Development of production infrastructure for better availability of and access to food

The ‘75 minor tank development programme’ which is implemented in cooperation with the Department of Agrarian Development aims at a significant increase of the local and household food security. To date 50 minor tanks are in various stages of development or were handed over to farmer’s organisation. The ‘75 minor tank development programme’ requires intensive  dialogue and cooperation with village communities and other stake holders. Cash-for-work and food-for-work/food-for-assets are combined.

380 houses plus toilets were constructed or repaired in villages along the road between Trincomalee town and Thiriay, predominantly for internally displaced families who had returned to their places of origin. IFSP had provided material and qualified labour for the construction of a house according to the standards of the National Housing Development Authority. Funding is from additional German budgets and from Sri Lankan development funds, DF. The cost of one house is Rs. 94,000 of which families contribute a minimum of Rs. 14,000. The ‘quick impact programme for returning IDPs’ is the largest resettlement project in Trincomalee district, with a very visible impact. It includes the reconstruction of the Agrarian Services Centre in Sampalthivu, the opening of land for cultivation and the rehabilitation of rural road networks .

The construction of rural roads and storm water drainage systems, the repair of irrigation channels and the establishing of structures as well as agro-wells facilitate better access to markets and contribute to an increased short-and medium term food availability. From 1998-2003 more than 260 km of rural roads were either repaired or newly constructed. 9 km of newly constructed storm water drainage channels in the coastal areas of Trincomalee prevent agricultural land and harvests from flooding. 43 km of irrigation channels have been cleaned for better water flow and management. More than 210 small and medium irrigation structures were constructed or rehabilitated (farm turnouts, culverts, bridges).

13 utility buildings (schools, community centres and primary schools, incl. furniture, teachers quarters) were completed in the DS Divisions of Kuchchaveli, Muthur, Seruvila and Eachchilampattai through rural development societies, RDS, school development societies, SDS, and the Department of Education.

download pdf (458 KB) Technical Paper 21, 75 Minor Tank Development Programme

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