Shelter, Livelihood and WASH Assistance in Mullaithivu, Sri Lanka

As of October-December 2012, 869 families had been selected to receive Emergency/Transitional Shelter (ERMS) and Livelihood assistance. Beneficiary selection was based on a target of 5-member families from Menik Farm, but this quarter saw the inclusion of 4-member and host families due to their vulnerability. The project focused on three sectors: Shelter and Settlements, Economic Recovery and Market Systems (ERMS), and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). In the Shelter and Settlements sector, 410 transitional shelters were implemented, with 328 occurring within the reporting period. Beneficiary selection for shelters was based on 5+ member families, but two villages included host families due to their need for assistance. In the ERMS sector, 71 packages were distributed, taking the overall total to 85 packages. ERMS assistance included small business packages, skilled labor packages, and cottage industries. Beneficiaries were carefully assessed to establish a package that would meet their needs and help set up a liveable, durable income source. In the WASH sector, two additional wells were constructed, bringing the total to 5 wells in Thimbili. Water quality testing was delayed due to the rainy season, but will commence in March/April. The project also focused on agriculture and food security, with 58 agricultural packages distributed, assisting 230 beneficiaries. Each package was worth around Rs. 50,000, and included selected items purchased depending on the individual need of the beneficiary.