German Technical Co-operation (GTZ) of the German Federal Government with the funding of World Vision-German inaugurated the first phase of handing over fishing boats, engines and fishing nets and related materials to tsunami affected fishermen of four villages in the Muttur east in Trincomalee at an event held at Kadatkaraichchenai Thursday. Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) is the implementing partner. The TRO Trincomalee District Secretariat organized the event.

Beneficiaries from four villages Kadatkaraichchenai, Soodaikuda, Navalady and Cheenanveli attended the event.

Fifty boats, 50 engines and 71 fishing nets valued at about 24 million rupees are to be handed over to beneficiaries under the "Livelihood Assistance Programme for Tsunami Affected Fisher Families" on a revolving fund scheme, Mr. Devanesan Croos, GTZ Tsunami Programme Co-ordinator said.

Each beneficiary is to repay fifty percent of the cost of these boats, engines and nets to their respective fisheries co-operative societies, which in turn would distribute the money to provide livelihood assistance to other needy persons, Mr. Devanesan Croos further said.

Mr.Croos of GTZ said the main objective of the project would not end with supplying boats, engines and nets to affected beneficiaries but to work to raise their living standard by developing their economy.

As a first phase eight boats with engines and seventy-one fishing nets were handed over to beneficiaries at the inaugural event.

Mr.S.Vijekumar, TRO Trincomalee District Director, Mr.Croos of GTZ, Mr.Kumarakuruparan, District Deputy Director and other guests handed over the boats, engines and fishing nets to beneficiaries.

Mr.S.Elilan, LTTE Trincomalee district political head was the chief guest. He commended the non-governmental organizations for implementing several development and rehabilitation projects in Muttur east villages. He blamed Sri Lankan government agencies for completely ignoring their responsibilities.

Mr.Elilan thanked the TRO with the support of the GTZ for implementing the project for the affected fishermen of the Muttur east at a time when they needed assistance to rehabilitate their destroyed livelihood after war and tsunami.

The affected families in this region are continuing their day-to-day life with great difficulties. NGOs have constructed temporary huts. However, no proper action has been taken to construct permanent houses by the government or by NGOs not only in the LTTE held areas but also in the government controlled areas, Mr.Elilan said.

Mr.C.Kumarakuruparan, TRO district Deputy Director, Mr.Jeha and Mr.M. Krishnapillai, President of the Muttur Division Fisheries Co-operative Societies' Federation also spoke.

Mr.Ravi, TRO Muttur Division Co-ordinator presided. Mr.S.Sharmilan, TRO's Trincomalee Fisheries development Officer and Mr.S.Singanayagam of GTZ also participated.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed