Cablegate: Sri Lanka - Earthquake and Tsunamis: Usaid/Dart

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

270506Z Jun 05

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 07 COLOMBO 001119

SIPDIS

STATE ALSO PASS TO USAID
USAID/W FOR A/AID ANDREW NATSIOS, JBRAUSE
DCHA/OFDA KISAACS, GGOTTLIEB, MMARX, RTHAYER, BDEEMER
AID/W FOR DCHA/OFDA
DCHA/FFP FOR LAUREN LANDIS
DCHA DEPUTY ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR WILLIAM GARVELINK
ANE DEPUTY ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR MARK WARD
BANGKOK FOR OFDA SENIOR REGIONAL ADVISOR TOM DOLAN
KATHMANDU FOR OFDA REGIONAL ADVISOR WILLIAM BERGER
GENEVA FOR USAID KYLOH
ROME PASS FODAG
NSC FOR MELINE
CDR USPACOM FOR J3/J4/POLAD
USEU PASS USEC

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID AEMR PREL PGOV CE
SUBJECT: SRI LANKA - EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMIS: USAID/DART
SITREP #26 - Assessment of OFDA Funded Programs in Southern
Districts

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Summary
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1. The USAID/Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance
(OFDA) Program Officer, USAID/Colombo Humanitarian Assistance
Program Manager (HAPM) and USAID/Colombo Development Outreach
and Communications Officer (DOC) traveled to Galle and Matara
districts from June 13 through 15 to monitor USAID/OFDA-funded
programs and review the progress of tsunami recovery efforts.
During the visit, USAID staff met with representatives from
Sarvodaya, Christian Children's Fund (CCF), GOAL, the
International Organization for Migration (IOM), Community
Habitat and Finance (CHF) and the Arthacharya Foundation.
USAID/OFDA cash for work initiatives and micro-credit programs
are reaching households in tsunami-affected areas and appear
to be having a positive impact while shelter programs are
making steady progress on the construction of transitional
shelters on the southern coast. Partners operating on the
southern coast are well into their respective programs and are
on track to meeting all program objectives by the end of
September. End summary.

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Sarvodaya - Galle - Water/Sanitation and Cash for Work
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2. USAID/OFDA provided $1.7 million to Sarvodaya to implement
a water and sanitation program in Galle, Hambantota and
Ampara. The USAID team visited a site in Paraliya village,
Hikkaduwa division, Galle District where Sarvodaya is
constructing new latrines and rehabilitating old latrines.
Note: Paraliya village is the site of the now infamous tsunami
train wreck that killed over 1,000 people.

3. Hikkaduwa was the hardest hit division in Galle district.
To date in Galle district alone Sarvodaya has built a total of
419 out of a planned 617 latrines, has repaired 20 out of a
planned 122 wells and has repaired 39 out of a planned 49
latrines. To date a total of 2,000 beneficiaries in Galle
district have benefited from this program out of a planned
total of 2,965.

4. Sarvodaya experienced delays in getting their program
started due to rainy conditions and the increasing prices for
sand. With several water and sanitation programs being
implemented throughout the country, the cost of sand has
increased considerably, in some areas almost doubling in
price. As a result Sarvodaya has had to slightly reduce
unskilled labor wages in order to compensate for the increase
in sand prices. Sarvodaya is presently on track to complete
their program by 15 September. Note: The USAID team noticed
several permanent shelters being constructed in Paraliya.
Beneficiaries we talked to say their permanent shelters were
provided by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP and/or People's
Liberation Front). The USAID team inquired as to what the
process is for residents to qualify for a permanent shelter
from the JVP since it was clear not everyone in the community
was being assisted. The team was told that community members
provided district representatives with the names of those most
in need and those names were given to the JVP. As far as the
USAID team could tell, there was no coherent process being
followed by the JVP to select beneficiaries for permanent
shelter assistance.

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Community Habitat and Finance (CHF) - Galle - Transitional
Shelter, Water and Sanitation and Cash for Work
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5. According to U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
3,289 of the 6,534 required temporary housing units in Galle
have been completed as of June 2 with another 1,325 currently
under construction. Although significant progress is being
made in the construction of transitional shelters, UNHCR
estimates that 20%-30% of shelters in the "completed" category
are sub-standard or built on inappropriate sites. As a result
many shelters that have already been constructed need to be
"upgraded". The Transitional Accommodation Programme (TAP) is
planning to assess transitional shelters across the island and
will identify all sub-standard shelters requiring upgrading.

6. USAID/OFDA provided $2.0 million to CHF for the
construction of transitional shelters, repair of homes,
construction of latrines and cash for work in Galle and Matara
Districts. CHF has completed approximately 800 shelters in
Galle and Matara Districts out of a total of 1,500 planned.
The CHF representative noted that initially CHF planned to
construct 3,000 transitional shelters; however, initial
assessments conducted days after the tsunami over-estimated
the number of those residents who lost their homes by almost
50 percent.

7. With the cost savings in their grant CHF is upgrading
shelters in accordance with the transitional shelter strategy
(TSS) developed by UNHCR and adopted by the GOSL. The TSS is
based, in part on UN and Sphere Project guidelines for shelter
sector activity. A Transitional Accommodation Programme (TAP)
was then created by the GOSL to further guide shelter sector
activities. At a minimum the GOSL has requested that all
transitional shelters be about 200sq ft, provide security and
privacy, thermal comfort and adequate living conditions to
carry out normal household duties and re-establish
livelihoods. In addition, adequate water and sanitation,
garbage disposal, and basic electricity should be provided.
CHF is upgrading their temporary shelters by adding kitchen
verandas to their shelters and where family size exceeds 5,
are doubling the size of the shelters. CHF is also adding
plywood to the sides of its transitional shelters instead of
just plastic sheeting.

8. In addition to providing transitional shelter CHF is
implementing quick impact projects through two local partners
- Arthacharya and Project Galle. Quick impact projects range
from the construction of latrines, clearing existing drainage
systems, digging new systems, road rehabilitation, and bridge
repairs to the distribution of household goods such as lamps,
kitchen utensils and chairs. In Galle, the USAID team visited
a camp where Project Galle volunteers and CHF cash for work
workers were building a drainage system to prevent flooding in
the camp. Upgrades to shelters in this camp were planned
through the addition of gutters. CHF local partners are also
providing training to beneficiaries on solid waste management
and compost making. Currently 50% of CHF's quick impact
projects are for livelihoods support primarily through cash
for work projects.

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Arthacharya - Galle - Micro-Credit
---------------------------------

9. Nathan Associates, Inc. received $10 million from
USAID/OFDA for post-tsunami recovery programs in Sri Lanka.
One of the principal components of their program seeks to help
tsunami-affected individuals and families regain livelihoods

SIPDIS
that were either lost of negatively-affected by the disaster.
During the visit to the southern districts, USAID staff
visited the Arthacharya Foundation, a local NGO that has
partnered with Nathan Associates to provide micro-credits to
tsunami-affected persons.

SIPDIS

10. To date Arthacharya has disbursed a total of 2 million RS
in loans and grants to 50 families through its community based
organizations (CBO). Loans have been used to start a number
of small businesses such as sewing, coir weaving, wood
carving, fishing, food stands, small boutiques, and painting.
The loans range in value from 15,000 RS to 22,500 RS and are
disbursed to recipients in two installments. The first
installment is up to 7,500 RS and then based on the
beneficiary's pay back history they can qualify for a second
installment of up to 15,000 RS. Loans are currently being
paid back by the beneficiaries with 4 percent interest.

11. As part of the vetting process, each beneficiary has to
meet a set of conditions set by Arthacharya to ensure due
diligence on the part of the beneficiary in managing and
paying back their loans. Loan beneficiaries are monitored by
Arthacharya on a regular basis to ensure they are adhering to
the criteria set forth. Criteria include things such as:
beneficiaries must have 30 percent of loan value in reserve
prior to receiving the loan; attend weekly and monthly
meetings; should have no other outstanding loan debt; must
make loan payments on time; and adhere to a mandatory
composting and solid waste management requirement. The USAID
team thought this was an interesting requirement and asked why
this was necessary. Arthacharya informed the USAID team that
they were trying to teach their beneficiaries respect for the
environment which would hopefully translate into
environmentally friendly businesses. Additionally, a side
benefit of the mandatory composting is beneficiaries can sell
the compost on the local market or to Arthacharya for a small
profit.

12. The USAID team interviewed two families in the village of
Mahamodara who received Arthcharya loans to help them in the
fishing industry. Hansini, the mother in the first family
explained that three of her husband's four boats, along with
all but two of their nets, were destroyed in the tsunami. With
a 30,000 RS (approximately 300 USD) loan, the family purchased
two nets, doubling their earning power to a net of 2-3 USD a
day after expenses such as paying the crew, depending on the
catch. The small fish they trap in their nets fetches 2.5 USD
per kilo. Once their loan is repaid, the family plans to
purchase three more nets. One boat can use as many as 10
nets.

13. The second family the team met was Chandra and Indrani,
husband-and-wife fish sellers. With a 20,000 RS (approximately
200 USD) loan, they purchased a new bicycle, scale, and knife
to replace equipment lost in the tsunami. Chandra rises daily
at 4 a.m. to purchase 25 kg. of fish off the boats. At 7:30 he
sets off and pedals 12 km to make deliveries to regular
customers. He had not worked since the tsunami without the
bicycle, but today nets approximately 3 USD per day. His wish
once the loan is repaid is to receive a consumer loan that
would allow him to purchase a motorbike to access more
customers. Indrani said her role in the partnership is to make
sure they save enough money to meet the monthly loan payments.

14. The USAID team was impressed with the level of program
monitoring Arthacharya had in place for its micro-credit
loans. Monitoring appeared to be taking place at several
levels with all levels feeding back to Arthacharya. Field
monitors in each community conduct monitoring visits once a
week, sometimes even conducting "surprise" visits to the
beneficiary's place of business. Field monitors then report
any problems and/or successes back to the board of directors
for CBO. The CBO then reports to Arthacharya. It is the board
of directors for each CBO who determines who qualifies for a
loan and who does not. In addition to the field visits,
monthly meetings are held between the beneficiaries and
Arthacharya to discuss their programs. Meetings are also held
between Arthacharya and the Committee for Loans and Recovery
on the 15th and 30th of every month.

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IOM - Matara - Transitional Shelter and Livelihoods
Restoration
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15. USAID/OFDA provided $500,000 towards IOM's international
tsunami appeal for emergency relief supplies, psychological

SIPDIS
and social support, emergency shelter and livelihoods
restoration. In Matara IOM has provided 352 transitional
shelters and continues to provide emergency relief supplies on
a small scale based on special needs and/or gaps. The USAID
team visited a transitional shelter camp built by IOM that
appeared to be below the TSS requirements. The IOM
representative informed the USAID team that residents in this
camp would be moved shortly to a transitional shelter camp,
with larger shelters built on land provided by the government.

16. On June 14, the USAID team attended an IOM tool
distribution for tsunami-affected carpenters in Matara
District. The tool kits distributed by IOM included hand
saws, an electric drill, drill bits, chisels, hammers,
measuring tape, an angle grinder, a vise grip, as well as
other items. Other small business tools being distributed that
day included a bike, cooking supplies and shoe making
supplies.

17. In Matara District, with USAID/OFDA support, IOM is also
assisting women in six camps by providing two sewing machines
per camp as well as cutting tables, materials, and thread.
The USAID team attended a workshop where women were receiving
training in small business management, marketing, and
financial management of small businesses to help them more
effectively market and sell their goods. Workshops are also
held to assist women in upgrading their sewing skills. Sewers
receive a manual machine, materials and skills and business
management training. All beneficiaries attend an information
training session when they receive equipment through IOM to
ensure that recipients understand that these goods are to
benefit their families' incomes and should not be sold.

18. The USAID team visited one of the IOM beneficiaries, a
seamstress, who had been provided a sewing machine and sewing
materials through IOM. She showed the team several items she
had made that were ready to be taken to market to be sold.
Items she had made included mosquito nets, blankets, pillow
covers and shoulder bags. Another IOM beneficiary visited by
the USAID team was a shoemaker. He, his father and brother
lost their shoe business through the tsunami and had been
provided the tools and materials to make shoes through IOM.
At the time of the visit there were several pairs of shoes on
the floor of the beneficiary's house, which was also doubling
as his workshop, waiting to go to market.

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Christian Childrens Fund (CCF) - Matara - Psychological and
Social and Protection Support
--------------------------------------------- -----------

19. USAID/OFDA provided $798,243 to CCF for psychological and
social support through child-friendly spaces where games and
activities are designed to help tsunami-affected children with
emotional recovery. On June 14, the USAID team visited a
transitional shelter camp where CCF is reducing child
vulnerability and promoting the recovery and functioning of
children, youth, parents and communities through community
based psychological and social and protection support. In the
camp built and run by IOM, CCF has set up a camp care
committee. The camp care committees are made up of camp
residents, with all committees being 50 percent men and 50
percent women. These committees speak on behalf of all camp
residents.

20. The USAID team was able to participate in one of the
committee meetings during which camp residents raised
concerns, made suggestions and provided feedback on services
being provided to them. Concerns were raised on camp
security, and transportation for kids to get to and from
school - residents asked that transportation be provided for
their children instead of them having to take public
transportation. Parents felt the distance their children had
to travel to school was too far. Some residents asked they be
given gas cooking stoves instead of the kerosene stoves they
currently have. Residents complained that the kerosene stoves
made the camp smell and were not as easy to use as the gas
stoves. Residents also inquired about bikes that had been
promised to them, but that had still not been delivered.

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Matara District - GOAL - Transitional Shelter and Livelihoods
Restoration
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21. USAID/OFDA provided $1,280,423 million to GOAL for the
construction of transitional houses, repair of homes, and
construction of latrines in Hambantota, Ampara, and Matara
Districts. On June 14, the USAID team met with several GOAL
representatives in Matara District to discuss GOAL's
USAID/OFDA-funded transitional shelter program and livelihoods
restoration program. The GOAL representative stated that the
organization initially did not intend to build transitional
shelters in Matara District as the area was adequately covered
by other NGOs; however, many NGOs were unable to fulfill their
previous commitments, and GOAL started building shelters in
Matara District in March. As of the USAID visit GOAL had
completed a total of 134 transitional shelters in Matara, but
plans to complete approximately 250 shelters total in Matara
District.

22. The USAID team visited a site where GOAL had provided
transitional shelters on beneficiaries own land. Some
residents constructed the shelters on the foundation of their
old houses, while others constructed them next to the old
foundation depending on their reconstruction plans. This
situation, in which residents are able to rebuild on their own
land, is an ideal situation for transitional shelter. Because
beneficiaries are already on their own land, they can
immediately begin the process of transforming and making
investments in their shelter, integrating the transitional
shelter into their permanent structure. GOAL noted that the
allocation of land for transitional shelters is a significant
problem, and the organization has encountered many problems
obtaining land from the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL).

23. In March, when GOAL began constructing the structures,
housing standards required a total cost of $300 per shelter
but that standard has since increased to $400 a shelter. As a
result, GOAL is now retrofitting the shelters with separate
kitchens. The GOAL representative reported that since USD 400
is now the limit for the cost of shelters, after all
transitional shelters have been constructed, as a separate
project (not with USAID/OFDA funding) GOAL will revisit
previously constructed transitional shelters and install
kitchens and electrical wiring.

24. In addition to transitional shelter GOAL is implementing
a livelihoods restoration project in Matara. The USAID team
observed several paddy fields in Matara that GOAL, through
their cash for work program, had restored. Through this
initiative GOAL cleared acres of fields destroyed by the
tsunami and created productive paddy fields. GOAL brought

SIPDIS
together community members, most of who own a piece of the
field, to clear the land, prepare the soil and sow the field.
In a few months time the fields will be harvested and the rice
kept for household consumption or sold for profit. GOAL also
created an irrigation system throughout the field to help with
proper drainage, and cleaned out the existing drainage system
of standing debris in order to reduce the risk of water borne
diseases. The GOAL representative noted that one of the
unintended benefits of this initiative is the reduction in
mosquito breeding and dengue fever in the area. The USAID
team was impressed with the work GOAL had done and was happy
with the sustainability factor of the project.

LUNSTEAD

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