A year after the December 26 tragedy, donors continue bring more assistance, with the most recent coming from the Red Cross in the form of an additional US$ 25 million. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) and the International Development Association (IDA) on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding with the government to commit US% 25 million towards the construction of a further 10,000 permanent houses for tsunami affected families.
A statement form the Federation said following revisions made by the Government in November to the buffer zone, an estimated 10,000 families may now opt to return to reconstruct their homes in areas where reconstruction of private homes had previously been restricted.
“To meet this new demand, the funds provided by the Red Cross will be contributed to Phase 2 of the Government’s existing Owner Driven Housing Programme (ODHP),” the statement said.
The scheme finances on site, home owner driven housing constructi