One major issue in the camps is sanitation. This leads to further medical problems so ACT is trying to support the responsible authorities with waste management. To that end ACT has facilitated access for 3R Asia (a LIRNEasia program) to make two visits to the camps.

On their latest visit they delivered cleaning supplies, and are also working with the local authorities to roster much needed staff to manage the extraordinary amount of garbage. Their reports are available from the 3R site.

Management of solid waste in the Manic farm IDP camp is a challenge faced by the Vavuniya urban council. If not managed properly, solid waste can bring about a variety of problems especially in a sensitive environment with a high population density with minimal facilities.

In a bid to assist the local governments who has to bear brunt of solid waste management in the IDP camps, a waste management team from Balangoda urban council headed by the council chairman Mr. Nimal Weerasinghe visited Manic farm IDP camp yesterday on a fact finding mission. During the visit discussions were held with Mr. S. Achchutan, ACLG Northern province, Mr. Galigamuwa, Camp manager Zone 2 and Dr. Herath (MOH) IDP camp. (First visit)

LIRNEAsia facilitated a visit to Zone 2 to introduce a recycler and an Effective Microbes (EM) expert  to personnel handing waste within IDP camps. In Block 19 in Zone 1 We met with three IDPs who have previously worked in local authorities in Palavi, Mulaitivu, and  Jaffna, and a Grama niladari  who is now a Grama Niladari for division 19 in zone 2.  These IDP officials were keen to learn how to manage their waste better.  There are 347 families in Block 19 and one kitchen and 24 toilets. The block was well maintained by the young and enthusiastic  Grama Niladari, Mr. Kulasingam.

Ms. Darshini demonstrated how a solution of EM can be used to reduce smells and flies from kitchen waste water . Since the EM solution takes time to act and the impermeable  soil conditions at Menic Farm require that these pits are emptied  every 2-3 days, the tam decided that EM technology is not appropriate for Menic Farm. Mr. Ilias inspteced the condition for the economic feasibility of buying inorganic waste such as plastics, inspected, paper, glass and metal  from residents for recycling and concluded that he would like to do a trial in Zone 2.

Preparations are underway for personnel from Balangoda and other LGAs to visit with and assist Solid waste personnel in Chettikulam PS and IDP (Second Visit)

These are the inventories of goods delivered to Vavuniya and Padaviya. These are inventoried and checked by the receiving doctors at each hospital. You can see the same in the Padaviya video above.

Padaviya

Above is the video documentation of the trip and below is a photo gallery. This is of Padaviya, Vavuniya documentation will be added shortly.

Imported Medicines

Awaiting clearance, still stuck in airport. These are life-saving drugs and lives are being lost so as soon as we clear these goods, we will load them in army trucks and send them straight to Vavuniya and Padaviya Hospitals. We have the contact numbers and know the doctors on the other side who will confirm they received the shipment.

Goods Raised By ACT

We are spending considerable resources on medical equipment. These include everything from amputation saws to foetal heart-rate monitors. The list is based on the “Needs Assessment” by our Chairman.

Help Needed

1. Funding – we can furnish proposals for how we will spend the money and we will issue receipts. However, based on the “Need’, we really need the big corporates to donate something, anything.
2. Toys – We are presently debating whether we should spend on purchasing toys when medicines are a priority. Thus, some sort of “Toy Drive” that will raise old toys would be most useful. Bearing in mind the high number of kids under 10, of which at least 70% are under 5, toys can have a huge impact on easing their mental anguish. Annika from our Trust is the liaison on this, please contact her at toys@actlanka.org if you can help or mount a toy initiative of any sort.
3. Pillows – Once again an item that will increase comfort but not be justifiable in our budget. Not a single patient has a pillow. Can anyone manage this area?
4. Delivery – We hope to deliver on Sat May 16th (except for medicines that we pre-send). We will need more people to accompany us upto Madawachchiya (approx 20km from Anuradhapura). This is where we have to unload everything and reoad into army vehicles. This time we will have a lot more stuff and need more support on this. Let us know if you are available.
5. Packing Team – Stays the same, please be available on Friday night 15th May.

We will be in touch with more shortly. The ACT website www.actlanka.org will have more news.

Thanks and regards
Radhika, Krishni and Hira