From jungle to child-friendly township

Yayawatta, a 78 acre terrain stretching more than two kilometres inland from the ocean, is today barely navigable jungle. It’s hard to imagine that this place will be converted into a child-friendly village for more than 500 families. Yet, that’s precisely what is going to happen.

"The government asked Plan to build 1,213 houses, divided over 11 new townships in Tangalle Division", says Myrna Evora, Country Director of Plan Sri Lanka. "This 78 acre township will be the largest with more than 500 houses".

"In co-operation with the new habitants, Plan will take care of planning, construction, materials and the skilled labour, whilst the habitants build their own houses under our technical supervision", she adds.

Plan will facilitate access to water, electricity and other basic utilities, including a school, a playground and a health post. "People will be consulted, and will play an active part in designing their new community, even deciding the township’s name. 'City of children' would be nice".

The government bought the land and will clear it. "We asked them not to clear big trees, making the township remain looking natural and attractive to live in," emphasised Myrna before warning that creating a community means far more than building infrastructure. "To make it sustainable people need a good income to support their family. If not chances are high they will eventually move."

Plan contacted the Dr. Reddy Foundation, an Indian NGO that specialises in livelihood. They will initiate a study to find out which professions are demanded by the market. Using the results Plan can anticipate and organise vocational training. This market-driven approach should ensure that everyone has access to a reasonable income.

Written by Sven Rooms, Communications Manager Plan Belgium, in Sri Lanka