Sri Lanka: Rehabilitation of schools and housing for returning refugees in Jaffna

Since 1983, Sri Lanka has suffered a civil war which has killed thousands and displaced more than 530, 000 people, mainly Tamils. Significant proportions of housing have been destroyed or damaged or are deteriorating due to disuse and lack of maintenance. This report describes a reconstruction project in Jaffna. The main activities are rehabilitation of the drinking water supply, rehabilitation and reconstruction of schools, reconstruction of housing, procuring and distributing materials, and promoting small-scale enterprises. The method, planning, and implementation of the schools and housing components are detailed. Some programmes are combined, such as using small-scale enterprises for the production of roofing elements.