcommunity are monitoring theconstruction progress.


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Mahilavedduwan Community Centre - Rebuilding Community Centres in Batticaloa District

Mahilavedduwan CommunityCentre walls being constructedusing mud concrete blocks.

The community heldmeetings under treesas they had no indoor

public space.

1 2

43

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Environmentally Friendly Construction:Using Mud Concrete Blocks to Build Walls

An environmentally friendly technology

introduced by Moratuwa University, wasused to construct the MahilavedduwanCommunity Centre in Batticaloa. Trainingprogrammes have been conducted byUN-Habitat for local masons andbrick makers in collaboration with theUniversity researchers, who frequentlymonitor the production to ensure thequality and stability of the masonry work.

Mud concrete technology is both cost

effective and environmentally friendly.Having been subjected to rigorouslaboratory and field testing, it is provento be of very good strength with theability to withstand extreme weatherconditions. Mud concrete blockscan be manufactured at community/household level, using available graveland soil mixed with cement. As thecement proportion varies with the

soil composition, initial testing of soilis important to prepare high qualityblocks. However, the composition ofnative soil can be adjusted by addinggravel, sand or clay to reach the suitable

proportions. Curing of mud concrete

blocks is not necessary as the soil mixcontains sufficient water to harden thecement. This is an added advantage whenoperating in areas where water is scarce.After curing the blocks under a polythenesheet for about a week, they are ready tobe used to build walls. Placing the blockson a hard, level surface ensures a smoothface while mould oil or grease mixed withdiesel is applied to the mould to reducefriction when removing the block. Theresearchers have initiated the process ofobtaining a patent for the “Mud ConcreteBlock” from the National IntellectualProperty Office.

Buildings constructed of mud concreteblocks offer improved thermal comfortover those built using cement blocks orburnt bricks, with additional advantagesincluding reduced consumption of cement

and sand and the production of blocks byunskilled persons without the need for amachine. Walls are aesthetically pleasing,eliminating the need for costly plaster.

Production of mudconcrete blocks for wallconstruction.

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Innovative Technologies : Rat Trap Bond Technologies

Rat-trap construction

for Community Centres.

A “Rat-Trap Bond” is atype of masonry bond inwhich bricks are laid onedge (i.e. the height ofeach course in case of abrick size 230x110x75mm, will be 110 mm plus

mortar thickness) suchthat the ‘shinner’ and‘rowlock’ are visible onthe face of masonry.

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Building aBrighterTomorrow:

ConstructingEducation

Infrastructure

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Constructing Education


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Schools and preschools are vital in ensuring children are given the necessaryfoundation in life. As the conflict had damaged a large number of educationbuildings, many schools and preschools were housed in makeshift, temporary

structures with little or no facilities for children or teachers. Recognising the

urgent need for assistance in this sector, UN-Habitat and SDC supported theconstruction of preschools and schools in several districts in the NorthernProvince.

The post conflict reconstruction programme has supported over 60 villages

to rebuild preschools in the districts of Killinochchi, Mullaitivu and Mannar,providing facilities for over 1,200 children. Through a participatory processof reconstruction, the preschool buildings have been constructed byCommunity Based Organisations. These CBOs have worked tirelessly topurchase good quality building materials, hire skilled construction workers

and to monitor the progress of work while managing the finances.

Each preschool consists of a main school room, a teacher’s room, kitchen,and toilet facilities. Different designs to suit the student populations were

customized with the communities and teachers. Disaster risk reductionfeatures have been incorporated into the design and construction. Theseinclude roofs anchored to a reinforced concrete framed structure and

restraining plaster bands over clay tiled roofs to resist seasonal high winds.Plinth levels were raised, taking into consideration annual flood levels anddampness due to high ground water levels during monsoon rains. Alternativetechnologies and rainwater harvesting tanks have been incorporated intothe preschools, similar to those used in Community Centres. A playground

with equipment is located in the preschool yard.

In addition to providing the building and equipment, this programme hasalso contributed towards capacity building of preschool personnel. Througha partnership with Save the Children Japan, selected preschools have

been provided with specialist training, targeting teachers and preschoolmanagement committee members. This includes conducting a preschool

teacher diploma course, training on Child Friendly Teaching Methods andPreschool Management techniques. In addition to preschools, SDC hasrepaired and constructed primary and secondary schools in the North,providing over 1,200 school children with access to education facilities.

Constructing EducationInfrastructure

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A Brighter Future for Children in Selvanagar Village

The conflict affected the lives of over 800families in Selvanagar village in Kilinochchi.Most of the village infrastructure, including

housing and community assets had beendestroyed or badly damaged beyondrepair. The lack of access to basic servicesresulted in some of the families migratingto townships that had better infrastructurefacilities, particularly for children’s education.

As most of the families in the village wereconflict affected returnees lacking their ownfinancial resources, they were unable tosupport the construction of a new preschoolbuilding, resulting in lessons being conductedin a temporary building. This building alsodoubled as the village youth club andhad very basic facilities, consisting of onesmall classroom with little educational orplay equipment and no access to propersanitation facilities or a kitchen to preparethe children’s mid-day meals.

When the project commenced in Selvanagar,

the community members identified theconstruction of a preschool and a communitydrinking water well as priority needs ofthe village. Both these small scale, butvital, infrastructure activities were thenselected for funding. The construction of thepreschool was contracted to the Selvanagar

Rural Development Society and undertakenthrough a grant provided in four instalmentsbased on the achievemnet of milestones.

Skilled construction workers were hired andthe construction materials purchased by theRDS. Technical assistance on constructionactivities including the architectural designof the preschool, preparation of the bill ofquantities, advice on building materials andprocurement of skilled labour was providedby UN-Habitat, along with special trainingon sustainable construction and disaster riskreduction methods for the RDS and artisans.

The construction of the Selvanagar preschoolwas completed in September 2014 within 10months of commencing and includes a classroom, teachers’ room, kitchen and toilets.

Several environmentally friendly technologieshave been incorporated into the constructionof this building. Fair-faced blockwork hasbeen used to build the walls while pre-castconcrete door and window frames have beenused in place of timber frames, significantly

reducing the cost of construction. Severaleco-friendly construction practices such as re-using construction debris and proper storageof building materials has been practiced bythe RDS. Community members have beenactively involved in this intervention by

participating in “shramadana” campaigns toclear the area and back fill the foundation.The careful monitoring of the construction

work and bulk procurement of buildingmaterials by the members of the RDS hascontributed towards the timely completion.

The new preschool is now full of laughterand chatter of little children, with over 43children from Selvanagar in attendance. Thechildren and their parents are delighted tohave a brand new building with brightlypainted walls, furniture and play equipment.

We faced many difficulties in conductingpreschool activities due to the lack of space and

facilities. The children had to go home in the middleof lessons to use the toilet as the preschool building

had no sanitation facilities. Now the children aswell as the parents are very happy with the new

building. We are also very pleased with the separateteacher’s room and kitchen. Fresh and hygienic foodis prepared daily in the kitchen for all the children

while we use the teacher’s room to plan the lessonsand to keep our records and equipment safely. I amsure more pre-schoolers from neighbouring villages

will also join our preschool from next year.

Ms. Malliga, Preschool Teacher.

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The smallbuildingwhere thepreschool waspreviouslylocated.

Mr. Julian,SelvanagarRDS Secretary.

Before: 1 - The preschoolchildren in their temporarybuilding.

After: 2 - Newlyreconstructed preschoolclassroom. 21

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The bright and airyinterior space of theSelvanagar preschool inKillinochchi district.The children now havea brand new building,furniture and learningequipment.

46

T Pl I U d f S l P h l i Kili h hi


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Type Plan I : Used for Selvanagar Preschool in Kilinochchi

Concrete corbel

10'-6"

Valance Board(9"X1")

WallPlate(4"X3")

Reepers @ C.C 12"(2"X1")Reepers @ C.C 12"(2"X1")Rafters @ 2' 0" (4"X2")

Ridge Plate(7"X2")

Ridge Tile

Culicut TileRoof (27°5')

6"Ø Gutters

RunningHead

Rain Chain

6'-8"

17'-10"

SECTION -AA

9"x9" Beam

R.F Conc 1:2:4(34 ")

10'-6"

4"x 6"Lintol

SIDE ELEVATION - C

FRONT ELEVATION

Bench

4'-0"

1'-3"

CementGrill 1 0 ' - 0 "

1 0 ' - 0 "

1 0 ' - 0 "

4 ' - 0 "

D2

court yard

Sand pit

D3

4 ' - 0 "

5 ' - 0 "

A A

4 ' - 0 "

Bench

5 ' - 0 "

FG

CG CGFG

CG

CG

FG

CG

CG

Toilet area

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

CG2

D3

CG2

W2

kitchen

D1CG CGFG

Office

FG

CG

CG

FG

CG

CG

2 ' - 0 "

D2

D3

1 0 ' - 0 "

7 ' - 0 "

Ramp forwheelchairs (1:10)

▼+ 0'6"

▼+ 0'0"

▼+ 1'0"

3 ' - 8 "

9 ' - 0 "

▼+ 0'6"

▼+ 1'0"

▼+ 1'0"

2 ' - 6 "

CG1

FG

CG1

D4Exitto play area

D2

Bench

W1

C

6'-8"

2'-2"

PRESCHOOL AT SELVANAGAR -TYPE I

IMPROVING LIVING CONDITIONS IN RETURNEE AREAS OF SRI LANKA THROUGH HOUSING

DATE

20.08.2013

DRAWING NO

UNH/EU II/ PRS-01/01R

DONOR

DESIGNED BY

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Playtime atSelvanagar

preschool,Kilinochchi.


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49

Sivanagar Preschool, Mullaitivu District


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The Sivanagar preschoolwas housed in a temporarylocation as the communitylacked funds to construct apermanent building.

Children in the temporarybuilding while the permanentpreschool was beingconstructed in Sivanagar.

The abandonedpreschool inSivanagar village.

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Construction of theSivanagar preschoolin progress.

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Children proudly showcasetheir drawings in Sivanagarpreschool.

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Bright newsurroundings forchildren in the new

preschools.

Playtime is fun with newplayground equipment.

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Tharmapuram Preschool in Kilinochchi District


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Tharmapuram Preschool in Kilinochchi District

From temporary shelter topermanent building

Tharmapuram preschool in Killinochchi

district.

Before: 1 & 2 - The children were housed inthe temporary building.

After: 3 - The new Tharmapuram preschool.The new building can easily accommodateover 30 children.

1

3

2

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Plan Used for Vivegananthanagar Preschool in Kilinochchi


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g g

1 0 ' - 0 "

1 0 ' - 0 "

6 ' - 0 "

Court yard

Hall

A A

10'-6"

FRONT ELEVATIONSECTION -AA

14'-6"

6'-8"

Valance B oard(9"X1")

WallPlate(4"X3")

Reepers @ C.C 12"(2"X1")Reepers @ C.C 12"(2"X1")

Rafters @ 2' 0" (4"X2")

Ridge Plate(7"X2")

Culicut Tile Roof (27°5')

Ridge Tile

SIDE ELEVATION - C

6'-8"

2'-0"

1 0 ' - 0 "

1 0 ' - 0 "

6 ' - 0 "

10'-0" 14'-0"

Sand pit

D4

Exitto play area

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

FG

CG

CG

FG

CG

CG

CG CGFG

8 ' - 6 "

4'-0"

D2

D3

4'-0"

5 ' - 0 "

3 ' - 6 "

9'-0"

Toilet area

CG2

D3

CG2

W2

kitchen

D2

D3

7'-0"

Ramp forwheelchairs (1:10)

▼+ 0'6"

▼+ 1'0"

3 ' - 8 "

▼+ 1'0"

▼+ 0'0"

W1

W1

D1

D5 C

2'-0"

CG

IMPROVING LIVING CONDITIONS IN RETURNEE AREAS OF SRI LANKA

THROUGH HOUSING

PRESCHOOL AT VIVEGANANTHANAGAR WEST -

TYPE PLAN II

SCALE

8 '-0" TO

AN INCH

DONOR

DESIGNED BY

DATE

20-08-2013

DRAWING NO

UNH /EU 11/ PRS-01/01R

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Vivegananthanagar Preschoolin Kilinochchi District.

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Reconstruction and Repair of Schools


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SDC has provided access toeducation for around 1,200students with the construction of8 schools in the North.

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Water forLife:Establishing

Water SupplySchemes in

Villages


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Water is a precious resource in Sri Lanka’s dry zone. As most rural

areas are not connected to pipe borne water, families usuallyobtain water from available sources including wells, rivers andirrigation tanks. During the dry season, many water sources dry

up, compelling residents to travel long distances to collect potablewater.

Since 2011, the post conflict reconstruction programme hasprovided access to fresh water to communities through severalinitiatives. These include the construction of deep communitywells in villages where UN-Habitat and SDC are assisting families

to construct homes. These common wells are located in easilyaccessible locations where families can now obtain water fordrinking, cooking and washing needs. To date, 96 wells have beenconstructed.

Other key water supply assistance include the provision of over

250 rooftop rain water harvesting systems in houses and publicbuildings, ponds, mini water supply schemes in villages and schoolsand tube wells in areas where the water table is too low and dugwells are not a sustainable solution.

These initiatives have been constructed and installed with theparticipation of the community members. In keeping with the

participatory methodology, Community Based Organisations ineach village as well as Local Non-Govermental Organizations haveimplemented these projects with technical assistance fromUN-Habitat and SDC.

Establishing Water SupplySchemes in Villages

59

A tube well provides muchneeded fresh water to thecommunity in Musali DSDivision, Mannar district.


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Mini water supply systemthrough a tube well providesfresh water to the Tamil Mixed

School in Palaikuli.

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Common Wells


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The Northern and EasternProvinces experience adry season from April to

September. During thisperiod, when shallow wellsand streams dry up, familiesstruggle to find potablewater. By constructingdeep, dug wells in strategiclocations, all communitymembers have access tofresh water, even duringtimes of drought.

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Residents collecting fresh waterfrom the new common wellconstructed in Pauthichenai villagein Batticaloa district.


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Rain Water Harvesting Systems


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Rain water harvestingtanks have beeninstalled in schools inKilinochchi district.

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Typical Type Plan of a Common Well. Common Open Dug Well at Koppavely


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COMMON OPEN DUG WELL AT KOPPAVELY

IMPROVING LIVING CONDITIONS IN RETURNEE AREAS OF SRI LANKA THROUGH HOUSING

IMPLEMENTED BY FUNDED BY

DISTRICT: BATTICALOA

DS DIVISION: ERAVURPATTU

GN DIVISION: KOPPAVELY

DRAWN BY: K. THATHEESWARAN

CHECKED BY: S.RAJEEV

DRAWING BY: UN/BAT/IP/WELL/06

DATE: 03.09.2014

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New Community Well for Weligahakandiya Residents


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Weligahakandiya village, located in Batticaloa district, has apopulation of 57 families. Agriculture, fishing and daily wage labourare the main livelihoods of its residents. Farmers cultivate rice paddywith water from the Weligahakandiya and Panichaiyadithakulam

irrigation tanks while fishermen use the tanks to catch fish. Manyresidents undertake casual wage labour to make ends meet.

Obtaining fresh water was a serious issue in Weligahakandiya. Theresidents collected water from three small dug wells and two tubewells in several locations. However, these wells did not provide waterthroughout the year as they dry up during periods of drought.

Due to the intensification of the conflict from the 1990s to 2007,the Weligahakandiya residents were displaced on multiple occasions.In mid-2007, with the end of hostilities in the Eastern Province, the

families returned to their village. As the conflict had damaged housingand community infrastructure, they faced many challenges includingthe lack of permanent shelter, sanitation, electricity, fresh water andregular income.

As the community had no financial resources to improve infrastructure,they were unable to construct a well deep enough to obtain a yearround water supply, resulting in hardship during the dry season.

When the project commenced, the community members prioritisedthe need for water supply schemes. Funding was provided to build thecommunity well in a strategic location to benefit a maximum numberof families.

1 - Velliyar Mama.

2 - Small dug well usedby residents to collectwater.

3 - Weligahakandiyawell during construction.

1 2

3

68

The location was identified by thecommunity based on the availability of ahigh water table throughout the year The

The completed well is 8 feet in diameterand 27 feet deep and was constructedusing cement-sand blocks The CBO and


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high water table throughout the year. Theland was provided by one of the seniorresidents named Velliyar Mama and theEravurpattu Divisional Secretary assistedin regularizing the tenure. The construction

work was entrusted to a Community BasedOrganisation, the Rural DevelopmentSociety (RDS) of Koppavely. With a grant ofLKR.483,000, the RDS commenced workon the well construction in March 2014.Technical assistance was provided byUN-Habitat including the design of thewell, preparation of the bill of quantitiesand advice on selecting building materials.Skilled construction workers were hired by

the RDS to dig and construct the well.

using cement sand blocks. The CBO andthe masons were trained by the UN-Habitattechnical team on the incorporation ofstandard structural and safety componentsincluding reinforced column and apron

construction, casting tie beams every 5ft,3ft high external wall and rung ladderconstruction.

Construction was completed in January2015 and the Weligahakandiya residentsare now using the well for their daily waterneeds. A resident of the village stated “itis really useful to have this well close by.We use it daily to collect fresh water fordrinking and for other domestic chores.”

This is the first time our organisationmanaged the construction of a communitywell. We have learned good managementpractices through this project, includingobtaining competitive bids for building

materials and skilled labour. Carefulplanning and regular monitoring helped

us to complete the project within thespecified time period.

Mr. Arumugam, RDS President.

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SDC has facilitated access to waterfor more than 10,000 peoplethrough the construction or repairof private and common wells andponds in the North of Sri Lanka.

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Community well inSelvanagar village,

Kilinochchi.


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Access to sanitation facilities is vitally important in schools

and homes to ensure the health and wellbeing of school

children and families. Following the end of the conflict, lack

of finances had hindered many residents from constructing

suitable sanitation facilities.

Recognising the need to provide sustainable solutions for

sanitation and to improve health and hygiene of children

attending rural schools, UN-Habitat has initiated water,

sanitation and hygiene (WASH) projects including the

provision of sanitary toilets for families as part of the

housing programme and separate school toilet blocks andhand washing facilities for boys and girls.

With access to running water through roof top rain water

harvesting systems in schools, children now have the means

to wash their hands before and after meals and after using

the toilets, which has significantly improved their health.

Access to Sanitation Facilities

73

Promoting goodhygiene practices in

h l i ilii h i


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schools in Kiliinochcidistrict.

74

Establishing WASH Facilities in Schools


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Many schools in the conflict affected Northern Province had inadequate sanitary facilities as their toilets had been destroyed during theconflict. Sanitary toilets have been constructed for school children in Kilinochchi district in collaboration with the school authorities andNon Governmental Organisations.


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As a result of the protracted conflict in Sri Lanka, much of the infrastructure

in the North and East was either badly damaged or completely destroyed.

Upon their eventual return, internally displaced people possessed little

fi i l d th d i bl f


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financial and other resources and as a consequence, were incapable of

rebuilding the damaged facilities.

Implemented by UN-Habitat and the Swiss Agency for Development and

Cooperation (SDC), with funding from the Government of Japan,European Union, Government of Australia, Government of Switzerland and

the Coca-Cola Foundation, the post conflict reconstruction programme

contributed significantly towards the development of conflict

affected villages.

This book is a pictorial testimony of community recovery, highlighting the

resilience and spirit of the people in the North and East of Sri Lanka.

UN-Habitat Sri Lanka

202-204, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07

Tel: (94 – 11) 2580691

Fax: (94 -11) 2581116

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.unhabitat.lk

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

P.O. Box: 30030, GPO, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya

Tel: (254-20) 7621234 (Operator) / 7623120 (Information Services Section)

Fax: (254-20) 7624266 / 7624267E-mail: [email protected]

www.unhabitat.org

community spirit: rebuilding community infrastructure in the north and east of sri lanka

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