News
|
||||
Most
tsunami survivors shun houses near sea The survey, however, does not represent the one million-odd people affected and, according to the two agencies, is limited in scope and geographical coverage. It was conducted in Ampara, Jaffna and Galle amongst 226 families with 302 interviews. It revealed the lack of awareness amongst the victims and lack of consultation on their future. “While most people have heard of relocation plans, very few were able to give much details on what the plans entail. Thus, many people are not clear of what their options are, what is going to happen and what the timeframe is,” says the report, a summary of which was obtained by The Sunday Times. It says that overall there has been very little consultation (with the people on their future) – and even among those who say they have been consulted there is some “unclarity as to what constitutes a consultative process as some say ‘yes, we have been consulted' and adds that ‘someone came and filled in forms’.” The report said that 67 percent (out of 135 who answered this question) say they don’t want to return and out of this 63 percent say that they are afraid to return. Of the respondents, 33 percent say they want to return home. The rapid survey was conducted by the two UN agencies based on the need for the voices of the internally displaced persons to be heard – to ensure they take charge of their lives. Among its findings are that there are misconceptions about the buffer zone as most people refer to the ‘100 metre rule’ irrespective of whether they live in Galle, Jaffna or Ampara. The UDA, NHDA or Land Commissioner’s Department have provided less information in the south than what people in the North and the East have access to. “There is a need for a countrywide information campaign which is comprehensive and coherent and covers issues such as time frames, relocation options and procedures, coastal buffer zone and its implementation, shelter standards, and compensation,” the report says. |
||||
Copyright © 2001 Wijeya Newspapers
Ltd. All rights reserved. |
