Post Disaster Housing Coordination Project (Completed)

Background and Objectives

The primary focus of the project is to support the Government Agents (GAs) and RADA to achieve the completion of a coordinated tsunami housing programme. The project will provide district level technical support to the GAs and support for the development of a National Housing Policy, which will integrate tsunami housing issues. The third year post-tsunami activity will involve the completion of approximately 50,000 houses. This will involve many of the more complex housing issues, including the integration of infrastructure and quality related issues, and specifically, housing solutions in some of the most challenging geographic areas - due to the conflict and extreme land shortage.

Activities

The approach adopted, has been to develop close working relationships with RADA and other key ministries responsible for the provision of tsunami housing, as well as the GAs, other district based staff and all key development partners engaged in funding or the provision of tsunami housing.

* District Housing Profiles were developed by the team and made available in January 2007. These will be developed further and updated as issues occur. These 'Profiles' will bring clarity on four key counts:
* Greater understanding of the volume/number of houses required (a database will be maintained),
* A clear statement of core tsunami housing issues faced by each district (including analysis of co-financing availability),
* A clear analysis of the infrastructure related challenges and
* A clear explanation of emerging quality issues and recommended remedial actions.

Results (2008)

Coordination was always to be a major challenge with the unprecedented response of aid agencies rushing into Sri Lanka. UN-HABITAT immediately advocated for a coherent coordination structure for the rebuilding of houses and communities.

The Post Disaster Housing Coordination Project was established after a considerable delay in raising funds for the project. However the project, in partnership with key government agencies, quickly developed structures to improve coordination in the tsunami-affected areas and in Colombo.

The project produced improved and reliable data on the housing needs and progress being made, and improved communication within implementing agencies and between them and the government agencies.