Permanent Housing Brings Peace of Mind

‘Now We are Safe’ says Tsunami Survivor

ARUGAM BAY, 27th March 2006: In Arugam Bay on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka, Habitat for Humanity tsunami-recovery house builders have turned over 17 new houses to tsunami-affected families; about 60 more houses are under construction.

Two hundred applications were received and 100 families were selected for phase one of the construction, which is now under way. A total of 150 houses are planned for the project, which receives funding from Oprah Winfrey’s Angel Network.

“Now we are safe. With this house, the biggest burden is lifted from my mind,” says Sahura Bewi. She shares the 300-square foot house and a small wooden extension with her husband, a married daughter and son-in-law, as well as three younger children.

Before the tsunami, the family lived near the sea. They had a temporary house in the same location, but were afraid to sleep there. Now she is glad to be inland, near the homes of a married daughter and a niece.

Even before her house was completed three months ago, Sahura and her husband had started a garden on the site. He was a farm worker before the tsunami, but he has breathing problems now and takes odd jobs as he is able. The garden is hers and the 1,800 rupees (US$18) she can earn monthly is a major part of the family income.

Habitat has established a building center in Arugam Bay that functions as a project office, warehouse/storage yard and a block-making facility that produces about 600 concrete blocks a day. Local staff include a project construction manager, three site supervisors and a block-production staff of three. The typical construction crew for a house consists of two masons and two helpers. They are supplemented by carpenters when the roof frame goes up and doors and windows are added.