55 New Houses in Kudawella
After Eight Months, The Village Of Navadivipurawa Welcomes Its Inhabitants
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- Fifty-five new homes, like this one in Kudawella, were handed over to their owners in late April 2006. Fifteen of the homes have been adapted to the individual needs of persons with disabilities. © CBM
A reason to celebrate: End of April 2006, after a construction period of eight months, the village of "Navadivipurawara" was handed over in a festive ceremony to its inhabitants.
The 55 brick houses in Kudawella district (Southern Sri Lanka) had been built by Navajeevana, CBM’s partner organisation, and were inaugurated by Minister Rajapakse, brother of Sri Lanka’s president, and other dignitaries.
The 55 brick houses in Kudawella district (Southern Sri Lanka) had been built by Navajeevana, CBM’s partner organisation, and were inaugurated by Minister Rajapakse, brother of Sri Lanka’s president, and other dignitaries.
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The inauguration ceremony
Minister Rajapakse cut the red ribbon of house no. 1 and thanked CBM and Navajeevana for their generous and professional work. Inside the houses, visitors were welcomed with traditional refreshments and a special ceremony; at the centre of the main room, a small fire was lit, and, in a clay pot, coconut milk was heated until it boiled and wet the floor. Along the walls of the new houses, photos hang showing people who have lost their lives as a result of the tsunami of December 2004.
Accessible Construction
Fifty-five families received new and permanent homes, 16 months after the tsunami catastrophe. A living room, two bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom are included in the 63-square-metre houses, which will serve families with between 4 and 10 family members.
It was decided, in accordance with the community of Kudawella, that 15 out of the total of 55 houses will be inhabited by families with a disabled family member. These houses have been adapted to the individual needs of the person with the disability. Some have handrails, wider doors, and/or ramps for people with mobility impairment.
It was decided, in accordance with the community of Kudawella, that 15 out of the total of 55 houses will be inhabited by families with a disabled family member. These houses have been adapted to the individual needs of the person with the disability. Some have handrails, wider doors, and/or ramps for people with mobility impairment.
Randir will have a new home
House number 10 will be the new home for Randir and his family, a six-year-old boy with Down’s Syndrome. After the inauguration, the parents and their three boys had a look around their new home—and they were happy. The former house of the family did not withstand the huge tsunami waves of December 2004. Now and finally they have a solid home, far away from the beach and situated on a hill, to provide shelter.
Christin Lidzba, CBM project manager in Kudawella, said, in her inauguration speech, “A house is not just a house; it is so much more for all of us. It is an environment in which all can feel safe, cared for, valued and at home.” Randir can have this experience now. He receives assistance and has made great progress in Navajeevana’s community rehabilitation programme, which is supported by CBM.
Christin Lidzba, CBM project manager in Kudawella, said, in her inauguration speech, “A house is not just a house; it is so much more for all of us. It is an environment in which all can feel safe, cared for, valued and at home.” Randir can have this experience now. He receives assistance and has made great progress in Navajeevana’s community rehabilitation programme, which is supported by CBM.
Reconstruction And Economic Development of Kudawella
CBM’s partner organisation Navajeevana has supported not only accessible reconstruction of Kudawella, but also income-generating measures and the general development of the community.
Further information on the comprehensive reconstruction of Kudawella: New Homes and Hopes After the Tsunami
Further information on the comprehensive reconstruction of Kudawella: New Homes and Hopes After the Tsunami
