Construction progress inspection - 23rd July 2009

Rtn. Nilesh inspecting the bathing area

Rtn. Nilesh inspecting the newly constructed temporary toilets

Water trough


Bio Gas/ Waste Management Plant being completed

Status Update - 23rd July 2009

Rotarians Nilesh and Prabhu from RCCR visited the IDP Camps to assess the construction progress of the Temporary Toilets and Bio Gas/ Waste Management Plants on Thursday 23rd July 2009.

Refer Masterplan (Earlier Post)

Toilets: Requirement 140 nos.

Block 6a (Front) : 20 Toilets in operation
Block 6a (Back) : 40 Toilets (to be connected to the Waste Management plant, all toilets constructed and pending connection to plant) (includes 4 disabled toilets)
Block 6b (Front) : 25 Toilets in operation
Block 6c (Front) : 15 Toilets in operation
Block 6c (Back) : 40 Toilets constructed (operational in 1 day)

Water troughs for cleaning of toilets: Requirement 5

Block 6a (Front) : Constructed and in operation
Block 6a (Back) : Constructed pending water connection
Block 6b (Front) : To be constructed (operational in 3 days)
Block 6c (Front) : To be constructed (operational in 3 days)
Block 6c (Back) : Construction in progress (1 days to complete)

Waste Management Plant: Requirement 2

Construction in progress, estimated time for completion 8 days


Bathing areas (showers and above ground water tanks): Requirement 3 Shower bays of 10 showers each and 3 above ground water tanks (30' x 3')

Block 6a (Front) : Shower bays Constructed and in operation / above ground water tanks to be constructed.
Block 6b (Front) : Shower bays Constructed and in operation / above ground water tanks to be constructed.
Block 6c (Front) : Shower bays Constructed and in operation / above ground water tanks to be constructed.

Tube Wells: Requirement 4

Location to be decided on yeild of water. Investigate in progress

Medical Centre: Requirement 1

Construction in progress, estimated time for completion 4 days

Location of IDP Camp

For those of you who are un-aware of the location of the IDP Camps; the above Map of Sri Lanka will depict the Location in RED

The IDP Camp is aproximately 350Km North of Colombo.

Rotary IDP Camp - Site Plan

Pictured above is the Rotary IDP Camp (Zone 3 - A, B, C) in Chettikulam, Vavuniya.

The site plan depicts a status report after the return of two RCCR members from the site last week.

In total, 35 Toilets have been constructed. Money for another 65 were handed over. Of the total toilets to be deployed, 08 units will be constructed to facilitate usage by Elderly and Differently Abled individuals.

A Bio Gas unit will be setup (Waste from Toilets & Kitchens) to provide natural methane gas as a free energy source for powering the kitchens.

Provision have also been made to install a Water Purification Plant (Water extracted via 02 Tube Wells) with a capacity for 1,000 people.

Donor List - Temporary Toilets for IDP's

Funds Received by Rotary Club of Colombo Regency for Building Temporary Toilets for IDP's at Menik Farm, Vavuniya.

Name & Amounts Received (LKR)

1 . Achintha Weerasinghe - LKR 11,325.00
2 . Ahamed Cader - LKR 17,500.00
3 . Altaf Ismail - LKR 17,500.00
4 . Aruni Fernando - LKR 5,000.00
5 . Azmir Shums - LKR 35,000.00
6 . Bary & Renuza Jaleel - LKR 35,000.00
7 . Chamin Bolonne - LKR 10,000.00
8 . Christo Stephen - LKR 8,750.00
9 . Crown City Developers - LKR 17,500.00
10 . Daniel Gunaseelan - LKR 92,000.00
11 . Darshatha Wijesinghe - LKR 2,500.00
12 . Dr. Sanath Jayanetti (tharanga) - LKR 35,000.00
13 . Duhara Perera - LKR 5,000.00
14 . Emar Pharma - LKR 70,000.00
15 . Harsha De Silva - LKR 17,500.00
16 . Indi Samarajiva - LKR 17,500.00
17 . J.J. Croos - LKR 15,000.00
18 . Anonymous - LKR 138,000.00
19 . Kumee Rao - LKR 17,500.00
20 . LCS De Silva - LKR 10,000.00
21 . Malin Wickremasinghe - LKR 17,500.00
22 . Mr. Sahabdeen - LKR 30,000.00
23 . Mrs. Shariff - LKR 35,000.00
24 . Navantis Bandu's Team - LKR 4,600.00
25 . Navantis Sachintana's Team - LKR 14,000.00
26 . Navantis U.I.Team - LKR 17,000.00
27 . Nayana Serasinghe - LKR 17,500.00
28 . Nick Thompson - LKR 11,052.00
29 . Niha Nilar - LKR 17,500.00
30 . Pararajasingam Sivakumaran - LKR 26,864.00
31 . Prabash De Saram - LKR 35,000.00
32 . Priyan Attygalle - LKR 35,000.00
33 . RC Colombo Central - LKR 175,000.00
34 . Rifdy Fahmy - LKR 5,000.00
35 . Romeish Dias - LKR 17,500.00
36 . Ross Cook - LKR 11,325.00
37 . Rotaract Club of Colombo - LKR 490,000.00
38 . Rotary Club of Hancock - LKR 11,325.00
39 . Sarinda & Ashani Unamboowe - LKR 35,000.00
40 . Savantha De Saram - LKR 17,500.00
41 . Shiwantha Dias - LKR 10,000.00
42 . Suresh Ellawela - LKR 17,500.00
43 . T. Sivapatham - LKR 17,500.00
44 . Tariq Al Ayad - LKR 17,500.00
45 . Tharanga Gunaratne - LKR 17,500.00
46 . Vigilant Security & Investigation Services - LKR 70,000.00

Total Donations Received as of 5th June 2009 - LKR. 1,751,241.00 (USD 15,230/-)

We thank each and every individual who helps us help others!

Toilet Crisis in IDP Camps: UN report

THE SUNDAY TIMES

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090614/News/sundaytimesnews_05.html

Toilet Crisis in IDP Camps: UN report

By Chathuri Dissanayake

Only half of the required toilets and one sixth of the entire requirement of bathing spaces are available for the displaced people in Vavuniya camps, a United Nations report said.

While about 6,000 toilets are needed in the camps, only about 3,150 have been constructed and about 2800 need to be set up immediately, the report said. To reduce the ratio from 1:50 to 1:20, nearly 11,500 more toilets will have to be set up later.

Only 200 bathing spaces have been set up though 1,200 are needed. The Sunday Times learns that restrictions by the government on access to these camps have affected the progress of the relief work there. James Elder the spokesperson for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which is playing a major role in meeting the water and sanitation needs of the IDP camps, said, restrictions caused serious impediments in carrying out their work. However, they were doing their best.

"More needs to be done for these long-suffering people to get more water and sanitation facilities. Whilst the camps are run by the government, UNICEF and others continue to provide as much assistance as possible", he said.

Resettlement Minister Rishad Bathuideen said the government had advised UNICEF to set up 2,000 toilets in partnership with the Ceylon Engineering Consultancy Bureau and another 500 in collaboration with the State Development and Construction Corporation. “We are still facing difficulties as there was a sudden influx of displaced people. We hope to provide the facilities within a month,” he said.

According to the report there is insufficient cleared and levelled land for 15,000 tents and 11,000 emergency shelters which are currently available while more than 15,000 emergency shelters are required to meet the needs of the IDPs. The UN report also highlights the problem of an irregular water distribution system across the camp site though sufficient water is now available.

Mr. Bathuideen said talks were held between the government and the UN partners to provide 23,000 more shelters. He said, that with the opening of Malwathu Oya water project, the authorities could provide 500,000 litres of water to the IDP camps every day.

“The Water Board is taking steps to establish a purification point closer to the camp site. For drinking water we are planning to dig more tube wells,” the minister said.

The World Food Programme is short of $ 35 million of funds to meet the food needs of the IDPs. The WFP needs the funds to provide 300,000 IDPs food for three months from October till the end of the year.

“Food stocks are available till the end of September. The shortage is for the three months after that. Since it takes three to six months to get the food stuff, the earlier we get the funds the better” WFP Country Director Adnan Khan said.

RCCR members go back to Vavuniya

Rtn. Nilesh and Rtn. Gehan are heading to the IDP Camp in Vavuniya today to evaluate the ground situations (Setup & Installation) with regards to the Temporary toilets being provided and to identify other Water & Sanitation based requirements.

Water & Sanitation projects are RCCR's focus at the IDP camp.

Thank you for your continued and encouraging support extended to us to carry out these much needed projects.

Await updates upon return after the weekend!

Temporary Toilets

Pictures of Temporary Toilets being completed; photo's taken whilst Rtn. Mario, Rtn. Bary & Rtn. Nilesh from RCCR visited the IDP camps.

Status Report after visit to IDP Camp

We are happy to announce that we have now reached the target of securing pledges for 100 toilets and majority of the funds have started coming in. As of now, 55 toilets are under construction and the balance 45 will commence before the end of this week, bringing the total to 100. We are grateful for all our family members, friends and friends of friend’s who gave generously towards this cause at very short notice. Your generous contributions has eased the pain for couple of thousands of people.

Whilst all the zones are equipped with toilets, there is congestion due to the large number of people and there are new zones coming up to ease this congestion. Therefore, the need for addition toilets for both the existing Zones is as urgent as the need for toilets for new Zones that are being established. There were several donors who inquired from us what we plan to do after we complete the 100 toilets. We have also received several requests from the SLA for toilets for existing Zones as well as new Zones. After discussing the status with the SLA officers on site, the RCCR has decided to continue the project beyond the 100 toilets.

We are launching a fresh appeal to secure funds to build the next 100 toilets. Out of this 100 toilets, we will deploy 60 in the new Zone 5 that is coming up. The balance 40 will be deployed in Zone II.

Sad News - Demise of our PP. Shantha

It is with deep sorrow we announce the untimely passing away of our Past President Rtn. Shantha Kenichi Matsuda Warnakulasooriya.

The remains will lie at 174/1 Stanley Tilekaratne Mawatha, Nugegoda, till 4pm Monday 1st June 2009.

Cremation will be at General Cemetery - Borella at 5.00pm on Monday 1st June 2009.

RCCR Members visit IDP camp

3 Rotarians from Rotary Club of Colombo Regency ( PP. Mario, PP. Bary and Rtn. Nilesh) are in Manik Farm (IDP camp) overseing the installations of the Temporary Toilets received so far. They are also looking at other requirements needed and will report back to colombo by Sunday, 31st May 2009.

AWAIT Ground Situation Updates!

Rotary Club of Colombo Central gives a hand

On a appeal made by RCCR to all Rotary Clubs in RI District 3220, Sri Lanka via District 3220 - IPDG Thariq Thulba (Project Chairpeson - Rotary Sri Lanka IDP AID); the Rotary Club of Colombo Central immediately came forward and contributed towards 10 temporary toilets for the IDP Camps.

We thank the President and Members of the Club for their generous support.

Rotaract Club of Colombo teams up with RCCR

The Rotaract Club of Colombo, RI 3220 has teamed up with RCCR to assist the IDP's. They have already confirmed funding for 25 temporary toilets for the IDP camps and are looking at assisting with more.

We thank the President and Members of the Rotaract Club of Colombo.

More Temporary Toilets Needed

Dear friends... due to UN standards in sanitation, the required number of temporary toilets have doubled. therefore, we now need to source 100 units. The standard states that 01 toilets to be used by a maximum of 25 people.

Your kind contributions have helped us secure 50 units. That leaves us with a requirement of 50 more units @ USD 150/- each (Including cost of installation) bringing the shortfall to USD 7,500/-

Temporary Toilets Deployed

20 units of Temporary Toilets have already been deployed at the IDP camp thanx to your contributions.

We still require more funds to bridge the gap. your continued support is always appreciated.

Thank you
RCCR

50% Target ACHIEVED!

Many Thanks to friends of Rotary who have contributed towards the Temporary Toilets requirements.

We have achieved 50% of our target (25 Toilets) already.

Situation Update

District Governor Nalin Fernando had been in Vavuniya for the last 4 days having discussions with the neccessary authorities to formalize the relief efforts of the Rotary District 3220, Sri Lanka. With the arrival of the Shelter Boxes, the authorities have demarcated a specific area in Zone III to set up the Shelter Box Tents. This area would eventually be developed in to a model facility and in all likelyhood the next batch of Shelter Boxes will also be deployed at the same location.

The facility will provide accomodation for approximately 500+ families (2500+ people ) and it is expected the families with pregnant mothers, children will form the majority of this group. The District has decided to concentrate our efforts with regard to Healthcare, Water & Sanitation , Food , Children's Toys etc at this facility as a starting point so that we can better coordinate and quantify the efforts.

In addition, the Rotarians in District 3220, Sri Lanka are working on several initiatives to help the IDP's in providing Wheelchairs, Artificial Limbs, Vocational Training etc.

Immediate Role of RCCR

The primary role of our club at this facility demarcated for Rotary Shelter Boxes will be to provide water & sanitation facilities.

There is an adequate supply of water at the moment. However, the need for Toilets is extremely urgent. Other than providing a basic human need a proper toilet will prevent the spread of disease at these camps.

The initial requirement is to build 50 Toilets , based on the design listed below. The approximate cost of a toilet is US$ 150.

We solicit your urgent assistance to fund one or more toilets. All donations in cash or kind will receive an official acknowledgement from the Club.

Lanka Hydraulics donates medicine to RCCR

Lanka Hydraulics has donated medicine worth LKR 52,000 to the Rotary Club of Colombo Regency to be used for the relief efforts being conducted by Rotary for the IDP’s in the North.

RCCR will be handing over stock of medicine to Rotary Club of Capital City who is spearheading the conduct of Health Camps for the IDP’s arriving in the North subsequent to their first Health Camp conducted at Menik Farm earlier.

Donation by Akbar Pharmaceuticals

Akbar Pharmaceuticals donated 20,000 tables of Paracetamol and 100 sachets of Rehydration salt packs to RCCR to be used for the relief efforts being conducted by Rotary for the IDP’s in the North.

RCCR will be handing over stock of medicine to Rotary Club of Capital City who is spearheading the conduct of Health Camps for the IDP’s arriving in the North subsequent to their first Health Camp conducted at Menik Farm earlier.

Akbar Pharmaceuticals has also provided us a facility to obtain medicine at a discounted price for our relief efforts.

District 3220 formulates Rotary Response

The officials of the District 3220 met twice last week to formulate a coordinated response from the Rotary District 3220 for the ongoing relief efforts being provided to the IDP’s in the North. An Apex committee headed by PDG Thariq Thulba has been established to coordinate the efforts of the individual clubs so that duplication of efforts can be avoided and our efforts can be directed where they are in dire need.

At this initial state several clubs have come forward to spearhead relief initiatives in different areas. For the time being, the following clubs will be taking the lead in their respective areas as outlined below so that all clubs can channel their efforts through the designated clubs.

Medicine & Health Camps - Rotary Club of Capital City

Water & Sanitation - Rotary Club of Colombo Regency

Education & Children’s Toys - Rotary Club of Colombo

Food (Dry Rations ) & Cooking Utensils - (To be confirmed)

Vocational Training & Prov. Of Basic Tools - (To be confirmed)

Logistics & Transportation - PDG Lucky Peiris

Sample of Temporary Toilets

A sample Structure of a Temporary Toilet was constructed (Squatting Pan not included yet) so as to get an idea for potential donors.

We have requested for more ventilation points to be included at the top section of the units.

The sample unit can be examined at:

Dwellings
#52, Green Path
Colombo 03
Sri Lanka

(Please inquire from Security Guard)

Temporary Toilets for IDP's

RCCR is now looking at sourcing and supplying a minimum of 100 temporary toilets to be used at the IDP camps.

Each temporary toilet is costing aproximately USD 150/-

The total number of IDP's as of now is over 150,000. Your assistance to make this project a success is much appreciated.

We're on Facebook!

We have created a group on Facebook for those of you who would like to join and show us your support.

Relief for sri Lanka - The link is on the right hand column on this page.

Online Donations to the IDP's

based on the numerous requests by donors, overseas partners and friends of Rotary, we have once again setup a method for foods and medicines to be purchased via credit card.

http://www.lankafood.com/c-776-idp-donations.aspx?pagenum=1

The above link will direct you to Lanka Foods, who have partnered with RCCR previously during the Tsunami.

Please feel confident to purchse items which you deem necessary to assist the IDP's in Sri Lanka. Lanka Foods will thereafter contact RCCR and handover the items to us to send to the IDP's.

More civilians keep walking in...

According to information currently received: Over 180,ooo civilians have crossed over to Govt held areas since the wanni ops started.

Most people are in camps in the Vavuniya region.

RCCR Contributes Medicines for Medical Camp

Rotary Club of Capital City is conducting a medical camp in Vavuniya currently. This will run from 29th Apr to 1st May.

RC Regency handed over medicines valued at Rs.75,000/- (USD625/-) to Rtn Supem of RC Capital City on 28th evening. Other than medicines there was a truck load of other relief items going with them.

RCCR Hands over Medicines to ACT

RCCR hands over the medicines to ACT to be sent to Padaviya Hospital.


ACT Representative Gayani (Left), Rtn. Gehan (Center) & Emar Pharma Representative (Right)

IDP Receiving Hospitals - Situation Report by ACT

Action & Care Trust (ACT), who our club is working with on emergency relief for IDP’s, have been visiting some of the receiving hospitals. The situation assessment done by their team is as follows:

Vavuniya Hospital
Act representatives visited Vavuniya Hospital on 4th April 2009, accompanying the 1st donation of aid by our Trust. The hospital had a capacity to treat 300 patients, which it has currently expanded to 430 patients. However, warded patients are now at 1,200. In addition, there are accompanying family members plus those with minor/healing injuries, who are prohibited from leaving (and have nowhere to go). As such, the number of Survivors presently residing in Vavuniya Hospital, are approximately 3000 in number.

It is a well run hospital, under the care of Dr. Bavani Pasupathyrajah (Medical Director, Vavuniya Hospital). The sheer number of patients is the major problem they are facing. Of these, a very large number were children under the age of 5. There were a lot of babies and breast feeding mothers, newborns and toddlers with injuries.

Based on the data collected and upon request from the doctors in Vavuniya, Phase 1 Part 2 will include another delivery of relief items to Vavuniya.


Padaviya Hospital
Emergency treatment is provided as civilians come off the boats in Pulmodai. Patients with a good chance of survival are dispatched to Padaviya Hospital.

Our Trust Chairman Professor A.H Sheriffdeen travelled to Padaviya Hospital on 19th April 2009, to assess the medical situation. He confirms that treatment facilities are overcrowded and Padaviya Hospital is over capacity (despite an expansion into a donated garment factory). Human resources are limited (doctors, junior doctors, nurses, orderlies) and as such, need to be expanded.

As expected, there were a large numbers of babies and children under 5. Total number of patients is around 1,500.

Pulmodai Field Hospital
Very little data is presently available to ACT. Reports range from the existence of a fully equipped hospital, to quick “on-the spot” emergency treatment facilities after which, patients are transferred to Vavuniya or Padaviya. We will be researching how to help Pulmodai Field Hospital shortly.

Stockholm International Rotary Club helps appeal on behalf of RCCR

The Stockholm International Rotary Club is a young, vibrant member of the Rotary International family. Started in May 2003, the club is located in Stockholm, Sweden's capital city, and is the only Rotary club in Stockholm that conducts meetings in English.

We were pleasantly surprised to see President Nick Thompson; who we had the pleasure of working with during the 2004 Tsunami adding an appeal on behalf of our Clubs efforts to help the IDP's.

http://sirc-webspace.spaces.live.com/

Thank you President Nick Thompson

- RCCR

Rotary Medical Camp to be held in Vavuniya

Rotary Club of Capital City is coordinating a medical camp to be held in Vavuniya from Wed 29th Apr to Friday 1st May 2009.

The medical team is headed by Consultant Dr. Ajith Malalasekera and consists of 10 other doctors.

The camp will be conducted at the "Menik Farm Zone 1" where there a few thousand persons - They have made an appeal for medicines.

Please see the list below for a 1,000 people. We need supplies for at least 10,000 persons. The Menik Farm Zone 1 to 3 has more than 100,000/- persons.

We need these medicines by Tuesday 28th April latest.

If you wish contribute by cash or kind call Mario on +94 77 7371 204

List of Medicines Needed