India implements the first phase of its housing project for Sri Lanka IDPs

The Indian government, clarifying the extent and scope of the housing project for construction of 50,000 houses in Northern Sri Lanka for the Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs), said the pilot phase of the project to build 1,000 houses has already begun.

While the bulk of the houses to be built under grant assistance from the Government of India will be mainly spread in the five districts of the Northern Province, it will also cover some areas of the Eastern and Central Provinces, a press release issued by the Indian High Commission in Colombo said today.

An Indian company, Hindustan Prefab Limited is entrusted to execute the pilot project.

"We hope to draw important lessons from this pilot phase for implementation of the larger project in the second phase, which will also commence soon," the High Commission said.

"The project, as conceptualized, involves meeting the housing needs of IDPs being resettled in these areas. Given the ground situation, it is envisaged that bulk of their housing needs will be met by construction of new dwelling units. However, the project will also cater to the needs of a smaller number of IDPs who may wish to have their damaged houses repaired," the release noted.

Indian government said that while the primary purpose of this project is the provision of shelter, it recognizes the potential that also exists for the creation of livelihoods as a result of this project.

As a result, the Indian agencies executing this project will make every effort necessary to source materials, labour and expertise locally, wherever available, in order to give a fillip to employment and economic activity in the region.

India made the offer to build the 50,000 houses for Sri Lanka's IDPs when Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa met India's Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh during his visit to India earlier this year.