Temporary houses in Pelena South

On 14th February 2005 the first temporary house was donated in Pelena South and we started the structure for a second one. The Honorary Consul of Belgium in Sri Lanka Mr Pringiers was present when the first family moved in. Our objective is to construct 75 up to 200 houses.

Every house, made out of wood, but built on a concrete floor contains a kitchen, toilet, living veranda and a sleeping room. An isolation foil that is placed under the roof reflects the heat. The total surface is roughly 22x12 feet. These temporary houses will give a more homely feeling than the tented IDP camps as they are constructed on the same spot were the people used to have their home.

Housing schemes for new permanent houses are as well in process, but this involves time consuming approvals and procedural requirements from local authorities. Direct solutions are imposed to counter the immediate need of the displaced people! These houses are designed to fulfil all requirements of a family during 1 year or even longer.

Mr Tissa Jinasena and Mr Lakshman Rasaputram, both from Loadstar Pvt. Ltd. draw the architectural plan. It takes us about 4 days to finish 1 house, but we are constructing 3 simultaneously.