USAID to provide $77m for tsunami reconstruction

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 26 July 2005, 11:10 GMT]
United States signed an agreement Tuesday with the Government of Sri Lanka authorizing USAID additional funding of $77m "to implement a broad-reaching package of tsunami reconstruction projects," a press release issued by the US Embassy in Colombo said. The new funding "complements the $56 million already obligated for the relief and recovery program," the release said.

$57m of the new fund large-scale infrastructure projects that include "construction of an all-new bridge over Arugam Bay, rehabilitation of up to 14 vocational technical centers including construction of two new model schools, and reconstruction and upgrades of fishing harbors in Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, and Dondra," the release said. "An additional $20 million [is to be used] for tsunami recovery at the local level."

With an earlier funding of $56m, Unites States had turned its pledge of $133 million to support of relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts following the tsunami into reality for the people of the tsunami affected areas of Sri Lanka, Ambassador Lunstead noted, according to the release.

"USAID program will continue to help children recover from the trauma of the disaster including the construction of 100 children's parks and assistance to ensure accessibility for the disabled in newly constructed buildings," the release said.