Phase Two of IDP Resettlement to begin next week

By Nizla Naizer

The second phase of IDP resettlement under the ‘Uthuru Vasanthaya’ programme will commence next week, Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rishard Badhuideen told The Bottom Line.
The resettlement of over 100 IDP families in the Silavanthurai area was to take place on Monday but was postponed due to the influx of IDPs from the ‘No Fire Zones’ to Government controlled areas. “Our priority is to take care of the civilians escaping the LTTE,” he explained, “But within the week, we will commence the next stage of resettlement.”
The first phase of resettlement saw over 120 IDP families resettled in the Musali area in Mannar where the 409 civilians were resettled in their former homes after it was determined that their houses were habitable. Meanwhile, Badhiudeen explained that the de-mining process would continue to ensure that the formerly conflict stricken areas would be safe for resettlement. “We are close to completely de-mining the Musali Divisional Secretariat in Mannar after which we will focus on other areas in Mannar, North Vavuniya and Mullativu.”
The ‘Uthuru Vasanthaya’ programme intends to resettle close to 2100 individuals belonging to 520 families in their former homes after which the Ministry intends to ensure their access to clean water, sanitation and communication facilities including Post Offices, cooperatives and schools. “We’ve currently constructed close to 10000 new homes and cleared hundreds of acres,” he informed, “And it has been done by State and NGO funding.” He added that despite the various international pledges, with or without the funding from the Donor Community, the Government will ensure that resettlement will continue.